Step 2: Question 3 Personality.

What type of personality do you want in your flock? There are as many personality traits in chicken as in people. From calm to wild, and from aggressive to easily handled. At first thought you may not want an aggressive breed but don't be to quick to judge. An aggressive hen may be what protects the flock in the absents of a rooster. Also they breed may be friendly to humans but chase off any unwelcome guests in the yard or run. I have 5 little Americanas that are 14 weeks old and they tolerate people fairly well but when the local wild birds stop in for some scratch they chase them off.

Depending on your set up you need to determine how well the breed handles confinement. If you have a small urban setup then a large breed that likes to roam is probably not going to work every well for you. But if you are in a more rural area where the chickens can free range a good part of the time then the Minorca might be a good fit. For a small urban setup the Barred Rock or Orpingtons are going to be a better fit, both breeds are considered friendly and handle confinement well. At this point my Barreds are probley the freindliest chickens that I have. When I go and sit in the yard with them most of them, execpt the rooster Rock, will come over to see what I am doing and allow me to touch and hold them.

Just remember when selecting a breed to keep in mind your location and the temperament of your neighbors. Also there are exceptions in all breed just like with cats, dogs or other people.

Step 2: Question 2 What size?

      Most breeds come in two sizes standard and bantam. Remember that the size of the hen determines the size of the egg, and small hen will at most lay a medium sized egg, while a large hen can give up to extra large eggs.

    Also consider the space that you have for your girls. Bantams being smaller need less space, (in chicken math they count as 1/2) Lots more on chicken math to come.

 In my flock you will find both standards and bantams. I like my standards for the size of egg that they lay and their independant nature, as long as they have access to what they need, they ask for little extra from me. Some of my bantams are the same way. My favorite of the older girls is Mrs. Clucky, a gold laced cotchin bantam. She is the hen house gossip, she loves to tell me everything that is happening in the yard. She will follow anyone around the yard to tell her tales, but would rather be picked up and held to tell you her stories. As for the babies they are all standard size and I have yet to pick just one favorite of the bunch. I have friends with standard sized hens who will do similar things. So my thoughts are to pick the best size for you.