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The Best Chicken Breeds for Kids
Introducing children to backyard chickens is one of the most rewarding homesteading experiences a family can have. Whether you're raising birds for eggs, fun, or farm chores, choosing the best chicken breeds for kids makes the experience safer, smoother, and more enjoyable for everyone. Not all chickens are created equal—some are more docile, curious, and patient than others, making them ideal companions for small hands and new caretakers.
This guide highlights five of the best chicken breeds for kids. Each one has been chosen for its temperament, egg-laying ability, and climate adaptability. Whether you live in a suburban backyard or a more rural setting, these breeds offer the perfect blend of friendliness, fun, and functionality.
Raising Friendly Chickens Starts Early
No matter which breed you choose, one of the best ways to ensure your chickens grow up friendly and easy to handle is by interacting with them from the start. Chicks that are gently and consistently handled in their early weeks of life become more accustomed to human presence and are far more likely to enjoy being held as adults.
Encourage children to talk softly, use slow movements, and let chicks come to them during supervised handling sessions. The more positive experiences a chick has with people early on, the more confident and calm it will be as it matures. This early bonding process helps transform your flock into a group of friendly companions rather than flighty farm animals.
If your goal is to find the best chicken breeds for kids, don't forget that early socialization is just as important as breed choice. The right combination of nature and nurture can turn any backyard flock into a kid-friendly crew.
1. Buff Orpington
Buff Orpingtons are a go-to choice for families looking for a calm, affectionate chicken. Known for their fluffy golden feathers and quiet nature, these gentle giants are incredibly child-friendly. They rarely peck, tolerate being picked up, and often follow people around the yard, almost like a dog would.
Their size is another advantage—they're large enough to be handled easily without being too fragile, which makes them ideal for younger children. Buff Orpingtons are also great at adapting to family routines and tend to get along well with other chickens in a mixed flock.
Egg Production:
Buff Orpingtons lay around 200–280 medium to large light brown eggs per year.
Climate Suitability:
They thrive in colder climates thanks to their dense feathers and tolerate warmer areas if provided with adequate shade and ventilation.
Why They’re One of the Best Chicken Breeds for Kids:
Calm, gentle, and easy to handle, they’re a perfect starter bird for families with small children.
Learn more about the Buff Orpington or order chicks here!
2. Polish
Polish chickens are truly unforgettable—both for their appearance and their quirky personalities. With a wild crest of feathers atop their heads that often covers their eyes, Polish chickens look like they belong in a cartoon. Their unique look is a magnet for kids, and their curious, gentle nature makes them a fun addition to any backyard flock.
While Polish chickens can sometimes be a bit skittish due to their limited vision, they’re generally sweet and easy to tame, especially when raised from chicks with regular human interaction. They tend to be lower in the pecking order and appreciate calm environments, making them a great choice for families who can offer a little extra patience and attention.
Egg Production:
Polish hens lay around 150–200 small to medium-sized white eggs per year.
Climate Suitability:
They do best in dry, moderate climates. Their feathered crests can become problematic in wet or snowy conditions, so a dry, draft-free coop is essential.
Why They’re One of the Best Chicken Breeds for Kids:
Polish chickens are friendly, eye-catching, and entertaining—great for kids who want a unique and interactive bird.
Learn more about Polish chickens, or order chicks here!
There are multiple types/colors of Polish - so be sure to check them all out!
3. Easter Egger or Ameraucana
Easter Eggers and Ameraucanas are fun, family-friendly chickens known for their sweet temperaments and colorful eggs. While the two are technically different breeds—Ameraucanas being a recognized pure breed and Easter Eggers being mixed breeds carrying the blue-egg gene—both are excellent options when looking for the best chicken breeds for kids.
These birds are curious, mild-mannered, and often enjoy being around people, especially when treats are involved. What truly sets them apart is their rainbow-colored eggs, which can range from blue to green to olive and sometimes even pinkish hues. For children, finding a colorful egg in the nesting box turns every day into a mini Easter morning.
Their varying feather colors and patterns also make each bird unique, giving kids an opportunity to connect with and name individual members of the flock.
Egg Production:
Both Easter Eggers and Ameraucanas typically lay about 200–280 medium-sized colorful eggs per year.
Climate Suitability:
These breeds are hardy and adaptable, performing well in both warm and cold climates with appropriate shelter.
Why They’re One of the Best Chicken Breeds for Kids:
Their colorful eggs, friendly nature, and unique appearances make them a constant source of joy and wonder for young chicken keepers.
Learn more about Americaunas, or order chicks here!
4. Australorp
Australorps are the steady, gentle giants of the flock. They’re known for being calm, quiet, and highly productive—perfect for families who want both friendliness and a reliable source of eggs. These birds have glossy black feathers that shine green in the sunlight, making them beautiful as well as functional.
Australorps are easygoing and get along well with both children and other flock members. They’re also known to form strong bonds with their caregivers, especially if raised from chicks with plenty of social interaction.
Egg Production:
Australorps are champion layers, producing 250–300 large brown eggs per year.
Climate Suitability:
This breed is incredibly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of climates, although they’ll appreciate shade in extreme heat due to their dark plumage.
Why They’re One of the Best Chicken Breeds for Kids:
They’re friendly, low-drama, and lay lots of eggs—ideal for families who want a well-rounded, low-maintenance chicken.
Learn more about Australorps, or order chicks here!
5. Brahma
Brahmas are gentle giants—large, fluffy birds with feathered feet and an incredibly calm temperament. Despite their size, they are known for being quiet, friendly, and tolerant, which makes them one of the best chicken breeds for kids. Their laid-back nature means they don’t startle easily and are happy to be picked up or petted, especially when socialized early.
Kids are often fascinated by Brahmas due to their impressive appearance. They’re slow-moving, easy to catch, and not prone to aggressive behavior. Whether your child wants a chicken to help with chores or simply a calm feathered companion to visit in the yard, Brahmas are an excellent choice.
Egg Production:
Brahmas lay about 150–200 medium to large brown eggs per year. They’re steady layers, especially during cooler months when other breeds may slow down.
Climate Suitability:
They thrive in cold climates thanks to their heavy feathering but can also do well in moderate heat with shade and proper ventilation. Just keep an eye on their feathered feet in muddy or wet conditions.
Why They’re One of the Best Chicken Breeds for Kids:
They’re calm, cuddly, and visually striking—ideal for helping kids build confidence and enjoy chicken keeping.
Learn more about the Brahma breed, or order chicks here!
Coop Features That Make Chicken Keeping Easier for Kids
Having the best chicken breeds for kids is only part of the equation—your coop setup plays a huge role in making backyard chicken keeping a positive experience for the whole family. That’s why our coops are thoughtfully designed with features that support both safe flock management and kid-friendly access.
Our coops include wide-access doors that make egg collecting easy (and fun!) for small hands. Built-in nesting boxes are positioned at the perfect height for kids to peek in and grab eggs without needing to stretch or use a stool. For younger chicken keepers, these thoughtful details make daily chores more approachable and less frustrating.
We also make it easy to access with our pull-out droppings trays for simplified cleaning and predator-proof latches that give parents peace of mind while letting kids help with opening and closing doors. If you have a curious child who wants to be hands-on, our large secure runs offer a safe space for supervised interaction between kids and chickens.
When your coop is designed with families in mind, it’s easier to foster positive routines, build confidence in young caretakers, and create lasting memories.
FAQs
How do I know if a chicken breed is good for kids?
Look for breeds known for their calm temperament, low aggression, and ease of handling. Breeds that enjoy human interaction are usually best for families with children.
At what age can kids start helping with chicken chores?
We always leave that up to the parents. From our experience, children as young as 4 can begin helping with simple tasks like feeding and egg collecting, with adult supervision. Older kids can help clean the coop and handle chickens more independently.
Can these breeds live together peacefully?
Yes, all five breeds—Buff Orpington, Polish, Easter Egger, Australorp, and Speckled Sussex—can coexist well in a flock if introduced properly.
Are these breeds noisy?
Most of the best chicken breeds for kids are relatively quiet, especially the Buff Orpington and Australorp. Polish are particularly soft-spoken.
What coop features make it easier for kids to help?
Look for coops with large access doors, low roosts, and easy-to-reach nesting boxes so children can collect eggs and check on chickens without difficulty.
