Gentle, productive, and friendly flocks to start with

There’s nothing quite like hearing the soft clucks of happy hens while sipping your morning coffee. Raising backyard chickens is one of the most rewarding ways to bring a little farm life home — fresh eggs, rich compost, and feathered personalities galore.

But if you’re just starting out, choosing the right breed can feel overwhelming. Some chickens are better suited to beginners than others, thanks to their temperament, hardiness, and egg-laying ability.

Here are six of the best chicken breeds for first-time backyard keepers — trusted, tried-and-true birds that are calm, productive, and perfect for smaller flocks.

1. Buff Orpington

🥚 Lays: ~200–280 brown eggs/year

🐣 Personality: Gentle, sweet, great with kids

❄️ Weather: Cold-hardy

Buff Orpingtons are the golden retrievers of the chicken world — fluffy, cuddly, and calm. They’re fantastic for first-time chicken parents and love being part of the family.

2. Barred Plymouth Rock

• 🥚 Lays: ~250 brown eggs/year
• 🐣 Personality: Curious, active, friendly
• ☀️ Weather: Cold and heat tolerant

Barred Rocks are eye-catching with their striped plumage and easygoing nature. They’re alert but not flighty, and tend to do well in mixed flocks.

3. Australorp

• 🥚 Lays: ~250–300 brown eggs/year
• 🐣 Personality: Quiet, gentle, good layers
• ❄️ Weather: Cold-hardy

Australorps are an Australian breed developed from Orpingtons. They’re excellent egg producers and very docile — a wonderful choice for quiet homesteads.

4. Rhode Island Red

• 🥚 Lays: ~250–300 brown eggs/year
• 🐣 Personality: Confident, resilient
• 🌡️ Weather: Hardy in various climates

Tough and reliable, Rhode Island Reds are like the workhorses of the coop. They lay well and are great for those who want a no-fuss, productive hen.

5. Easter Egger

• 🥚 Lays: ~200–250 blue, green, or pink eggs/year
• 🐣 Personality: Fun, quirky, gentle
• 🌤️ Weather: Fairly hardy

Want colorful egg baskets? Easter Eggers are your go-to. They’re not a specific breed, but a mix that reliably lays beautiful eggs in pastel shades.

6. Silkie (Bonus Pick)

• 🥚 Lays: ~100 small cream eggs/year
• 🐣 Personality: Lovable, calm, great pets
• ⚠️ Note: Not ideal for egg production, but adored by families

If you’re keeping chickens more for companionship than production, Silkies are like little feathered teddy bears. They’re friendly, fluffy, and love being held.

🐥 Tips for Picking Your First Breeds:
Choose 2–3 different breeds for a colorful and social flock

Make sure your selections match your climate

Start with pullets (young hens) instead of chicks if you want eggs sooner

Provide plenty of space, shade, and clean water

🧺 Ready to Get Started?

Check out my favorite beginner-friendly supplies:

• Starter Chicken Coop Kit (Amazon)
• Organic Layer Feed
• No-Waste Chicken Feeder
• Watererhttps://amzn.to/4kMX8np

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

🐓 Final Thoughts

Backyard chickens are more than just egg producers — they’re funny, lovable, and surprisingly therapeutic. Start small, keep it simple, and enjoy the rhythm of chicken keeping. Your future flock (and breakfast table) will thank you.