Best Breed of Laying Chicken for a Family?

by Kelly
(Karratha, WA, Australia)

Hello,

I'm looking to choose a breed of chicken suitable for our backyard. We are looking for child friendly (we have 3 and 5yr old boys), decent laying birds. We are keen to raise them from as young as possible. The pen is ready, the choice is overwhelming. Hoping you could help...

How would chicks travel from Bullsbrook to Karratha?

MEG: ALL CHICKENS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO HEAT STRESS, BUT SO LONG AS YOUR CAR IS AIR CONDITIONED OR THE WEATHER IS COOL, THEY WILL BE FINE FOR A DAY OR SO IN A SMALL CAGE WITH FRESH FOOD AND WATER AVAILABLE.

AS FAR AS QUIET LAYING HENS GO, YOU CAN'T REALLY GO PAST THE COMMERCIAL ISA BROWN OR HYLINE HENS. YOU CAN GET THEM FOR A FEW BUCKS EACH FROM THE EGG FARMS AT 18 MONTHS OLD AND GIVE THEM A NEW LEASE OF LIFE. OTHERWISE, IF HANDLED GENTLY AS CHICKS, THE BUFF ORPINGTON AND AUSTRALORP ARE LOVELY QUIET LAYERS, AS IS THE PLYMOUTH ROCK.