I remember standing in a feed store, looking at a dozen different types of peeping chicks, feeling completely lost. Choosing your first chicken breed is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Every breed seems to have a different set of promises and pitfalls. As a first-time owner, you just want a reliable, friendly, and low-maintenance chicken that will give you eggs without a lot of drama. This guide will simplify your decision by first defining what “easy” really means, and then sharing my top 5 “bomb-proof” breeds that are perfect for a beginner.
Before we dive into the specific breeds, let’s first get a clear understanding of what “easy” really means when it comes to chicken keeping. It’s more than just a single trait—it’s a combination of forgiving characteristics that will make your first year a joy instead of a chore.
What Makes a Chicken Breed “Easy” for a Beginner?
“Easy” isn’t a single trait; it’s a combination of characteristics that make a chicken forgiving and enjoyable to raise. After years of raising different breeds, I’ve found that the best chickens for a first-time owner excel in these four key areas.
1. A Forgiving, Docile Temperament
A beginner needs a bird that tolerates human interaction and isn’t prone to panicking. A docile and friendly temperament means the chickens are less likely to be “flighty” or aggressive. They’ll be easier to handle for health checks and are the kind of birds that are good with children. This trait makes training them to return to the coop at night much simpler, as they are naturally more trusting and less prone to running away. A calm disposition also helps maintain flock harmony, reducing stress and preventing injuries from fighting.
2. Excellent Hardiness & Health
A beginner’s coop might not be perfectly insulated or ventilated. An easy breed is one that is robust and can handle a wide range of temperatures. Look for birds that are both cold hardy and heat tolerant, so they thrive in your specific climate without needing special accommodations. Hardy breeds are also less susceptible to common health problems like respiratory illnesses, which can spread quickly through a flock. A bird that can withstand a beginner’s mistakes is a must.
3. Consistent Egg Production (But Not Extreme)
The best egg-laying chickens for beginners are those that lay reliably. While some breeds are marketed as laying 300+ eggs per year, these “extreme” layers can be more prone to health issues like egg binding and reproductive-related diseases as they age. A consistent layer that produces a steady supply of eggs for a small family is a far better choice. You want a bird that gives you a reliable reward without burning itself out.
4. Low Tendency for Broodiness
A broody hen is one that stops laying eggs and wants to sit on her nest all day to hatch a clutch. While this is a wonderful trait if you want to hatch chicks, it can be a hassle for a beginner who just wants a steady supply of eggs. An easy breed is less likely to go broody, keeping your egg basket full. Breaking a hen of broodiness can be a frustrating and messy process for a beginner. It involves removing the hen from her nest daily to discourage the behavior, which can be a chore for new owners.
Now that you know what makes a chicken easy to care for, let’s meet the birds themselves. I’ve narrowed down a list of my top five “bomb-proof” breeds that I confidently recommend to any first-time keeper.
My Top 5 Easiest Chicken Breeds for Beginners
Based on these criteria, these are the breeds I recommend without hesitation. They are a fantastic mix of friendly temperaments, excellent hardiness, and reliable egg production.
1. The Buff Orpington: The Golden Retriever of the Chicken World
If you’re looking for a lap chicken and a family pet, look no further. The Buff Orpington is the quintessential friendly chicken. They are large, fluffy, and have an incredibly sweet and gentle nature that makes them great with children.
- Temperament: Extremely docile, calm, and friendly. They are known for being non-aggressive and are often at the bottom of the pecking order. Their gentle nature makes them easy to handle, even for kids.
- Egg Laying: A good layer of around 180-200 large brown eggs per year. They are not the most prolific layers on this list, but they are consistent.
- Hardiness: Very cold hardy due to their dense, fluffy feathering. Tolerates heat well if given plenty of shade and cool water.
- The Verdict: The ultimate beginner’s chicken, perfect for a backyard that prioritizes companionship and a gentle disposition. Their calm nature makes them easy to introduce to an existing flock.
2. The Australorp: The Sweet, Egg-Laying Machine
This is a beautiful, black, dual-purpose breed that offers the perfect blend of a calm personality and a high egg count. They are a quiet, non-confrontational bird that integrates well into any flock.
- Temperament: Calm, quiet, and docile. An excellent choice for families. Their quiet nature makes them a great option for more urban environments.
- Egg Laying: An excellent layer, often producing over 250+ light brown eggs per year. They hold a world record for most eggs laid in a year by a single hen.
- Hardiness: A robust and adaptable bird that is tolerant of both heat and cold. They are not prone to common diseases.
- The Verdict: The perfect choice if you want a sweet, friendly chicken that is also a top-tier egg producer.
3. The Wyandotte: The Hardy, Beautiful Forager
The Wyandotte is a beautiful bird with a striking, rounded appearance and a variety of stunning color patterns. They are more active than an Orpington but are still very calm and easy to manage.
- Temperament: Generally docile and curious. They are great at foraging and are less prone to being “lap chickens.” They have a friendly, non-confrontational attitude.
- Egg Laying: A very good layer of around 200+ light brown or cream eggs per year.
- Hardiness: Exceptionally cold hardy thanks to their dense feathers and a small “rose comb,” which resists frostbite. This is a major advantage in winter climates.
- The Verdict: A stunning and self-sufficient bird, perfect for colder climates and those who want a more active forager.
4. The Easter Egger: The Fun, Colorful Egg Layer
While not a true breed, the Easter Egger is a hybrid chicken that is loved for one simple reason: they lay blue eggs, green eggs, and sometimes even pinkish-brown or cream eggs! Their unique egg colors make every trip to the coop feel like an adventure.
- Temperament: Generally friendly, curious, and intelligent. Personalities can vary as they are a mix, but they are rarely aggressive.
- Egg Laying: A good, consistent layer, producing around 200 colorful eggs per year.
- Hardiness: Very hardy and adaptable to most climates, often inheriting the best traits from their parent breeds.
- The Verdict: The best choice for families who want the fun and excitement of a colorful egg basket and a bird with a unique personality.
5. The Rhode Island Red: The Reliable, No-Nonsense Layer
The Rhode Island Red is the classic American farm chicken. It is a true workhorse when it comes to egg production and is an incredibly resilient bird. While they are a very common breed, they are a great choice for a first time owner.
- Temperament: Confident and active. They are generally docile but can be more assertive or “bossy” than the others on this list. They are excellent foragers and won’t hesitate to stand up for themselves.
- Egg Laying: An excellent layer, producing 250-280 large dark brown eggs per year.
- Hardiness: Very robust and adaptable to all conditions, making them a great choice for a variety of climates.
- The Verdict: The go-to choice for someone prioritizing maximum egg production in a hardy, self-sufficient bird.
With so many great options, it can be hard to pick just one. To help you make a quick decision, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the top choices and their key traits.
At a Glance: Comparing the Easiest Breeds
| Breed | Temperament | Eggs/Year (Approx.) | Egg Color | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buff Orpington | Excellent (Best) | 190 | Brown | Families, Friendliness |
| Australorp | Excellent | 250+ | Light Brown | Eggs + Friendliness |
| Wyandotte | Very Good | 200+ | Cream/Brown | Cold Climates, Beauty |
| Easter Egger | Good/Curious | 200 | Blue/Green | Colorful Eggs, Fun |
| Rhode Island Red | Good/Confident | 250+ | Dark Brown | Maximum Eggs, Hardiness |
Choosing the right breed is just the first step. Next, you’ll have a lot of questions about how to care for them. Let’s cover some of the most common things new chicken keepers want to know.
Answering Your Other Beginner Questions
How many chickens should a beginner start with?
I generally recommend starting with 3-6 chickens. Chickens are social animals and need to be in a flock to thrive, so starting with at least three is essential for their well-being. This number also provides enough eggs for a small family without being overwhelming to care for. Additionally, starting with a flock of an odd number, like three or five, can help distribute aggression and prevent a single bird from being picked on.
Which chicken starts laying eggs the fastest?
Production breeds like Leghorns or sex-links start laying the fastest (around 16-18 weeks). However, the hardy, low maintenance breeds on our list are a better overall choice for beginners, as they start laying at a reliable 20-24 weeks. While the wait is a bit longer, the trade-off is a healthier, hardier, and often friendlier bird.
What is the easiest poultry to keep overall?
While ducks can also be a great choice, chickens are generally considered the easiest poultry to keep for beginners. This is mainly because they are less messy with their water and there is a much wider availability of chicken-specific supplies and information. Chickens also have an established, predictable daily rhythm that makes them easy to care for.
Where can I find these chickens for sale?
You can find these breeds at a number of places. Most local farm and feed stores, like Tractor Supply, sell chicks in the spring. You can also order chicks directly from a reputable hatchery online, which offers a much wider variety of breeds. A final option is to find a local breeder, but you should always verify their reputation and health practices.
Why Do Chickens Lay Different Colored Eggs?
Egg color is determined by the chicken’s genetics and is simply a result of pigments deposited onto the eggshell as it travels through the hen’s reproductive tract. The color of the eggshell has no effect on the taste or nutritional value of the egg. The shell color is just a fun cosmetic trait! For example, the Wyandotte’s egg is brown because of a pigment called protoporphyrin, while the Easter Egger’s blue eggs come from a pigment called oocyanin.
You’re almost ready to start your flock! The final piece of advice I can offer is to trust the process and enjoy every moment. With a little preparation, you’ll be a confident chicken keeper in no time.
Conclusion: My Final Recommendation
The easiest chicken breed for beginners is one that is docile, hardy, and a reliable egg layer. While any of the five breeds on this list would be a fantastic choice, the Buff Orpington remains my number one recommendation for a first-time owner. Their gentle nature is incredibly forgiving and makes the learning process a true joy.
Which of these friendly breeds sounds like the best fit for your first flock? Share your choice in the comments below!
Oladepo Babatunde is the founder of ChickenStarter.com. He is a backyard chicken keeper and educator who specializes in helping beginners raise healthy flocks, particularly in warm climates. His expertise comes from years of hands-on experience building coops, treating common chicken ailments, and solving flock management issues. His own happy hens are a testament to his methods, laying 25-30 eggs weekly.
