Family-Friendly Chicken Breeds

Gentle, people-friendly breeds that are easy to handle and great with kids. Mix any breeds on the same hatch date to reach the 6-chick minimum.

These breeds are known for calm, people-friendly personalities, which makes them a great fit for families with children or anyone who wants hens that enjoy being handled. Most are larger, fluffy birds that tolerate cold weather well.

Our most family-friendly breeds

  • Buff Orpington: Famously sweet and easy to hold, with large light brown eggs, about 180–200 a year.
  • Lavender Orpington: All the Orpington sweetness in soft lavender, with large light brown eggs, about 150–200 a year.
  • Black Australorp: Quiet and gentle, with large light brown eggs, about 250 a year.
  • Light Brahma: A big, gentle giant with feathered feet, with medium–large brown eggs, about 150–200 a year.
  • Silver Laced Wyandotte: Docile and beautifully laced, with large brown eggs, about 200–240 a year.
  • Golden Laced Wyandotte: Calm and cold-hardy, with medium–large brown eggs, about 200 a year.

Raising friendly hens

Temperament is partly breed and partly handling. Hold your chicks gently for a few minutes every day from the first week, and they will grow into calmer, friendlier hens. Orpingtons and Brahmas may go broody, which is a bonus if you ever want a hen to hatch chicks for you.

How ordering works

Mix any breeds on the same hatch date to reach the 6-chick shipping minimum, or order 12 or more and the Marek’s vaccine is free. Choose your hatch date on the product page or in the cart. Shipped chicks are covered by our live arrival guarantee, and local pickup in Preston, MD has no minimum. 2027 orders open November 1, 2026.

Also see our best breeds for beginners and chick bundles, including the Family Friendly Flock.