18 Friendliest Chicken Breeds For Mixed Flocks – No More Coop Drama Or Farmyard Brawls!
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When it comes to the friendliest chicken breeds, these 14 feathered varieties are our favorites! Unlike aggressive birds that can create flock drama, these gentle souls coexist harmoniously with your entire family while never bullying their coop mates. They are excellent farm animals, can lay hundreds of delicious eggs annually, devour pesky garden bugs, and provide quality meat for the dinner table when needed.

Sound good?
Then, let’s explore the friendliest chicken breeds for homesteaders, backyard farmers, and small ranchers alike!
18 Friendliest Chicken Breeds For Mixed Flocks
We’ve known many pleasant chickens over the years. However, these 18 breeds are the friendliest and most peaceable of the bunch.
1. Silkie

Silkie chickens are like walking cotton balls. They’re the teddy bears of the chicken world! Their fluffy feathers make them irresistible to pet, and they’re so docile they practically beg to be held. Kids especially love their soft, fur-like plumage and gentle nature.
- Appearance: Fluffy, fur-like feathers with black skin, blue earlobes, and feathered legs.
- Full-Grown Size: Bantam-sized, usually around 2 to 3 pounds.
- Uses: Primarily ornamental or as pets. Excellent brooders for hatching eggs.
- Yearly Eggs: 100 to 120 small cream/tinted eggs.
- Temperament: Exceptionally docile, affectionate, and often enjoy being held.
Keep these fluffy darlings dry since their unique feathers don’t repel water like regular chicken feathers!
2. Buff Orpington

Picture a friendly golden retriever in the form of a backyard chicken. That’s the Buff Orpington. These chunky, blonde beauties are famous for being lap chickens who enjoy snuggling. They’re perfect starter birds because they’re nearly impossible to ruffle.
- Appearance: Large, golden-buff plumage with a soft, rounded shape.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens weigh 6 to 8 pounds. Roosters are around 8 to 10 pounds.
- Uses: Dual-purpose breed for both eggs and meat.
- Yearly Eggs: 200 – 280 large brown eggs.
- Temperament: Gentle, cuddly, and great with children or new chicken keepers.
Buff Orpington hens are such dedicated mothers they’ll happily adopt chicks from other breeds and raise them as their own.
3. Delaware

These black-and-white stunners are like the friendly neighbor who waves at everyone. Delaware chickens are naturally curious about people and make excellent mixed-flock members because they get along with peers without being pushy.
- Appearance: White feathers with black bars on the neck and tail.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens weigh 6 to 7 pounds. Roosters up to 8 to 9 pounds.
- Uses: Excellent egg layers and also suitable for meat.
- Yearly Eggs: 200 – 250 large brown eggs.
- Temperament: Calm, friendly, and easygoing, especially in mixed flocks.
Originally developed as a dual-purpose breed, Delawares are excellent layers that also provide a lovely Sunday dinner when the time comes.
Read More – 10 Things All Homesteaders And Farmers Must Know Before They Buy Or Raise Chickens!
4. Barbu d’Uccle (Mille Fleur)

Don’t let their fancy name fool you – these pint-sized beauties with feathered feet are total sweethearts! They’re like tiny, living garden ornaments that follow you around, hoping for treats and attention.
- Appearance: Small and ornate with feathered legs, beards, and mottled feather patterns.
- Full-Grown Size: Bantam-sized, about 1.5 to 2 pounds.
- Uses: Primarily ornamental or as friendly pets.
- Yearly Eggs: 100 – 150 medium cream/tinted eggs.
- Temperament: Very tame, affectionate, and love perching on people’s shoulders.
You’ll notice these birds often have striking, intricate, elegant feather patterns. Their small size also makes them ideal for small backyards or urban coops.
5. Brahma

Think “gentle giant,” and you’ve nailed the Brahma personality. Despite their impressive size, they’re incredibly calm and won’t pick on smaller flock members. As a bonus, their feathered feet make them look like they’re wearing thick, fluffy slippers!
- Appearance: Large and imposing with feathered legs and soft, fluffy plumage.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens weigh 8 to 10 pounds. Roosters up to 12 to 14 pounds.
- Uses: Dual-purpose for eggs and meat, outstanding in cold climates.
- Yearly Eggs: 150+ large brown eggs.
- Temperament: Calm, slow-moving, and gentle giants who rarely cause conflict.
These cold-hardy giants are a perfect choice for homesteaders living in cooler weather. Their dense feathering makes them winter champions in northern climates.
6. Sussex (Speckled Sussex)

These speckled beauties are the perfect mix of curious and cuddly. Sussex chickens love investigating everything you’re doing and aren’t shy about asking for treats or attention! They’re friendly and inquisitive. Their peaceful nature also makes them excellent flock mediators.
- Appearance: Rich mahogany feathers speckled with white and a classic English look.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens average 6 to 7 pounds. Roosters up to 8 to 9 pounds.
- Uses: Excellent egg layers and suitable for meat.
- Yearly Eggs: 250 – 300 large light brown eggs.
- Temperament: Exceptionally friendly, curious, and people-focused.
The speckled pattern of your Sussex chicken gets more beautiful with age as they develop more white tips on their feathers after each molt.
Read More – How To Keep Hungry Foxes Away From Your Roosters, Hens, And Coop!
7. Red or Black Sex-Link

These happy hybrids are practically perfect when it comes to temperament. They’re famously easygoing and people-friendly and also ideal for beginners who want tons of eggs without any drama.
- Appearance: Typically solid red or black feathers, depending on the cross, with a practical, no-frills appearance.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens weigh 5 to 6 pounds. The roosters are about 6 to 8 pounds.
- Uses: Prolific egg layers bred for high production.
- Yearly Eggs: 250 – 300 large brown eggs.
- Temperament: Very calm, sweet, and easy to raise, even for beginners.
As hybrids, sex-link chickens combine the best traits of their parent breeds and are legendary for pumping out eggs almost daily during peak laying season.
8. Dorking

With their old-school reputation, unique five toes, and mellow personality, Dorkings are like zen masters of the chicken coop. They genuinely enjoy human company and rarely cause commotion in mixed flocks.
- Appearance: Short-legged, broad-bodied birds with five toes instead of the usual four.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens weigh about 7 pounds. The roosters are up to 9 pounds.
- Uses: Dual-purpose birds valued for meat and white eggs.
- Yearly Eggs: 150 – 200 large white eggs.
- Temperament: Affectionate and docile with a friendly, trusting nature.
Their unusual five toes (instead of the typical four) make them easily identifiable. They’re also one of the oldest English breeds still thriving today!
9. Dominique

Dominique chickens rule! They’re America’s oldest breed with epic old-fashioned charm and reliability. These barred beauties are naturally calm and have that classic farmyard appeal that makes them perfect ambassadors for backyard chicken keeping.
- Appearance: Barred black and white feathers with a rose comb and traditional look.
- Full-Grown Size: Hens weigh 5 to 6 pounds. The roosters are around 7 to 8 pounds.
- Uses: Good layers of brown eggs. They’re also superb meat birds.
- Yearly Eggs: 200 – 250 large brown eggs.
- Temperament: Calm, steady, and enjoy human interaction without being demanding.
These heritage birds are incredibly hardy and self-sufficient, making them perfect for free-range situations where they can showcase their excellent foraging skills.
Read More – Our Top Ten Tips For Raising Happy Hens, Chickens, And Roosters!
10. Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock)

These black-and-white striped classics are like the dependable best friend everyone needs. Plymouth Rocks are outgoing without being obnoxious and adapt beautifully to nearly any flock dynamic.
- Appearance: Black and white barred feathers with a bright red comb and wattles.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens weigh 6 to 7 pounds. The roosters can reach 8 to 9 pounds.
- Uses: Excellent dual-purpose breed for eggs and meat.
- Yearly Eggs: 200 – 250 large brown eggs.
- Temperament: Friendly, confident, and good with both children and other chickens.
Plymouth Rocks are such reliable layers that many commercial operations use them, but they’re equally happy as backyard pets who love to follow you around the garden.
11. Australorp

Originally from Australia, these glossy black beauties bring a serene energy to any flock. They’re incredibly gentle and have a calming effect on more excitable breeds around them. Their unique black plumage also makes them a pleasure to behold as they forage in your yard.
- Appearance: Shiny black feathers with a beetle-green sheen.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens average 5 to 7 pounds. The roosters are slightly larger.
- Uses: Fantastic egg layers, especially in colder climates.
- Yearly Eggs: 250 – 300 large brown eggs.
- Temperament: Gentle, calm, and easy to integrate into most flocks.
These champion layers once held the world record for egg production, with one hen laying 364 eggs in 365 days!
12. Wyandotte

These chickens are sweethearts. With their gorgeous laced feathers and social butterfly personality, Wyandottes are natural flock diplomats. They’re confident enough to hold their own but sweet enough to welcome newcomers.
- Appearance: Rounded bodies with laced feather patterns in many beautiful colors.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens weigh 6 to 7 pounds. Roosters are around 8 to 9 pounds.
- Uses: Dual-purpose, dependable egg layers and good meat birds.
- Yearly Eggs: 200 – 250 large brown eggs.
- Temperament: Social and steady, though occasionally assertive in pecking orders.
Wyandotte chickens have rose combs that make them more cold-hardy than single-comb breeds. They also come in stunning color varieties that resemble living art.
Read More – 21 Best Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds! Perfect For A Coop Packed With Yummy Eggs!
13. Jersey Giant

Here’s another gentle giant chicken. The Jersey Giant! Despite being the largest chicken breed, Jersey Giants are surprisingly docile and careful around smaller birds. They’re like having a friendly colossus in your backyard – impressive but adorable.
- Appearance: Massive birds with black, white, or blue feathers and clean legs.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens weigh 10 to 11 pounds. The roosters get up to 13 to 15 pounds.
- Uses: Primarily meat birds, but also decent layers of large brown eggs.
- Yearly Eggs: 150 – 200 large brown eggs.
- Temperament: Gentle, mellow, and surprisingly easy to handle for their size.
Despite their size, Jersey Giants mature slowly, so patience is key. However, the wait is worth it for these magnificent gentle giants.
14. Cochin

These fluffy orbs of friendliness are living stress relievers! Their incredibly mellow nature and adorable fluffiness make them irresistible to children and perfect for therapy chicken programs.
- Appearance: Extra-fluffy feathers, feathered legs, and a round, puffy shape.
- Full-Grown Size: Hens weigh 7 to 8 pounds. The roosters can reach 10 to 11 pounds.
- Uses: Ornamental, broody hens, and fair egg layers.
- Yearly Eggs: 110 – 160 medium light brown eggs.
- Temperament: Exceptionally laid-back and friendly, even with other pets.
Their broody nature means Coochins make excellent mothers, though you might need to “break” them from sitting on eggs if you want consistent laying.
15. Salmon Faverolles

With their beard, muffs, and five toes, these French charmers look quirky and act even quirkier in the sweetest way. They’re famously docile and seem to love hanging around with humans.
- Appearance: Light salmon-pink and white feathers with beards and feathered legs.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens weigh 6 to 7 pounds. Roosters get up to around 8 to 9 pounds.
- Uses: Dual-purpose for eggs and meat. Also, great broody hens.
- Yearly Eggs: 150 – 200 large brown eggs.
- Temperament: Extra sweet, curious, and among the most sociable chickens.
Salmon Faverolles are so docile they often end up at the bottom of the pecking order, so they do best with other gentle breeds.
Read More – How Long Do Chickens Live For? And How Long Will They Lay Eggs?
16. Easter Egger

Easter Eggers are as friendly as they are fascinating! Their curious nature means they’ll often be the first to greet you. And their rainbow eggs are like daily treasures that keep morning egg collections entertaining.
- Appearance: As hybrids, they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Most have distinctive puffy cheeks (muffs) and beards.
- Full-Grown Size: Hens weigh approximately 4 to 6 pounds. The roosters are 6 to 8 pounds.
- Uses: Prized for their colorful eggs, which may be blue, green, or sometimes pinkish or tan.
- Yearly Eggs: 200 – 280 large blue/green/pink eggs.
- Temperament: Curious, gentle, and very adaptable in mixed flocks.
Easter Egger eggs come in a beautiful array of colors, ranging from pastel blues or greens to creamy pinks. It’s a unique way to add a dash of color to your breakfast table!
17. Langshan Chickens

Langshans may not be the flashiest birds in the coop, but don’t let their calm demeanor fool you. They’re the quiet darlings of the flock. With their tall, elegant stance and feathered legs, they glide around the yard like little chicken ballerinas. They’re also incredibly mellow, which makes them perfect for mixed flocks. They mind their own business, avoid picking fights, and adapt easily to new friends.
- Appearance: Tall and elegant posture with clean, long legs and glossy black, blue, or white feathers.
- Full-Grown Size: Hens typically weigh 7 to 8 pounds. The roosters can reach 9 to 10 pounds.
- Uses: Good for both egg production and meat, with dark brown eggs and tall carcasses.
- Yearly Eggs: 150 – 200 large dark brown eggs.
- Temperament: Calm, gentle, and easy to handle, making them great for peaceful flocks.
Langshans are a lovely, peaceful choice with old-fashioned charm and feathered flair.
18. Polish Chickens

We saved the best for last. The epic Polish chicken! Polish chickens are the life of any mixed flock. And we love their wild feather hats! With their quirky crests and curious personalities, they bring a dash of comedy to the coop and get along with just about everyone. Polish hens are gentle, rarely ruffle feathers (except their own), and love to explore alongside their feathered friends.
- Appearance: Distinctive and eye-catching with a fluffy, poofy crest of feathers atop their head, often resembling a feathered hat.
- Full-Grown Size: The hens weigh about 4 to 5 pounds. Roosters reach around 6 pounds.
- Uses: Primarily ornamental and exhibition birds, though they can lay a moderate number of white eggs.
- Yearly Eggs: 150 – 200 medium white eggs.
- Temperament: Generally friendly and curious but can be flighty or easily startled, especially if their crest blocks their vision.
If you want a flock that’s as friendly as it is entertaining, Polish chickens are a must-have for any homesteader, gardener, or backyard chicken wrangler!
Read More – 39 Cheap Ways To Feed Your Chicken Flock Without Buying Expensive Food!
Conclusion

Whether you’re building your first flock or adding to an existing one, these friendly chicken breeds prove that having chickens doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Their sweet temperaments, productive nature, and genuine enjoyment of human company make them ideal partners in your backyard farming adventure!
What about you?
- Are you looking to add some friendly chickens to your flock this year?
- Will your new flock mates come from any of these friendly chicken breeds?
- Do you raise any other farm animals that accompany your chickens?
Thanks for reading.
Have a great day!