Top 8 Friendliest Chicken Breeds (Best Pet Chickens With Pictures)

Getting into the poultry world could be a little challenging. There are lots of questions to ask and things to know, so where should you even start? Still, the answer to that question could vary from one person to another.

For us, we think you should first consider what breed or breeds you would like to include in your flock. This way, you can determine if you have the resources to raise your dream chickens. However, there are thousands and thousands of different breeds out there, and they come in different shapes and sizes, colors and patterns, and purposes and needs.

Now, you are back to the first questions. Where do you even begin?

Well, we think you cannot go wrong with some friendly chickens! Below we have listed the eight friendliest chicken breeds that we could find.

1. Jersey Giants

Why don’t we start with a bang and start with something big? Let us talk about the Jersey Giants.

• Main Use: Meat Production
• Weigh: 13 – 15 lbs
• Egg Production: Good
• Egg Color: Brown
• Egg Size: Large

As their name implies, this breed is big. Weighing around 15 pounds and being able to stand at 26 inches, they rank high among the larger breeds. However, do not be fooled by its size; many would attest that they should also be called gentle giants.

They are undoubtedly one of the friendliest breeds out there. They would most likely get along with other breeds and even pets! Their friendliness also extends to humans, who could even get along with children.

This breed is friendly but also strong. Some docile breeds tend to be bullied, but not the Jersey Giants. They can easily stand for themselves – even in front of predators. Hawks tend to stay clear of them simply because they are just too big.

They are also known to be a dual-purpose breed. Jersey Giants offer excellent meat, and their egg production is also superb. They could offer you around 200 eggs each year.

However, it is a give-and-take thing. They give a lot, and you are expected to give them a lot of care, too, as big chickens usually require special care as there is a lot to watch out for. Some have skipped on their meat and opted to make them pets, and this problem does not seem to bother them as giving these birds extra tender loving care is pretty much a breeze with how lovable they are.

Whether you are looking for a productive bird or a friendly fowl, the Jersey Giants are a mighty fine choice. Read more about Jersey Giants.

2. Speckled Sussex

• Main Use: Egg Production / Meat Production
• Weigh: 6.5 – 7 lbs
• Egg Production: Good
• Egg Color: Brown
• Egg Size: Medium

Next up, we have the lovely Speckled Sussex.

They are one of the favorite breeds of all time, as they have surely clucked their way into the hearts of many.

The Speckled Sussex is undoubtedly one of the friendliest breeds. It would not be surprising to see one running up to you the moment they see you. One or two might even follow you around, talking to you about anything and everything! They are also welcoming to children, and you can trust them around your kids.

However, unlike the Jersey Giants, they cannot stand for themselves and are susceptible to bullying, so better watch out for that.

Aside from their charm, they are also known to be a dual-purpose breed. The Speckled Sussexes offer great meat and are also great egg producers. They could give you around five eggs a week, totaling around 250 eggs yearly.

They usually do not need any special treatment and will not require much. However, Speckled Sussexes are curious critters and might sometimes be in a predicament. They are intelligent and resourceful enough to get themselves in those sticky situations, but it’s still a good idea to keep an eye out for them occasionally.

Whether you’re looking for a high-yielding bird or a lap chicken, the Speckled Sussex is worth considering. 

3. Buff Orpington

Here we have the Buff Orpington.

• Main Use: Egg Production / Meat Production
• Weigh: 7 – 8 lbs
• Egg Production: Excellent
• Egg Color: Brown
• Egg Size: Large

They are a great breed, as they can be whatever you need.

Do you want a productive bird? You got it. They offer great meat and can produce a large number of eggs. They could give you up to 280 eggs each year.

Do you want a show bird? Their beautiful feathers and stance could also wow chicken enthusiasts at poultry shows.

Maybe, you want a pet? They’re one of the best!

They are a friendly breed. Buff Orpingtons are sweet and, overall, love attention. They love being pets and getting hugs and cuddles. If you have a kid that likes being around the flock, you should consider the Buff Orpingtons. They are one of the best choices if you want a family bird.

Do you know another thing they love? Food! They are pretty gentle and laid-back. However, you will see our friendly feathered friends running if they see some treats.

As much as they love being doted upon, they are also dotting chickens. They can get broody and can become very protective and caring of their youngsters.

They are low-maintenance birds and are overall easy to take care of. If you’re ready to provide lots of love, then Buff Orpington would be delighted to receive that love. Read more about Buff Orpington.

4. Australorp Chicken

Now, let’s talk about the lovely Australorp.

• Main Use: Egg Production / Meat Production
• Weigh: 5 – 7 lbs
• Egg Production: Good
• Egg Color: Brown
• Egg Size: Large

At first glance, the Australorp is like a little lady – beautiful, elegant, and graceful. They walk as if they’re little princesses wearing a gown with a train. They are also calm and quiet birds that fit well with their lady-like feature.

You might not think they are sweet and friendly critters when you first meet them, but that’s just because they’re shy! Once you get their trust, they will become one of the sweetest breeds you’ll ever know.

However, their lovely disposition is not all there is to this breed. Australorps are dual-purpose birds. They could offer you quality meat and at the same time give you a large number of eggs. They could produce around 250 eggs each year.

On the flip side, once you get them used to the environment of poultry shows, they could mostly put you in the running to get that ribbon or trophy.

Still, if you’re looking for a chicken companion, they would love that.

The Australorps may be new in the poultry world, but they’re just as wondrous as their older counterparts. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose bird, then the Australorps are worth giving a shot. Read more about Australorp.

5. Faverolle

Next is the Faverolle.

• Main Use: Egg Production / Meat Production / Show
• Weigh: 6.5 – 8 lbs
• Egg Production: Good
• Egg Color: Cream
• Egg Size: Medium

Now, if you ask a Faverolle owner one word to describe these critters, they would most likely tell you: Sweet. However, let me tell you that there is more than one adjective to describe the Faverolles.

First of all, they are beautiful and adorable at the same time. Faverolle’s feathers have such wonderful colors that make them look somewhat majestic, but at the same time, they also look fluffy; you would want to hug them!

The good thing is, if you want to cuddle them, then that would be fine with these critters. They are sweet and gentle creatures and would love to make friends with everyone – even your kids!

However, even if they would love to kiss and greet everyone they pass by, more dominant and aggressive chickens would pick on these lovelies. Make sure to take note of that.

Aside from love, they also give you a fair number of eggs each year. They are capable of giving you around 200 eggs each year.

The Faverolles are the perfect birds to add life and love to your little poultry. Several Faverolle fans have attested that these birds just radiate love and positivity. How they deal with their day-to-day would also seem to brighten up yours! Read more about Faverolle chicken.

6. Silkies

Next is the Silkie.

• Main Use: Show / Pet
• Weigh: 3 – 4 lbs
• Egg Production: Good
• Egg Color: Cream
• Egg Size: Tiny

They are probably one of the best fowls to hug because, as their name implies, their feathers are said to feel like silk. If you ever see one, then you are in for a treat. This breed is quite friendly and would most likely welcome cuddling!

They are an unusual-looking breed, and because of this, they look like stuffed toys and are quite popular with children. They are calm critters; if your little one wants to play with them, you can trust them to be gentle with your kid.

Everybody is family! At least, that is what most Silkies seem to think. They are willing to raise any youngster and are great mothers.

However, love is not all they have to offer, and despite their size, they are a multi-purpose breed. Their black skin, meat, and bones – which are not all that common – have rendered them to be a delicacy for some. Furthermore, they could also give a good number of eggs. They can produce up to 120 eggs yearly. Not much is known, but they are also used in Chinese medicine.

Still, you could just get these walking furballs as pets! Silkies are quiet enough to be good pets, even for apartment dwellers. Furthermore, they tolerate confinement well.

One way or another, Silkies will not disappoint you. Read more about Silkies.

7. Cochin Chicken

Here we have the Cochin.

• Main Use: Egg Production / Meat Production
• Weigh: 9 – 9.5 lbs
• Egg Production: Good
• Egg Color: Brown
• Egg Size: Medium

They are big, beautiful, and look like the perfect chickens to be given bear hugs! That is if you can carry them, as these giants could weigh more than 10 pounds, after all.

Despite their large size, Cochins are another breed of gentle giants. They are calm and friendly critters and would enjoy sitting on your lap. Like most friendly birds, Cochins are prone to bullying by more dominant and assertive breeds, so it is good to keep that in mind.

These giants love chicks and children. They are great mothers and would be more than happy to mother anyone who wants her to adopt them – even small animals that look nothing like a chick. Furthermore, with their gentle disposition, you can trust them around your kids.

They are not great egg producers, so if you’re looking for a productive bird, then Cochins are not for you.

However, they make wonderful pets. In addition to their lovely personality, they are quite a healthy breed and do not require any special treatment. Furthermore, they are not picky eaters, so feeds will not be a problem when taking care of these sweet giants.

If you are just starting, Cochins are great for beginners. Read more about Cochin chicken.

8. Wyandotte Chicken

Lastly, we have the Wyandotte.

1. Main Use: Egg Production / Meat Production
2. Weigh: 8 – 9 lbs
3. Egg Production: Good
4. Egg Color: Brown
5. Egg Size: Large

Wyandotte is a good choice for a lot of beginners. They are one of the most common chicken breeds on this list, so if you run into any problem, there are a lot of poultry enthusiasts that could give you detailed instructions regarding these beauties.

However, it is unlikely that this breed would give you any trouble. These chickens are docile, gentle, and calm. They will not make things hard for you. If you have any kids, then they will not pose any threat to your little ones. Also, if you plan on adding other breeds to your flock later, then your Wyandottes would most likely not bother them.

Furthermore, they are also a dual-purpose breed. Wyandottes could offer you good meat and, at the same time, offer a number of eggs. They could give you around 200 eggs each year.

They are generally a healthy breed and will not need any special treatment. Wyandottes also tolerate confinement well and are pretty quiet, so you can tick these worries off of your list.

Lastly, they may be common, but they are also one of the prettiest birds out there. Just imagine your land filled with these beauties.

1. More about Columbian Wyandotte.
2. More about Golden Laced Wyandotte.
3. More about Blue Laced Red Wyandotte.
4. More about Silver Laced Wyandotte.

Tips for Raising Friendly Chicken Breeds

Avoid Mixing Them with Aggressive Breeds

One of the most important ways to protect your friendly chicken is to keep them away from aggressive breeds.

Mixing friendly chicken breeds with aggressive ones, such as Shamo and Old English Game is not advisable. This is because the dominant behavior of more aggressive breeds may lead them to be territorial or attack other birds for no apparent reason. This natural behavior can result in harm or death among the friendlier breeds.

Chickens are bred for their unique temperaments. So, keeping different types together could cause fights, leading to casualties. Further, having multiple breeds living together can have varying dietary requirements and housing needs, which makes it difficult to provide optimal care without any conflicts arising.

Therefore, separating chickens into designated areas based on breed would ensure that each group receives an optimum level of care while minimizing potential issues.

Try Regular Handling

Handling friendly chicken breeds is great not only because it is enjoyable for the chickens and their owners but also due to several benefits, including:

• Improved health: Regular handling promotes good emotional health as it reduces stress levels, thus leading them to have a more active lifestyle.
• Better socialization: Handling allows you as an owner to interact with your chickens on a daily basis.

That said, any breed can be handled by you. However, friendlier breeds are much easier to manage, especially if you are new to taking care of your flock. The breeds in this list are also the least likely to cause you harm.

Summary

There is our list of the 8 Friendliest Chicken Breeds that we recommend.

Whether you are just starting or have been in the poultry world for ages now, friendly chickens never seem to be a bad idea. While some of them are not as productive or even pretty as others, all of them could give you a satisfying amount of love, and taking care of them would almost always prove to be a rewarding experience.

Joseph Hudson

Joseph Hudson has been raising chickens for over 15 years. In 2018, he completed the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. He currently raises over 1400 chickens on his 7.5-hectare farm. He keeps sharing his experience on raising healthy and happy chickens on Chicken Scratch The Foundry.