For the Love of Chickens: 3 Docile, Backyard Chicken Breeds (& What About a Rooster?)

Chickens – the little comical feathered friend I never expected to love.

That’s what you’ll be saying if you add a few to your backyard.

I currently have 3 breeds that are quiet, easy to care for, and stand confinement well. I thought I’d share what I know so far so maybe I’d inspire you to run out and get a few. Don’t wait for me to know ALL the things about chickens before taking the leap into chicken ownership.

I do not own ALL the breeds –yet. I’m not a chicken-tractor-building expert – yet.

We will learn as we go along. The chickens are very forgiving.

Where I digress from the chicken breeds I DO have in my backyard and chase a rabbit trail about all the chickens I WANT to have in my backyard…

By the way, we can’t talk about the chicken tractors and silkies and other ADORABLE chickens that I plan to own sooner rather than later when my husband is in the room because he gets a little anxious. Just remember that. If he walks in, change the subject real-quick-like.

Because he likes to build things all such and so, you know, with right angles and pesky precise measurements. I’m not too handy with a hammer and might possibly lose a limb with a power tool, so when I dive into construction, it has to be really simple and if it includes zip ties or duct tape or t-posts, woo-hoo! I’m your girl!

I’m creating plans to fill my yard with chicken abodes of various sizes. I wish I could build cute ones because I’d paint them all sorts of colors or make them look like little log cabins or something. But maybe God didn’t give me construction skills because then I’d be divorced. So there’s that. The silver lining to my building woes.

Anyway, I’m supposed to be talking about my chickens…

3 Docile Chicken Breeds (that would look just stunning in your backyard)

New Hampshire or New Hampshire Red (although they’re not the same thing)

OK, so New Hampshires, a breed developed from Rhode Island Reds, were recognized as a distinct breed in the 1930s. They are often called New Hampshire Reds, but actual New Hampshire Reds are hatchery crosses between New Hampshires and Rhode Island Reds.

Is that as clear as mud?

This one is a tad sentimental to me. My granddaddy started with New Hampshires at 14 years old when he ‘went into the chicken business.’ How I wish I could sit down with him again and ask him all the questions and find out all the answers and know all the details. He grew up on a farm, so there were already chickens. But I do know this much: his mom co-signed for a loan –which he repaid very quickly- for him to get some chickens and he grew a business from there. He was a farmer his whole life but he was a talented businessman as well. He knew how to make money – and he wasn’t afraid to put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into his work, also.

As indicated by the name, these are red chickens.

The New Hampshire was developed as a “dual purpose breed” – meaning meat and eggs. They will produce plenty of eggs for your family and some for your neighbors (or to sell) as well. (Unless you eat A LOT of eggs or bake cakes on the hour.)

The hens weigh around 6 ½ pounds.

They are known for being cold hardy and withstanding confinement well. This means if you have a small backyard and need to keep the hens in a small space, they will do just fine. You don’t have to free range them over the Midwestern plains to keep them happy. (And actually, free ranging too far from home often doesn’t end well for the chicken – because what doesn’t want to eat a chicken??)

Being cold hardy, they will lay through the winter.

A few things I read about them said they can get bossy with the other chickens, but ours get along fine. Of course, they have been together from the beginning. And there is that little story about how we got our two New Hampshire girls – there was pecking and attempted murder involved. So maybe a little psychosis does lurk in the genes.

They also are known to go ‘broody’ which is great if you’d like to hatch out a few little chicks. (If you didn’t know, when you hear about chickens that are “broody” it means the hen is likely to want to incubate (sit on) and hatch out some of the baby chickens. These hens are the ones your grandma told stories about because they might peck anyone trying to steal their eggs out from under them! I love the broody hens and especially love seeing a mother hen foraging around with her chicks.)

Overall, these chickens are known for being friendly and easy to tame. Combine that with their cold hardiness, steady egg production, and ease of housing, even in a small space, and this makes a very appealing candidate for a backyard chicken.

Barred Rock

I’ll admit, I’m in love with the way they look.

These black and white chickens are just so pretty! This is my first time owning any, and they have been easy to care for.

They tolerate confinement well, but also enjoy foraging.

The hens are around 7 ½ pounds, and are not as likely to go broody as some other breeds. Many people like this because they aren’t trying to raise more chickens, they’re trying to collect eggs! Speaking of eggs, their egg production is good and sure to keep you well supplied.

They are docile and quiet, which may be important if you live in an urban area or have neighbors that would be less than enthused with your feathered friends. (I can’t imagine there are people that would mind, but I live in a constant state of noise (read: hounds) and grew up on a farm, so I have a hard time identifying with homes that don’t deal with manure, cat hair, and hound song daily. Haha!)

I say get a few and let your neighbors eat their hearts out. Because, like I said, these are some pretty chickens.

Australorps

Aaah, the Australorps. I’ve wanted some of these for AGES.

Orpington chickens are in their ancestry – their name is derived from their origins: Australian Orpington.

They are black chickens, with a beautiful sheen.

When reading about them, words and phrases like peaceful, docile, pet chicken, calm, friendly, dignified, heritage, and hardy, repeatedly pop up.

They are the ultimate contender for the world’s best backyard chicken.

They are extremely docile, so much so that you have to make sure they are not bullied by other bossier breeds.

The hens are around 6-8 pounds, and they are considered a large bird. However, they are quiet and do well in confinement.

They are EGG MACHINES. These hens are known for their egg laying prowess. So if you want to feed the neighborhood or make some extra money, these hens are worth looking in to.

They are a great bird for a beginner, as they are very hardy, do well in all sorts of climates, and are reliable egg layers.

What about having a rooster?

I love roosters – the nice ones, that is. We have eaten a few bad-tempered ones, to stop those genetics right in their tracks of course.

Some people don’t want fertilized eggs, and to be very honest, I haven’t done any research on it, but I can’t tell the difference. Not by sight or by taste.

So for all intent and purpose, there’s no reason NOT to have a rooster if you want one.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding:

Noise. Roosters crow and not just at one precise moment in the morning. I love to hear them, but if you live in the cul de sac, you might want to skip the rooster.

Entertainment.  A rooster is protective and will even call to the hens when he finds food. Often I have seen a rooster forgo a tasty morsel or choice worm because he called a hen over to let her have it instead. What a gentleman! If you enjoy watching a backyard flock and have the space, you will probably enjoy watching a rooster among the hens.

Space. If you want a small chicken tractor for eggs only, you don’t need a rooster, and he will only take up space and cost money to feed.

Temperament. Be aware that not all roosters are gentle. Read up on the breed, but know that chickens are individuals in their temperaments. You might want to have a plan (or a recipe) in case your rooster is not a sweetheart.

Beauty. There’s no denying that roosters are quite attractive and add an aesthetic element to your flock. This is purely a personal choice. Also worth noting: if you aren’t trying to raise “purebred” chicks, your rooster doesn’t have to be the same breed as your hens.

Numbers. Keep in mind: you don’t want to have too many roosters in proportion with your hens. Too many roosters will fight each other, and harass the hens to the point of distress and dismay. An average is 1 rooster per 10 hens, but it varies by breed. In a small backyard, one rooster is plenty, even if you have more than 10 hens.

Flock dynamics. Roosters do add an important dynamic to the flock. A good rooster is very protective and will alert the hens to danger. You do not HAVE to have a rooster, but don’t let anyone discourage you, especially with the ‘fertilized eggs’ argument, if you’d like to have a rooster with your hens.

Obviously, fertility. If you want baby chicks, you must have a rooster.

You might just love having some backyard chickens…I can almost guarantee it!

I’m sure there are countless other options for backyard chicken breeds, but these three are currently living in my yard, so I can vouch for their winning attributes!

Choosing a hardy backyard chicken makes for a low-maintenance hobby with great benefits. Caring for an animal is stress-relieving and rewarding. The eggs are a great bonus. The time and work involved is not too demanding or difficult and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Their basic needs are simple: food, water, and adequate housing and protection from predators and weather.

All the other things you really can learn as you go. The chickens don’t mind.

Go ahead…get some chickens. You’ll be glad you did.

You might also enjoy:

• The story of how our current little flock began: some snow days, irresistibly cute chicks, and a rescue mission (that didn’t start out as a rescue mission – in other words, we’re suckers).
• For a little humor if you’re a cat owner…a moment of silence for the days when my black pants were not furry.
• An encouragement to dream big and believe in yourself. Make it happen! Love big, dream big, live big. And get yourself some chickens, too.