8 Best Chicken Breeds For Kids & Which Ones To AVOID

Chicken breeds that are friendly are important for peace on the homestead, and why they’re a great choice for families.

What chicken breeds do great with kids?

I’m going to give you the list of breeds to consider. Our flock started from 9 chickens picked up from the local tractor supply and such started the new obsession of giving the kids a farm life type of childhood we always imaginged. Farm fresh eggs took on a life of its own from buying a small coop to later upgrading and building one to accomidate 30-50 birds.

Our demand for eggs increased as the kids got older so I looked for things like temperment, personality, if they were social and didnt mind the company.

After selecting all different birds we quickly figured out our favorites. They are free range roaming around our 6 acre farm and their are slight differences but here are the ones to consider.

1. Silkies

These fluffy little birds are some of the friendliest chickens you’ll ever meet. They love attention, enjoy being held, and have a calm, docile temperament—perfect for young children who want a feathery friend.

2. Orpingtons

Gentle, friendly, and easy to handle, with several colors Lavender, Silver Laced, Blue, Black and even Buff Orpingtons that are known as the “Golden Retrievers” of the chicken world. They enjoy human interaction and lay plenty of large, brown eggs.

3. Black Copper Marans

These chickens are both affectionate and hardy, making them a great option for kids who want a pet that also produces lots of dark brown eggs. They adapt well to different climates and enjoy following their owners around the yard.

4. Easter Eggers

Fun and full of personality, Easter Eggers lay beautiful blue and green eggs, which kids love collecting. They’re curious and friendly, making them an entertaining and interactive breed for young chicken keepers.

5. Cochins

With their feathered legs and big, fluffy bodies, Cochins are a great choice for families. They’re calm, easy to tame, and often enjoy being picked up and petted—ideal for kids who want a cuddle buddy.

6. Sussex

Chicken breeds are known for being friendly, curious, and affectionate. They love following people around, making them great companions for kids who enjoy spending time outdoors with their flock.

7. Brahmas

These gentle giants are large but incredibly sweet. They are known for their calm nature and make great lap chickens, providing a unique experience for children who want a bigger bird to bond with.

8. Wyandottes

These birds are friendly, cold-hardy, and easy to care for, making them a great choice for kids. They have a calm temperament and lay a steady supply of brown eggs. Their beautiful feather patterns also make them a favorite among backyard flocks.

This list could also include Salmon Favorelles and Polish. The kids really loved how funny the Polish bird’s are and also how sociable.

Here is the list of chicken breeds to AVOID with kids

Here’s a helpful list of chicken breeds to avoid if you have kids, along with why they might not be the best fit for family-friendly flocks.

1. Leghorns

While they are excellent layers, Leghorns are flighty, nervous, and tend to be high-strung. They don’t enjoy being handled and are more likely to startle, making them a poor choice for young children who want to interact with their flock.

2. Hamburgs

Hamburgs are beautiful birds, but they’re independent and quite skittish. They prefer to avoid human contact and would rather roam than be held or petted, which can frustrate kids hoping for hands-on experiences.

3. Old English Game

These birds were originally bred for fighting, and although that’s no longer common, they can still be aggressive—especially the roosters. They’re also very active, which can make them harder for young children to manage.

4. Malay

Malays are one of the tallest chicken breeds, and their large size combined with their sometimes aggressive tendencies makes them a poor match for families with small children.

5. Sumatras

These striking birds are more ornamental and are naturally more aloof and independent. They are not known for their friendliness and prefer minimal interaction with humans.

6. Ancona

Anconas are active, flighty birds that do best in free-range settings where they can roam. They are easily spooked and don’t enjoy being handled, making them less suitable for kid-friendly flocks.

7. Fayoumi

Fayoumis are highly independent, very flighty, and not known for being affectionate or calm around people. They prefer to stay out of reach, which doesn’t make them ideal for kids.

8. Modern Game

While they look elegant, Modern Games are active, high-strung, and can sometimes be aggressive, especially the roosters. Their thin bodies and long legs also make them more delicate to handle.

This is an important part to protect the kids and birds.

With chick season coming up fast, this can help you make an informed decision on which ones are for you.

Take care,

Linnea