Friendliness in chickens is down to two factors - the breed, and handling. Many breeds are naturally nervous, and some can even be a bit aggressive. Male birds - cockerels, or roosters - can never be considered friendly.
Orpington Chickens are a friendly breed
A hen of a docile breed, who is used to being handled, can become very tame and friendly. These are considered some of the best friendly fowl (and therefore mot suitable for children, too):
- Australorp
- Barred Rock
- Brahma
- Cochin
- Easter Egger
- Golden Buff
- Orpington
- Plymouth Rock
- Rhode Island Red
- Silkies (and most other bantams)
- Sussex
- Wyandotte
Tameness doesn’t come naturally, though. The hens need to have been handled from a young age. By the time they’re old enough to lay eggs, they’re a bit more set in their ways. But even then the breeds in the list above can eventually get used to moving amongst humans.
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