Backyard chicken breeds that are perfect for Aussie families

A recent national survey by Animal Medicines Australia found 11 per cent of Australians keep chickens in their backyard. Who wouldn’t be excited by the idea of ​​eating fresh eggs as often as desired, reducing waste food scraps, using natural fertilizer regularly, and using legitimate pest control measures?

Chooks have been an integral part of many Australian households for generations; This number has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic as more people seek to become self-sufficient. Although the pandemic is long over, interest in chicken care is still very strong across the country.

However, many people are unaware that there are more than 400 breeds of chicken, with around 50 of them common in Australia. Moreover, some chickens are naturally calmer, friendlier and easier to handle than others. So before you start storing them, there are a few things you need to know.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will highlight backyard chicken breeds that are well-suited to Australian families and suburban living. I hope you find it a useful resource.

Why backyard chickens are a great choice for families

Raising chickens at home fits nicely into Australian family life. To start, children learn where food comes from. They can also improve their self-confidence and develop their love for animals by feeding animals and collecting eggs.

If you are considering keeping chickens, it is important to create a safe space for them. For many families, the process starts with Googling terms like: Australian chicken coops to understand what would work best for suburban blocks. Installing a secure coop in your home helps keep chickens safe and makes it easier to care for them.

It also helps families keep their backyards tidy because doggies love grass. They especially like to seek out insects, weeds and tender shoots as they are a great source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. (Make sure the grass isn’t too long or stringy, as this can cause problems.)

What makes a chicken breed family-friendly?

Most family-friendly chicken breeds share a few common characteristics. They typically have a good temperament and are calm and relaxed around people. They also tend to adapt more easily to family life and cope better with basic care routines.

When choosing a family-friendly chicken breed, it’s worth considering how much space they need, how noisy they are and how well they withstand Australian weather conditions. Size is another consideration as some larger breeds can be scary for young children.

The 10 best backyard chicken breeds for Aussie families

So what are the best breeds of chickens to keep in your backyard? You can find more information at: RSPCA is here. However, these ten breeds are very popular among Australian families.

1. Australorp

Australorps have been an Aussie favorite for years. They are calm, hardy and excellent egg layers. Their gentle nature also makes them easy to handle around small children.

2. Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rocks are naturally very friendly and curious creatures. This helps them adapt well to their family environment and cope with backyard life more easily. Once established they provide a very consistent supply of eggs.

3.Sussex

Sussex chickens are known for being confident without being overly aggressive. They enjoy human companionship and are especially suitable for families whose children are interested in animal care.

4. ISA Brown

ISA Browns are a very popular breed for those keeping backyard chickens for the first time. They lay their eggs regularly, adapt well to different climates, and their behavior is quite predictable.

5.Wyandotte

Wyandottes are visually striking chickens. They are also calm and have a stable temperament that suits mixed-age families. They are a popular breed for families in southern states because they handle cold weather well.

6.Orpington

Orpingtons are known for their gentle personalities. Given that they are slow moving and tolerate gentle handling, they are a great option for families with young children.

7. Rhode Island Red

Rhode Island Reds are strong and reliable. They do well with backyard conditions and tend to be friendly when raised around humans.

8. Australian White

Australian Whites share many characteristics with Australorps, so they are very easy to care for. They also cope well with different Australian conditions.

9. Australorp Crosses

Such hybrids are known to have good temperaments and the ability to lay eggs regularly. Chooks are a very hardy and adaptable breed.

10. Beijing Bantam

Children love Peking Bantams because they are small, furry and have a gentle nature. They are best suited to families with limited space.

How many chickens does a family really need?

Most families start with three or four chickens. This is a good figure because it provides a stable result. egg supply without wasting any of it. It also allows chickens to socialize, which keeps them calm and calm.

If you have a larger family, you can choose five or six chickens. Just make sure you have enough space in your backyard. No matter how many birds you keep, it will be useful to first consult your local municipality rules regarding their care.

Tips for keeping backyard chickens safe and happy

When keeping backyard chickens, it is important to maintain a good daily feeding routine. You should also make sure you have plenty of fresh water on hand to keep them moist and stable.

Their coops need to be cleaned regularly to remain in a safe and healthy condition. When doing this, be sure to check ventilation and whether the perches are safe from predators such as snakes, hawks, cats, goannas and foxes.