The 5 Best Chicken Breeds for Kids in the Backyard or Homestead

The best chicken breeds for kids…not all breeds are created equal (nor kids for that matter). But there are a few chicken breeds that just seems to take to small ones better than others. These are chicken breeds for kids might be something you want to consider if your child is looking to go into 4H, like my youngest. You want a chicken that has a milder temperament and generally enjoys the company of their human.

Best Chicken Breeds for Kids

It should be noted from the start that all chickens respond to good behavior. It is important to train our children first, on how to properly handle and care for a chick and later a chicken. Even the most gentle child needs some guidance. This teaching can come from you or a program like 4H.

With that being said, let’s move on to the list of the best chicken breeds for kids!

Wyandotte
The Wyandotte is a sweet, docile bird that originated in the United States. They are a larger bird and lay pale brown eggs and are good layers. They are easy to handle and a good member of a flock. The Wyandottes come in a variety of colors and patterns. We’ve had a few Wyandottes and they’ve always been my favorites.
Silkie
The Silkie isn’t your average chicken. A small, gentle and even cuddly bird that children particularly like for their fluffy appearance. They are often called the lap dog of chickens because they enjoy human company. They originated in China and come in colors like black, blue, white, buff and partridge. Silkies are not prolific layers but they are broody and make attentive mothers. They really are “ornamental” pets.
Buff Orpington
The Buff Orpington is a large bird that originated in the United Kingdom. They are friendly and good-natured birds that do well in small backyard homesteads. They do like to forage for bugs and such in the yard too. The Buff Orpington is a beautiful bird to look at as well with they light cooper feathers. An all around great bird for beginners.
Speckled Sussex
If your child wants a friend to follow them around the yard, then a Speckled Sussex might be the answer. They are curious and fun chickens that lay brown eggs (they lay well even in winter). They also come from the UK. I think they are beautiful with their warm red hues and speckles. I also like that they are not a flighty bird so you usually won’t be picking them off your fence if you forget to clip their wings.
Rhode Island Reds
Not everyone will agree with me on the Rhode Island Red for kids. But I can tell you the ones we’ve had were fun, friendly and pretty fearless. They are also great layers of light brown eggs and do exceptionally well in the backyard. Our current RIR will follow our 9 year old around the yard because she knows that she brings treats out. She also taps on our sliding glass door for attention. They are the state bird of Rhode Island!

These are the best chicken breeds for kids, in my opinion, because of their – temperament, lively spirits, curiosity and plain fun. Just like our kids, chickens aren’t all the same. It is important to choose breeds for kids that will match their own personality as well as your egg needs and space available. Do some research on your climate too; some will be better in the cold or heat.

I think chickens are the best pets with a purpose! What breed do you like best?