The Best Chicken Breeds for Beginners

Starting your backyard flock? One of the most important first steps is choosing the right chicken breeds. If you’re new to chicken keeping, you’ll want hens that are friendly, hardy, and consistent layers.

Here are our top beginner-friendly picks:

🐔 1. Buff Orpington

• Sweet, calm, and great with kids

• Cold and heat hardy

• Lays 3–4 large brown eggs per week

🐓 2. Barred Rock

• Hardy and easygoing

• Good egg production

• Recognizable black-and-white feather pattern

🐥 3. Australorp

• Quiet, gentle temperament

• Excellent egg layers—up to 5 per week

• Adaptable to different climates

🐤 4. Easter Egger

• Fun personality + colorful eggs (blue/green!)

• Medium layers but great for families

• Great conversation starter in the coop

🐣 5. Rhode Island Red

• Tough, dependable birds

• Excellent egg production

• Do well free-ranging or in coops

Bonus Tips for New Flock Owners

• Start with 3–5 hens (no rooster needed for eggs)

• Choose breeds with similar size and temperament

• Make sure your coop is predator-resistant and well ventilated

All of our coops are built to keep beginner and seasoned chicken keepers alike feeling confident and supported.

Need help choosing the right setup? Message us or explore options online at www.lynnleecoops.com.