A recent national survey from Animal Medicines Australia revealed that 11per cent of Aussies have backyard chickens. Who wouldn’t be excited by the idea of eating fresh eggs as often as they want, reducing waste food scraps, utilising a regular supply of natural fertiliser and employing a legitimate pest control measure?
Chooks have been part and parcel of many Australian households for generations; this number grew during the COVID-19 pandemic as more people wanted to become self-sufficient. While the pandemic might be long gone, interest in maintaining chickens is still very strong across the country.
However, many people are not aware that there are over 400 breeds of chickens, with around 50 being prevalent in Australia. Moreover, some chickens are naturally calmer, friendlier and easier to manage than others. So, there are a few things you’ll need to know before you start to keep them.
Don’t worry, though, we’ve got you covered. This guide will highlight the backyard chicken breeds that are well-suited to Aussie families and suburban life. Hopefully, you will find it a useful resource.
Why backyard chickens are a great choice for families
Raising chickens at home fits beautifully into the Australian way of family life. To start with, kids learn where food comes from. They can also build their confidence and develop a love of animals by feeding them and collecting eggs.
If you do intend to keep chickens, it is important to set up a safe space for them. For many families, the process starts by Googling terms like chicken coops Australia to understand what will work best for their suburban blocks. Installing a secure coop in your home helps to keep chickens safe and makes it easier to care for them.
It also helps families to maintain tidy backyards, because chooks love grass. They particularly enjoy foraging in it for bugs, weeds and tender shoots, as they are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. (Just make sure the grass isn’t too long or stringy, as that can cause them issues.)
What makes a chicken breed family-friendly?
Most family-friendly chicken breeds share a few common traits. Typically, they have a good temperament and are calm and comfortable around people. They also tend to settle into family life more easily and cope well with basic care routines.
When choosing a family-friendly chicken breed, it is worth considering how much space they need, how noisy they are and how well they handle Australia’s weather. Size is also another consideration to take into account, as some bigger breeds can be intimidating for younger kids.
10 best backyard chicken breeds for Aussie families
So, what are the best breeds of chickens you can have in your backyard? You’ll be able to find more information from the RSPCA here. However, these ten breeds are very popular with Australian households.
1. Australorp
Australorps have been an Aussie favourite for many years. They are calm, hardy and excellent egg layers. Their gentle nature also makes them easy to manage around younger children.
2. Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rocks are naturally very friendly and curious creatures. This helps them to adjust well to family environments and cope more easily with backyard living. When settled, they provide a very consistent supply of eggs.
3. Sussex
Sussex chickens are known for being confident without being overly pushy. They enjoy human company and especially suit households whose kids are interested in learning about 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 are quite predictable in their behaviour.
5. Wyandotte
Wyandottes are visually striking chickens. They are also calm and have a steady temperament, which suits mixed-age households. As they can handle cooler weather well, they are popular breeds for families in the southern states.
6. Orpington
Orpingtons are known for their gentle personalities. Given that they move slowly and tolerate gentle handling, they are another great option for families with young children.
7. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are strong and reliable. They cope well with backyard conditions and tend to be friendly when raised around people.
8. Austral White
Austral Whites share many traits with Australorps, so they are very easy to care for. They also cope well in different Australian conditions.
9. Australorp Crosses
This type of crossbreed is known for having good temperaments and an ability to lay eggs on a regular basis. As chooks go they are quite a resilient and adaptable breed.
10. Pekin Bantam
Kids love Pekin Bantams because they are small, fluffy and have a gentle nature. They best suit families with limited space.
How many chickens does a family really need?
Most families start with three or four hens. This is a good number because it provides a steady supply of eggs without wasting any. It also allows chickens to socialise, which keeps them calm and settled.
If you have a larger family, you might want to choose five or six hens. Just make sure you have a decent amount of space in your backyard. However many chooks you keep, it is worth referring to local council rules relating to their upkeep first.
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 there is plenty of fresh water on hand to keep them hydrated and settled.
Their coops should be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it in a safe and healthy condition. Make a point of checking the ventilation and roosts when doing this, and that they are safe from predators like snakes, hawks, cats, goannas and foxes.
