The Top 10 Friendliest Chicken Breeds

Raising backyard chickens isn’t just about fresh eggs — it’s about building a flock that fits your home, lifestyle, and even your personality. Whether you’re a first-time chicken keeper or a seasoned pro, choosing the right breeds can make all the difference in creating a happy, harmonious coop. That’s why we’ve put together The Top 10 Friendliest Chicken Breeds — so you can pick hens that aren’t just great egg-layers but also affectionate, social, and fun to have around.

Chickens, like people, come with their own unique personalities. Some love to snuggle and follow you around the yard, while others are curious explorers or sassy little escape artists. Finding the right fit for your flock can lead to happier hens and a more rewarding backyard chicken-keeping experience.

So, whether you’re after a gentle, kid-friendly companion or a sociable egg-layer who’ll brighten your mornings, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover the friendliest chicken breeds that will bring charm, character, and plenty of personality to your flock — and if you find yourself needing more space for your growing brood, check out our coops  to keep everyone happy and comfortable!

The Friendliest Chicken Breeds

One of our favorite parts of raising chickens is how each one surprises us with their own personality. While many chicken breeds are known for their friendly nature, it’s important to choose the right breed based on factors like temperament, cold-hardiness, egg production, and feathering. Whether you’re looking for a calm companion or a hardy egg layer with fluffy plumage, selecting the right breed makes all the difference. So, if you want friendly birds that greet you at the gate like feathery golden retrievers, you must choose the right breed. Some chickens are just naturally friendlier than others - and we hate to generalize - but sometimes, it really does come down to selective breeding.

So, what are the top 10 friendliest chicken breeds, and how do they compare on other factors, like egg laying, suitability for cold climates, and their fluffy appearance? Let's take a look.

Here are our choices for the hens to have to make up your friendly flock:

Our Top Choice: #1 The Buff Orpington

These ladies really are the sweethearts of any flock! Buff Orpington chickens are some of the friendliest and most affectionate gals to add to your coop.

Often referred to as the “lap dogs” of the chicken world, these gentle birds  thrive on human interaction and enjoy being petted and held. Many of our coop keeper friends have shared that their Buff Orpingtons follow them around the yard, constantly seeking attention and affection. Their calm temperament also makes them a wonderful choice for families with kids, as they are gentle and easy to handle.

On top of their friendly personalities, Buffington ladies are also dependable egg layers, producing around 200 eggs of their signature large brown eggs a year. They are excellent mothers and known for their broody nature, caring for their chicks with tenderness and dedication. If you’re looking to grow your flock, Buff Orpingtons are a fantastic choice!  

2.) Plymouth Rock

If you want to add a curious and social chicken to your coop who also loves human interaction, Plymouth Rock chickens might be just what you are looking for. These glorious hens are known for their easygoing and affectionate nature and, of course, their distinct red plumage. On top of this, they love humans. Many of the coop keepers we have spoken to say that their Plymouth Rocks learn who their owners are very quickly. They get excited when they see you coming and will eagerly follow you around the yard.

In addition to these attention-loving hens, Plymouth Rock’s are also great  layers, and can produce up to 280 eggs a year. These cold-hardy girls are a great choice for backyard chicken keepers in various climates, too, and can withstand a chill without it impacting their egg production (but if the winters get too cold where you are, you might want to invest in storm protection to keep them warm and happy in their coop).

3.) Cochin Bantam

If you're looking for a chicken that is not only affectionate but also has a loyal, almost pet-like personality, look no further than the Cochin Bantam.These adorable ladies make wonderful pets and love to be fussed with. Cochin chickens are known for their gentle and calm nature. They really do love their humans, too. Many Bantam owners we know agree that these ladies love to be held and will sit on  their laps - actively seek out attention from their owners, waddling right up to you on their fluffy butts if they want affection. 

The Cochin Bantam  are more rare than some other chicken breeds on this list, which makes adding them to your flock harder if you don't know where to look. While Bantams are not as prolific in egg production as other breeds like the Rhode Island Red or Buff Orpington, they still lay medium-sized brown eggs, and provide great care for their chicks.

These adorable chickens are not only irresistibly cute, but their gentle nature makes them a fantastic addition to any home. Did we mention their extra-fluffy feet? Cochin Bantams are the perfect choice for anyone looking for a charming and affectionate bird with a unique personality to welcome into their flock.

4.) Rhode Island Reds

Rhode Island Reds are bold, friendly, and full of personality!

These hens are curious, social, and confident, always exploring their surroundings and interacting with their human keepers.  . any Rhode Island Red owners report that these chickens love to "talk" and can often be heard clucking away as they go about their day. Although these girls are self-sufficient, they still love attention and form strong bonds with their humans.

However, we do need to mention that their curiosity also makes them good escape artists, which means you'll need a sturdy chicken coop to keep them contained.All in all, a Rhode Island Red is a great all-American choice, producing up to 280 eggs per year – which beats out almost all the other breeds on our list. Just be prepared for their lively chatter – it can be loud if you are not used to it! 

5.) Wyandottes

Coming in strong at the halfway point is the adorable and easygoing Wyandotte. These girls are a great choice if you want a sociable but low-maintenance flock. These beautiful birds have a gentle temperament and are a really great choice for beginners and families.  Wyandottes enjoy spending time with their human keepers, though they are also independent and enjoy foraging and exploring on their own. While not the cuddliest of breeds, Wyandottes still show affection in their own way, often coming to spend time with you while you work in the yard.

This breed is well-suited to cooler climates, and don't do very well in hot weather. Wyandottes  are pretty reliable egg layers and aren't broody, a great choice if egg production is high up on your  list.

6.) Speckled Sussex

Coming in at number 6 on our list, the Speckles Sussex are chatty yet friendly, making them a fun and engaging addition to your flock. 

These girls are the perfect choice if you want a chicken that is as friendly as it is talkative - and boy, do these girls like to gab! Many of our keeper friends say their Speckled ladies follow them around, clucking away as if having  a conversation.Their friendly nature and enjoyment being held makes them great for families, and they are especially good for beginner chicken keepers..

If their speckled plumage isn’t enough to convince you,  these ladies are great egg layers as well. Laying up to 250 eggs per year, these speckled sisters are hardy birds that can adapt to most climates and environments.

We should note that this breed can be difficult to find, as they are somewhat rare, so it’s important to find a reputable breeder if you're interested in adding Speckled Sussex to your flock.

7.) Silkies

For an unmatched level of cuteness, Silkies are truly in a league of their own.

These girls are some of the cutest chickens we have ever seen, and the perfect combination of charm and affection,Known for their soft, fluffy feathers and gentle personalities, they are undoubtedly one of the most adorable chicken breeds. These sweet girls thrive on attention and love to be held and pampered, often staying close to their human companions since they can't fly. Their calm, loving nature makes them a favorite among backyard keepers, and their fluffy feathers practically beg to be touched. If you're looking for a cuddly, affectionate companion, Silkies are an excellent choice!

Silkie hens may sit comfortably on your lap for hours, but they aren't known for their egg production. Laying only about 120 multi-colored eggs per year, their sweet nature and charming appearance more than make up for it. These hens are a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a loving and low-maintenance pet chicken.

8.) Faverolles

Faverolles are  friendly, gentle, and affectionate chickens that will quickly win your heart.

These sweet girls are a good choice for keepers looking for calm and docile hens who enjoy human attention. Their fluffy plumes and feathered feet help to add to their sweet and affectionate appeal. They are a bit more sensitive than some other breeds, so they are best kept in a flock of just Faverolles to avoid bullying from other chickens.

As well as their lovely facial feathers, Faverolles lay around 200 eggs per year in a low-stress and peaceful environment. While their eggs are on the smaller side, their gentle nature and beautiful appearance make them a lovely addition to any flock.

9.) Australorp

If you are looking for low-maintenance ladies who are calm and gentle, you will love the Australorp. These laid-back hens are a great choice for backyard keepers who like a flock that is friendly but not too demanding.

These  low-energy birds who are quite happy to forage quietly or relax in their coop. They aren't quite as attention-seeking as some of the ladies higher up the list (we're talking to you, Buffingtons), they can form strong bonds with their human keepers and become affectionate over time.  Their glossy black feathers shimmer with hints of green, also make them a beautiful addition to any flock.

Australorps are reliable egg layers, producing up to 250 eggs per year, and they adapt well to a variety of climates, making them a great all-around breed for many chicken keepers.

10.) Jersey Giants

Last but certainly not least are the Jersey Giants – but don’t let their impressive size intimidate you – these ladies are large, gentle birds with a calm and friendly nature.

They may tower over your other chickens, but their calm and friendly nature means the Jersey Giants get along with chickens, humans, and even other animalsYes, these  heavyweights can weigh up to 11 pounds (!!), but they are gentle and affectionate birds who love human interaction and spending time with their keepers in the yard.

Jersey Giants are also great layers You can expect up to 200 eggs per year. However, their size does mean they need plenty of space, so they’re best suited for chicken keepers who have a bit more room. do need plenty of space to move around and ar, so only consider them if you have enough room in your flock.

Tips For Adding Your New Girls to Your Flock

Bringing friendly chicken breeds home, whether you've chosen a feathered Silkie or a sleek Rhode Island Red, is just the beginning. What's critical in building a friendly, happy flock is taking the time to earn their trust. Even naturally friendly and sociable breeds need a little time to adjust to their new surroundings and to bond with their new family, so don't be surprised if even the friendliest chicken breeds are a little skittish at first.

Time, patience, and a few treats will help.

The best time to start building a bond is when your chickens are chicks. We find that talking to them regularly and using a soft, calming voice will help you make some good progress. They will learn to trust you more and associate you with feeling safe (and being regularly fed!)

Take it slow with those baby chicks at first—they need their rest! Start by gently petting their chests once or twice a day to help them get used to you. For the older gals, try offering some tasty treats like mealworms or chopped greens to get their attention. And when you're with them, sit quietly in the coop and let them come to you at their own pace. After all, nobody likes to be startled! 

Remember that trust and love are built over time. Keep your interactions positive, and never chase your chickens - this can make them very nervous. Once they are comfortable around you, you can try picking them up. Gently lift them, supporting their feet and wings, and hold them close to your body so they feel safe. Before too long, your chickens will recognize you as a part of their flock - following you around the yard and socializing with you whenever they get the chance.

The Final Cluck

Raising chickens can be a beautiful, life-changing experience. Finding the friendliest chicken breeds is only the start - bonding with them and providing a safe and happy home for them to thrive is where the fun really starts.

Whether you’re starting with Buff Orpingtons, adding Silkies to your flock, or welcoming Jersey Giants into your backyard, each of these breeds has something special to offer. With patience and care, you’ll create a friendly and thriving coop in no time. And remember, once you've chosen your hens, they need a home—so be sure to check out our selection of our best-selling chicken coops to give your girls the best home possible. Happy chicken keeping, and here's to a flock full of joy (and eggs)!