Last Updated on July 2, 2021 by Fumipets

Naturally, various individuals have various ideas on what constitutes the ideal chicken breed.

Here’s a checklist of things to look for when choosing a breed, including egg-laying ability, sociability, and other qualities we love in our chickens.

Scroll down to see our breed profiles, which include links to articles on each breed.

The A-Z List of Breeds

A

Ameraucana

The Ameraucana breed was developed in the United States about 1970, which is quite late in comparison to most other breeds.

American scientists created the Ameraucana, a descendant of the Chilean Araucana, to keep the Araucana’s characteristic light blue-colored eggs while removing a gene that might cause chicks to die within the egg.

The majority of Ameraucana owners and breeders agree that these hens are inquisitive, personable, and simple to manage.

They are, however, easily frightened, therefore they may not be suitable for use with little children.

Their sought-after light blue-colored eggs range in size from medium to big, and they lay around 150 each year.

Andalusian

Andalusian chickens are a kind of chicken that originated in the Spanish province of Andalusia and was brought to England in the 1850s.

By 1874, Andalusians had arrived in the United States, where they quickly became a component of the American Poultry Association’s American Standard of Perfection.

Andalusian chickens are noted for being inquisitive and sociable, but if picked up or handled, they may become flighty. Each year, a normal Andalusian hen will lay around 150 big, white eggs.

Araucana

The Araucana is a South American bird that was initially discovered in Chile by a Chilean aviculturist investigating indigenous breeds in 1914.

The Araucana is the parent breed of the American Ameraucana, which was created to have a unique blue eggshell colour and to lack the gene that causes the Araucana to die within the egg when it is faulty.

In terms of disposition, this breed is amiable, non-aggressive, and gets along well with other animals and children.

Araucana is cold-hardy and a good forager, so it may help you save money on feed. Each year, they lay 200-250 medium-sized yet gorgeous blue or green eggs.

Australorp 

The Australian Orpington is a bird native to Australia. An outstanding egg layer who now holds the world record for egg production in a year — 364 eggs! The Australorp is also a multi-purpose hen.

They weigh in about a reasonable 5-6 pounds, and the flesh is reputed to be delectable.

The term “Australorp” comes from the Australian Black Orpingtons chicken breeds that were utilised to create this superb egg layer (Australorp).

Australorps, which originated in Australia in the early 1920s and was swiftly embraced by the rest of the globe, is known in other countries as blue and white.

In the United States, only the Black variety is recognised. The Australorp’s friendly demeanour makes it an excellent starter chicken.

To people, it is pleasant, kind, and gentle, and it gets along well with other chickens and animals.

The Australorp was developed specifically for egg production, and it did not disappoint. A hen may lay around 300 big and brown eggs each year on average.

Ayam Cemani 

The Ayam Cemani is a rare and peculiar breed that originated on the Indonesian island of Java.

Dutch seafarers are said to have imported the species to Europe in 1998, and it is still much more popular in Europe than in America.

The Ayam Cemani is black on the inside and out due to a gene that creates hyperpigmented black cells.

Not only is the skin black, including the eyes, tongue, and nails, but the organs, bones, and flesh are as well.

Because the Indonesians regard this breed as holy and mysterious, ceremonies involving the Ayam Cemani are still performed today.

The breed is gentle and kind, and affectionate to humans, despite its rarity in the United States.

The average hen produces approximately 100 eggs each year, therefore they aren’t prolific layers. The eggs are not black in colour, but rather creamy and little in size.

B

Barnevelder

The Barnevelder chicken was created by Dutch breeders in the early twentieth century in the Netherlands.

The most frequent and popular “double laced” variation was created by combining Dutch chickens with Asian breeds.

Breeders began with single-laced feathers, then progressed to the double lacing that the breed is now renowned for.

The American Poultry Association currently recognises only double-laced Barnevelders as a breed.

A blue double-laced variation is available in the United States, though it is not considered a standard.

Barnevelders are often described as calm, pleasant, and easy-going chickens.

Barnevelders are known to enjoy humans, especially youngsters, according to their owners.

They lay around 150 dark brown eggs each year on average, every second or third day.

Belgian d’Uccle

Around 1900, the Belgian d’Uccle (pronounced Dew-clay) was originally bred in the little Belgian town of Uccle in southeast Brussels.

The ‘d’ in front of d’Uccle denotes origin or origins (Uccle).

Mille Fleur, Porcelain, and White were among the initial Belgian muscle varieties, but the most popular Mille Fleur was the first variety registered with the American Poultry Association in 1914.

Black, Golden Neck, Mottled, and Self Blue are some of the other kinds.

The Belgian d’Uccle’s docile, calm, and sociable demeanour makes them not only simple to have in your brood, but also terrific pets.

Belgian d’Uccle lay around 100-110 rather attractive, tiny cream/tinted eggs a year, while not being very excellent layers.

They use less grain and cost less to feed than many other breeds since they are superb foragers and little birds in general.

Black Copper Marans

The Marans breed is called after the ancient port town of Marans in southern France, where it first appeared in the 1920s.

It was not accepted as a standard by the American Poultry Association until 2011. It is a rather unusual breed in America.

The Black Copper Maran is by far the most common breed, however other Marans might be white or wheaten in colour.

Marans are energetic birds that make excellent foragers when left to their own devices.

They are also clever, sociable, and peaceful hens that would make a fantastic beginner chicken since they are a nice, docile breed that requires little upkeep.

This breed produces 180-210 eggs each year and is an excellent egg layer. They are a popular among chefs and farmers alike for their characteristic rich, chocolate brown eggs.

Black Star

Black Star chickens are one of a number of hybrid poultry breeds.

Crossing two heritage breed chickens (chickens produced before the mid-twentieth century and recognised by the American Poultry Association) produces a hybrid.

Black Stars are a hybrid between a rooster from Rhode Island or New Hampshire and a hen from the Barred Rock region of the United States.

Stars are “sex link” chickens, which means they’re bred to have males and females that have different colours when they hatch.

You’d think that as a unique hybrid breeding result, their progeny would be real “stars.”

The Black Star hen lays around 300 extra-large brown eggs every year!

Aside from its production benefits, the Black Star is an excellent addition to any backyard chicken flock. They have a gentle, peaceful demeanour and make sounds only after laying their eggs.

Raising Black Star chickens is simple, convenient, and bearable to concerned neighbours because of these traits.

Blue Laced Red Wyandotte 

Wyandottes were created in the 1880s in upstate New York and are called after the Native American Wyandotte Nation who lived in the area at the time.

Dark Brahma and Spangled Hamburgs are reported to have given birth to them.

Although the Wyandotte chicken breed originated in New York State, the Blue Laced Red variation is said to have originated in Saxony, England.

This apparent disparity might be due to some back-and-forth breed selection between nations.

Blue Laced Red Wyandottes are quite sociable, particularly if they have been raised in a household with humans.

They are laid-back birds that are ideal for farms with children roaming about, and they are generally mild-mannered.

If they are provided a reward, some of them grow friendly enough to leap up on their owners’ laps.

This breed’s egg output is normally between 200 and 240 per year. These eggs are light brown or cream in colour and medium in size.

Brahma

They’re big and lovable chickens. They might be bashful, but they are normally pleasant and love being around other people.

The Brahma’s ancestors may be traced back to exceptionally huge fowl brought from China between 1850 and 1890, following earlier breeding from Chittagong fowl in India.

The name “Brahma” comes from the Brahmaputra River, which runs through China and India. They were created in three different colour varieties: light, dark, and buff.

Brahmas are highly sociable when it comes to disposition, as long as they’ve been reared to love people’s presence.

They are peaceful, gentle, and calm hens that get along well with other hens and like eating goodies from your hand.

They generate the majority of their eggs from October to May and roughly 150 each year, making them a good winter layer.

The Brahma’s eggs are big and consistently light brown in colour.

Bresse

Bresse was developed as a separate chicken breed around 500 years ago.

Technically, the birds of this breed must be reared inside the legally recognised territory of the historical region of Bresse, which is located between the Rhone and the Saone.

The Alps of France and the river. Bresse Chickens are regarded as the world’s best-tasting and most costly chickens.

The French government strictly regulates the growing and sale of Bresse hens in order to maintain the highest quality standards.

There are restrictions on how much land they can access, what they can eat, and how they must be handled.

The French claim that it was raised in France for a Bresse named a Bresse.

In France, the original Bresse chicken line is still alive and thriving. The Bresse hen from France is a unique breed.

They are looked after and given a particular diet, all of which is closely monitored by the French Agriculture Department. All of this focus results in a pricey chicken supper.

As a result, American chicken breeders refer to them as “American Bresse.”

Bresse cattle were first imported to the United States from France in 2011, and since then, American breeders have attempted to replicate the traditional techniques of growing Bresse cattle by giving them with access to lush pasture and finishing them on organic grains and dairy products.

If one were to attempt to raise Bresse hens, one may anticipate them to have calm dispositions and make lovely barnyard friends.

Each year, they lay around 250 big, golden-brown eggs.

American Bresse chickens are now available. They are fundamentally the same bird, although they were nurtured in different ways.

The meat is supposed to be delicious. They are picked between 16 and 20 weeks of age and dress out at 5-7 pounds.

Because they develop at a slower rate, feed conversion is average.

Brown Leghorn

The Brown Leghorn is a versatile bird that may be used for a variety of purposes. It will lay 280 eggs each year on average.

They’re ready to be slaughtered at 16 weeks and weigh around 5-6 pounds. They are also strong foragers, resulting in a favourable feed ratio.

Despite the fact that Leghorns aren’t recognised for their flesh, the brown variety’s flesh is rather good.

If you’re looking for additional information about egg-laying breeds, check out 10 Breeds of Chicken That Will Lay Lots of Eggs for You.

Brown Leghorn Chickens are a kind of Leghorn chicken that originated in Tuscany, Italy, in the early 1800s.

They were first known as “Italians,” then “Livorno,” the name of the port city in Italy from which Italians shipped them, but by 1865, they were simply known as Leghorn.

Leghorn is an Anglican term for the Italian word Livorno. Leghorns were first transported to America in the mid-nineteenth century.

Although the Leghorn breed originated in Italy, most of the colour variants, including the Brown Leghorn, were created in the United Kingdom, America, and Denmark (perhaps for greater concealment).

Leghorns are flighty, frightened birds that are timid and flighty. They like to be left alone and do not want to mingle with other people.

When you add in the fact that Leghorns are fast runners that are difficult to capture, they may not be the greatest breed to suggest as a pet.

Leghorns, both brown and white, lay a lot of eggs. A good hen should lay about 300 big, white eggs every year.

Buckeye

A dual-purpose hen that thrives in the cold! The Buckeye chicken is unique in that it is the only chicken breed developed by a woman.

Buckeyes will produce around 200 eggs per year. They may be slaughtered as early as 16 weeks of age and grow to be a good 7-9 pound bird.

The Buckeye is a breed that originated in the late 1800s in the state of Ohio in the United States.

Nettie Metcalf of Warren, Ohio, developed the Buckeye by crossing Barred Plymouth Rocks, Buff Cochins, and some black-breasted red games.

They are energetic, inquisitive birds that like being near humans and other animals. They are also skilled hunters that would go out in search of and capture mice.

Their friendly, inquisitive temperament makes them great pets, as they have been known to leap into their owners’ arms and probe about with their beaks to see what’s going on.

Buckeyes lay around 200 medium-sized brown eggs each year and are very cold resilient; egg-laying occurs all year.

C

Cochin 

Cochins are sometimes known as “Shanghai” birds or “Cochin-Chinas” since they originated in ancient China.

They were introduced to the West in the mid-1800s and were partially responsible for the rise in popularity of raising hens in Britain and the United States, dubbed “hen fever.” Known as one of the ornamental breeds.

Cochins come in a variety of colours, including Buff, Partridge, White, Black, and Silver.

Laced, Golden Laced, Blue, Brown, and Barred are some of the styles available.

Cochins are recognised for being placid and quiet, easy to handle, and sociable, but they are also renowned for being broody, therefore they do not lay eggs.

They lay around 160 big brown eggs each year on average.

Cornish 

This fluffy hen enjoys being petted and may easily be turned into a lap chicken. This bird would make an excellent therapy bird.

Cornish hens are a heritage breed that originated in Cornwall County, England. The best estimation for formation is approximately 1820.

They were brought to America and became members of the American Psychological Association (APA).

In 1893, a standard chicken was introduced. Originally intended to be an all-purpose breed, the hefty physique and muscular character of the breed rapidly resulted in a meat-only chicken.

At least portion of the domestic chicken utilised in the meat business today is Cornish chicken.

Cornish temperaments are aggressive, boisterous, and energetic, making them unsuitable for backyard chicken keepers.

They’re the traditional flesh chicken. They grow too quickly for their bodies to catch up, so their owners must slaughter them to save them pain.

At 4-6 weeks, they’re ready to cull and weigh roughly 8 pounds. The disadvantage of this bird is that it consumes a lot of food, making it poor in terms of feed ratio.

Given that these chickens are mostly utilised for meat, you may not expect them to produce the nicest eggs.

Cornish hens lay about 100-120 medium light brown eggs each year on average.

Crevecoeur

The Crevecoeur, named after the village of Crevecoeur-en-Auge, is one of the oldest and rarest French breeds.

Apart from being from Normandy and being an old crested breed, nothing is known about their origins.

They were formerly highly sought after and frequently offered as payment when acquiring or renting property in France, but they are now so uncommon that they are included on the endangered species list.

Crevecoeur became a member of the American Poultry Association in 1874, and it is now listed as endangered in the United States.

They are a low-maintenance chicken with an energetic attitude that would normally make them a suitable starting chicken, but owing to their rarity, they are not often seen as a beginning or backyard chicken.

A Crevecoeur hen will lay 120 medium white eggs each year on average.

Cubalaya

In the mid-nineteenth century, the Cubalaya chicken breed was imported to Havana from Spain.

They were crossed with Asian breeds before being recrossed with European types. The chickens were then selected selected to keep their look and qualities as a “triple purpose chicken.”

In Cuba, they were intended for cockfighting, as well as egg and meat production.

Cubalaya was accepted by the American Poultry Association in 1939, and it is a rare and attractive breed in North America.

The chickens, on the other hand, are dependable layers with a pleasant personality.

This breed’s hens are nice and docile, but males should be kept separately since they might be hostile to other males.

They are loyal and peaceful when it comes to people. They’re OK with youngsters that are supervised, and some roosters have been known to be particularly protective of their human youngsters.

Each year, Cubalaya chickens produce around 200 medium cream-tinted eggs.

Cream Legbar

Cream Legbar Chickens were created in the 1930s in the United Kingdom, but they are still uncommon in the United States.

The Cream Legbar is not yet recognised by the American Poultry Association (APA).

Still, as of 2012, it has amassed enough popularity in the United States to merit recognition.

The Cream Legbar is a hybrid of Barred Plymouth Rocks and Brown Leghorns, with Araucana and Gold Campine genes thrown in for good measure.

These genes combine to produce extraordinarily attractive eggs ranging from sky-blue to light green turquoise, a lovely plume, and great egg production in this highly sought-after breed.

Autosexing, which decides sex in very young chicks, is another desirable genetic characteristic of this breed.

The female chicks have a dark brown stripe, but the male chicks’ stripe is lighter and less pronounced.

Cream Legbars are gregarious, friendly, and lively birds that are sure to become a beloved backyard chicken in the United States.

They are not very flighty, but being severe foragers, they like wandering. The Cream Legbar hen is an excellent layer, laying 160 to more than 200 eggs every year.

Cuckoo Marans 

In the mid-nineteenth century, the municipality of Maran in France produced this breed.

They arrived in the United Kingdom in the early 1900s and have since gained popularity in a variety of places throughout the globe.

Cuckoo Marans, on the other hand, are still uncommon in the United States.

Cuckoo Marans are busy, foraging birds that get along with other hens pretty well. The Cuckoo Marans rooster, like other kinds, may be rather aggressive at times.

Each year, a normal hen produces 180-200 dark brown eggs. The eggs of the Marans are not only exceptionally black, but they are also more spherical in form than those of other breeds.

D

Delaware

These birds were on their way to becoming the US’s broiler bird, When the Cornish cross was introduced.

Delaware fell out of favour, but it’s making a return among chicken keepers in the “backyard crowd.”

Delaware lays four brown eggs every week, which is a fair yield. At 5 pounds, the hen is also an excellent dual-purpose bird.

Delaware, formerly known as Indian Rivers, was founded in the 1940s by George Ellis in the United States. The bird looks like a mix of a Plymouth Rock and a New Hampshire.

In 1952, the American Poultry Association approved the Delaware breed as a standard of perfection.

The Delaware chicken is resilient, sociable, quiet, and entertaining to watch, according to its owners.

Delawares are excellent foragers as well. Hens develop quickly and produce 100 to 150 big brown or brown-tinted eggs every year, depending on factors such as food quantity and weather.

Dominique

Dominique chickens originated in New England, where they were bred from local poultry. Because this breed is so ancient, no one knows where it originated from or how it evolved. Many people believe this.

Dominiques arrived on the continent with the pilgrims and are frequently referred to as Pilgrim Fowl, though they were not recognised as a breed until the early 1800s.

Dominique hens are recognised for their calmness and dependability, while roosters may be aggressive. Roosters have even been known to kill small rats, cats, and snakes, according to some owners.

These chickens produce a medium-sized light brown egg and have a laying capacity of 230-270 eggs per year.

Dorking

Dorking chickens are one of our oldest breeds. The Dorking chicken breed was named after the town of Dorking in Surrey, England, and is thought to have been introduced to Britain by the Romans in A.D. 43.

Much of its growth had occurred in England, where its meat acquired widespread appreciation.

Nobody knows when Dorkings initially arrived in the United States, but they were well-established by the time the American Poultry Association was founded.

They were accepted to the Standard of Perfection for the first time in 1874.

Dorkings are popular for their tasty meat, but they also make excellent layers, laying 150 to 200 white eggs every year.

These hens’ gentle, quiet personalities would make excellent backyard chickens on their own, but they are so docile that they do not do well when mixed with other breeds.

E

Easter Egger

The Easter Egger is not a recognised breed, but rather any bird that carries the “blue-egg” gene and does not fulfil any of the American Poultry Association’s poultry breed standards.

Various Ameraucanas, Araucanas, and Marans breeds are the most prevalent crosses.

The eggs have a green-blue tinge due to a pigment deposit called enocyanin on the surface of the eggshell.

The colour of each cross will vary based on the breeds used.

An Easter Egger bred with a Maran that lays dark brown eggs, for example, would produce olive green eggs.

Pink, blue, and green eggs, as well as many shade variants of those hues, have been seen.

Easter Eggers have a calm and pleasant demeanour. They are readily taught to sit on your lap and will even come racing to visit you if you give them goodies.

Easter Eggers are not only gentle and sociable, but they are also incredibly robust.

Easter Eggers often produce around 200 big to extra-large eggs every year, in addition to their lovely and distinctive features. They’re a great starter chicken for a home herd.

F

Faverolles

These Faverolles chickens will bring a grin to your face. They’re chatty, interested, pleasant, and a little disorganised!

Frizzle

Frizzle chicken is more of a feather attribute than a breed of chicken. From Africa to the Philippines, this feathered chicken may be dated back to 1600.

The origin of the frizzle gene is assumed to be in Asia.

Although several European nations recognise it as an unique breed, it is not recognised as such in the United States.

This breed is distinguished by its charming feather structure, in which each feather curls towards the bird’s head.

This kind of bird is known for being calm, peaceful, and elegant. They are easy to handle and bring a dash of individuality to any flock.

Frizzle hens provide nice white or coloured eggs (about 160 per year), but they’re more prized as exhibition or show chickens than for their eggs or meat.

G

Golden Comet 

In the United States, the Comet chicken was created as a dual-purpose hybrid breed by combining White Leghorn with Rhode Island Red chickens. The American Poultry Association will never accept it since it is a hybrid.

Its use was quickly limited to egg production, since the Golden Comets gained a reputation for being exceptional egg producers in a commercial context.

Because of its peaceful, friendly, and docile demeanour, the Golden Comet chicken has become a popular option among backyard growers and novices.

The hilarious behaviours that an inquisitive chicken will definitely lead to frequently delighted owners.

As a superb egg layer, a Golden Comet hen normally lays 250-300 brown eggs every year.

Golden Laced Wyandotte

The Wyandotte chicken is a North American breed named after a tribe of North Americans.

The initial breed type was the Silver Laced Wyandotte, which was established in New York State in the 1870s.

The American Standard of Perfection has recognised the Golden Laced Wyandotte chicken breed since 1888.

This breed produces 180-260 good-sized brown eggs every year and does so all year, even in the winter.

Golden Laced Wyandotte chickens are calm. They are normally amicable, but one or two of your flock’s hens may be hostile with other, more docile breeds.

H

Hamburg

Although Hamburg chickens have a German name, they were originally reported in 14th-century Holland.

The first two kinds, the Silver Penciled Hamburg and the Golden Penciled Hamburg, were introduced to England in the early 1780s.

They came in the United States around 1850 and are known for laying medium-sized white eggs.

A tame, hand-raised Hamburg may be a great pet. When left to their own ways, this type is wary of people, hyperactive, and dislikes captivity.

They dislike being handled, but are sociable and kind with the rest of the flock.

One Hamburg hen will lay between 200 and 255 medium white eggs each year.

Houdan

With its ornate head feathers, the Houdan is reminiscent of the Polish chicken. It’s a nice bird with a medium to moderate layering ability that dislikes the cold.

Crossing pure breeds like Light Sussex, Rhode Island Red, and Leghorn resulted in hybrid chicken breeds.

Hybrid chicken cross-breeding became popular in the 1950s around the world, and now specific strains have been developed by crossing many generations and selecting for specific characteristics in the offspring, such as egg numbers, feed conversion, or a broad breast, fast maturity, and body weight in the case of table hybrids.

Hybrids are excellent starter birds since they are frequently disease-vaccinated and are often calm and simple to handle.

As previously mentioned, the colour and quantity of eggs produced by each hybrid are determined by the purpose for which it was created.

I

ISA Brown

In 1978, the ISA Brown (Institut de Sélection Animale Brown) was crossbred and produced in France, especially for egg production.

Because ISA and Merck & Co. joined in 1997 to establish Hubbard ISA, this hybrid is sometimes referred to as Hubbard Isa Browns. The American Poultry Association does not accept the ISA as a hybrid breed.

ISA chickens produce a large amount of eggs each year, up to 285-300. With these chickens, there is also no significant decline in productivity in the autumn owing to dwindling daylight hours.

They lay large brown eggs and are in high demand as commercial egg layers.

ISA Brown Chickens are also known for their calm demeanour.

They are a fantastic starter chicken breed since they are amiable and docile around people and thrive in practically all agricultural situations.

J

Jersey Giant

The Jersey Giant chicken is the world’s biggest purebred chicken breed. The initial goal of the breed, which begun about 1870 by John and Thomas Black of New Jersey, was to create a substitute for the turkey.

The adult birds that result are huge, with mature roosters reaching up to 13 pounds and hens weighing up to 10 pounds.

They develop slowly and may be culled as early as 16 weeks.

The Jersey Giant breed, which was originally designed to be both a commercial meat and egg chicken, is no longer utilised for commercial farming since it takes 6 months to reach full size, compared to 2 months for other varieties.

In 1922, experts added the Black Jersey Giant to the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection.

In 1947, APA introduced the White variant, and in 2002, the Blue variant.

The Jersey Giant is regarded for being a peaceful, gentle, and even-tempered breed.

They would make ideal backyard chickens, despite eating more food during their lives and requiring more room than a smaller breed.

Each year, a Jersey Giant hen produces 150-200 massive, light to medium brown eggs.

L

Lavender Orpington

In the mid- to late-nineteenth century, William Cook created the breed. He named them after Orpington, England, where he grew up.

Orpington Chickens became a staple of British poultry aficionados within ten years of its introduction.

At the turn of the century, the British imported Orpington Chickens to America. Black Orpingtons were the first to be presented in America in 1890, followed by buff Orpingtons not long after.

In 1902, the American Poultry Association recognised the buff hue as the first Orpington variety.

The Lavender Orpington is a new breed that is being aggressively developed for its attractive hue.

Lavender Orpingtons, like the far more popular Buff Orpington, are huge, placid, and sociable birds.

Many people have referred to them as “lap chickens.” They are excellent with youngsters and make excellent pet hens.

Lavender Orpingtons are also good egg layers, laying 175-200 large brown eggs every year.

Light Brahma 

Brahmas are said to have descended from local Chittagong fowls or exceptionally huge fowl brought from China through the Shanghai port.

Its early history, like that of other old breeds, is mostly unknown. While the current Light Brahmas’ origins may have originated in India or China, the breed as we know it today was established in the United States.

Brahma is available in three colour variations: light, dark, and buff.

The American Standard of Perfection approved the Light and Dark Brahma in their original printings in 1874, and the Buff over 30 years later.

Light Brahmas are peaceful and polite hens that get along with other hens and humans.

Brahmas are one of the biggest breeds, averaging 10 pounds in weight. They’re also excellent layers, with one hen producing about 180-240 brown eggs every year.

They’re also great winter layers, laying the majority of their eggs from October to May.

M

Minorca 

The Minorca chicken gets its name from the island of Minorca, off the coast of Spain, where it was previously abundant.

The breeding began during the British rule of the island, which lasted from 1708 until 1783, though the breed is most likely to have started in Menorca and perpetuated in Britain.

Minorca arrived in the United States in 1884 and was accepted into the APA in 1888.

This breed has a calm and pleasant demeanour and thrives on human interaction.

Minorca will thrive in restricted spaces as well. However, since backyard chickens may be flighty, caution should be used while setting up fence limits.

Minorca has a high number of white-shelled eggs that are laid all year. They lay approximately 200-240 eggs each year in general, but lay a little better in warmer regions.

N

Naked Neck 

The Naked Neck breed originated in Transylvania, but Germany was the place where it was refined.

The absence of feathering on the neck is due to a dominant gene that allows for half of the feathers seen in other chickens, making it more resistant to heat and simpler to pluck.

The American Poultry Association recognised Naked Neck into the Standard of Perfection in 1965.

They are outstanding egg layers, laying 120-180 medium-sized light brown eggs each year on average.

The Naked Neck is a peaceful, tranquil, and easy-to-tame creature that is illness resistant and very powerful. As a result, this breed may be an excellent alternative for small farmers, particularly those in hotter areas.

New Hampshire

The Recent Hampshire chicken, named after its home state of New Hampshire in the United States, is a relatively new breed, having been accepted to the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1935.

They are a specialist breed of the Rhode Island Red. Certain breeds were chosen for their vigour and hardiness, as well as early feathering, quick development, maturity, huge egg size, and excellent meat conformation.

Although the New Hampshire’s overall attitude is pleasant, docile, and simple to manage for humans, it is also competitive and aggressive when it comes to gaining food, making it unsuitable for a mixed breed flock.

They produce huge brown eggs, averaging 200-280 per year, and will lay throughout the year, with the colder months being more productive.

O

Onagadori

This is the first chicken with a long tail. Tails as long as 27 feet have been reported!

Because the male Onagadori possesses a non-molting gene, it may take up to three years for it to entirely lose parts of its feathers.

Orpingtons 

Orpington chickens are a calm and sociable kind of chicken. Never rush anyplace, she’s interested, and if you offer her sweets, she’ll be your buddy for life.

P

Phoenix 

This German breed is a descendant of the Japanese Onagadori. It has a lengthy tail that may reach a length of several feet.

Plymouth Rock 

In the 1860s, the Plymouth Rock breed was created in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. The original Plymouth Rock was prohibited, and subsequent variations emerged.

Except for the Barred and White types, all kinds of Plymouth Rock are rare. In 1874, the American Veterinary Association (APA) recognised the Plymouth Rock breed.

Some of this breed’s strains are excellent layers, while others are developed primarily for meat. In general, Plymouth Rocks lay big, medium brown eggs that number between 200 and 280 every year.

Even in freezing conditions, a hardy bird will lay reliably all year.

Plymouth Rocks are often lively, pleasant with humans, easy to tame, and not very aggressive with other chickens.

Some males and hens, on the other hand, are large and energetic enough to pose a serious threat if they turn violent.

Polish

The pom-pom on the head distinguishes the Polish hen.

The pom-pom may need to be lightly trimmed if it gets in the way of their eyesight.

A smile is almost always guaranteed when you meet a Polish chicken.

Although the origins of the Poles are uncertain, paintings depicting them date back to the 1600s.

According to some historians, they came from Spain and were later moved to Holland. The Polish breed is said to have arrived in the United States in the early 1800s.

The name of the breed comes from Polish military headgear with a feather crest, not Poland.

Some colour types of Polish chicken breeds recognised by the American Poultry Association as early as 1874 include bearded and non-bearded White, Silver, Golden, Buff Laced, and Black.

The Polish is mostly a decorative bird, but before the Leghorn became famous, it was employed for egg production.

These birds are prolific, producing 200 or more medium white eggs each year on average.

The Polish chicken is easy to handle and tame. They are comparable in size and kind to Leghorn chicken.

They make excellent pets, but aren’t the ideal choice for a first-time chicken farmer.

Their lovely top crest must be examined for dirt and dampness on a regular basis, since this may lead to long-term eye problems if left untreated.

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Red Jungle Fowl 

The domestic chicken is said to have descended from the Red Jungle Fowl. The jungle fowl was first domesticated approximately 5,000 years ago in Asia, and has since spread around the globe.

The Indian, Burmese, Tonkinese, Cochin-Chinese, and Javan Red Jungle Fowls are the five recognised varieties of the Red Jungle Fowl.

Red Jungle Fowl is not officially recognised by the American Poultry Association.

This breed of chicken dislikes being touched. Humans aren’t my favourite animals; their wild nature and roosting propensity make them one of the worst candidates for free-ranging poultry and predator avoidance.

Red Jungle Fowl are not violent against other chickens or people; they just don’t like being disturbed.

The top egg producers are not necessarily Red Jungle Fowl.

They lay tiny to medium white eggs, totaling about 250 per year on average, however this estimate varies greatly depending on where they are maintained and how much free-range time they are given.

Red Ranger 

They were produced in the early 1960s and are descended from an American and European heritage breed.

Red Ranger is a hybrid chicken that was developed for high meat and egg production. It is not standardised in the APA since it is a hybrid breed.

Red Ranger chickens are particularly lively when compared to White Rangers and Cornish Cross chickens. They are amiable with people and do well foraging and out on pasture.

Red Ranger chickens produce around 175 dark brown eggs a year, and though egg production isn’t very impressive, many Red Ranger chickens produce double yoked eggs on a regular basis.

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Sebright

The Sebright is one of the earliest British bantams, having been produced by Sir John Sebright in 1800.

Sebright intended to create a tiny breed with distinctive laced plumage.

Both hens and roosters with lovely colourful and lacy feathers were created as a consequence of his breeding.

Silver, a stunning white foundation with black lacing; gold, a burnt orange colouring with black lacing; and buff, a beige foundation with white lacing are the three colour types of Sebright chickens.

In 1874, the Sebright was accepted into the APA.

Sebrights are mostly decorative chickens that aren’t very good meat birds or prolific egg producers (hens lay around 60–80 creamy-white eggs each year).

Sebrights are playful, kind, and easy to train. Due to poor laying, tiny and restricted quantity of eggs, and cold sensitivity, it might be difficult for a rookie backyard chicken keeper.

Serama 

The Serama chicken, commonly known as the Malaysian Serama, is the world’s smallest breed.

Crossing Japanese bantams with Malaysian bantams produces these attractive decorative chickens.

WeeYean Een of Malaysia established the present form of this breed in the early 1970s, though its roots are said to stretch back to the 1600s.

The American Poultry Association recognised the White Serama variety into the Standard of Perfection in 2011.

Although egg production is not insignificant, Serama is not often utilised as a meat bird or an egg producer.

The majority of Serama, on the other hand, are bred to be shown and kept as pets. Serama are peaceful and placid creatures.

People adore them because they are incredibly devoted to their owners and behave more like dogs than chickens, according to their owners.

Some Serama owners keep them indoors, although this clearly has its own set of drawbacks.

A Serama hen will lay around 180 small/tiny Bantam-sized cream or coloured eggs every year.

Silkie

The Silkie chicken seems to be a cuddly toy! Silkies have feathers that do not clasp together, giving them the appearance of wearing fur rather than feathers. They’re also nice and affectionate.

The Silkie breed was first recorded in ancient China and was known as Chinese Silk Chicken at the time.

Marco Polo was the first westerner to report a Silkie sighting in 1298. During his trip to China, he amazed at witnessing a bird with black skin and “cat-like hair.”

Adventurers took the Silkies west through marine commerce and the Silk Route.

Silkies were eventually imported to America and accepted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1874.

Their downy feathers are available in a variety of colours, including white, black, blue, grey, gold, and porcelain.

Silkies are one of the friendliest, most gentle, most peaceful chicken breeds. They have an odd appearance, being characterised as “chickens with fur,” and are entertaining to watch. Silkies make fantastic pets and are surprisingly hardy given their size.

They are kind and like being cuddled.

Silkies are neither cold or wet tough and may stop laying in high temperatures, thus they are not ideal for all situations.

Many Silkie owners keep them as pets, thus they spend the majority of their time inside.

They are poor egg layers, laying no more than 120 small crème coloured eggs every year.

Silver Laced Wyandotte

In the 1870s, breeders in the United States established the Wyandotte breed. The Silver Laced Wyandotte was the first Wyandotte variety to be developed.

Silver Laced was also the first variant of this breed to be recognised into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1883.

Wyandottes are a fantastic option for households with backyard flocks since they have pleasant attitudes and are a healthy breed.

The Silver Laced Wyandotte Chicken’s disposition changes as it matures.

Although juvenile birds of this species are gentle and loving, males may become domineering when confronted with other animals, chickens, or people that pose a danger to the flock.

Confidentiality may be applied to both men and females.

Silver Laced Wyandotte chickens produce up to 260 big, well-shaped eggs a year, ranging in colour from light to dark brown.

Speckled Sussex 

Ancient Romans are believed to have introduced these chicken to England 2000 years ago.

Sussex was standardised and polished as an excellent dual-purpose chicken in the southeast of England in Sussex’s ancient county, thus the breed’s name.

The American Poultry Association recognised speckled Sussex hens in 1914, after they arrived in America about 1912.

The Speckled Sussex is a lovely bird that becomes increasingly speckled as it grows older. They have chipmunk-like markings as young chicks.

When the bird grows and its feathers grow in, they are a lovely mahogany hue with white tips and black separations.

The white points expand with age with each moult, and the birds get more and more speckled, giving the breed its name.

They’re inquisitive, quick to investigate new circumstances, like environmental enrichment, and are intellectual pets.

The demeanour of the Speckled Sussex is described by many owners as charming, charming, sociable, conversational, and amusing.

They are excellent egg layers, laying 200–350 big light brown eggs every year.

Sultan

The hen is a lower-layer bird that was designed ages ago as a leisure and enjoyment bird.

They make excellent house chickens and are a terrific therapy bird option.

Sussex 

For decades, the Sussex chicken has been revered in its homeland of the United Kingdom.

A steady layer capable of laying 250-300 eggs every year. Until newer, faster-maturing varieties arrived, the speckled Sussex was England’s table food.

The Sussex chicken breed has the same history and disposition as the Speckled Sussex (above), but it comes in a variety of colours other than speckled.

Sussex chickens arrived in America in 1912, and the American Poultry Association recognised three varieties:

Red (1914), Speckled (1914), and Light (1914) (1929). Another variant, the Brown, is known in England.

Although not as popular as other breeds, it is still bred in the United States.

Coronation, Buff, White, and Silver are some of the extra hues used in the United Kingdom.

The majority of Sussex are consistent egg layers, laying 200–350 big light brown eggs every year.

Swedish Flower Hens

Swedish Flower chickens, also known as Blommehons (“Bloom Hens”) in Sweden, are a hardy and unusual breed.

It’s a historic farmyard chicken breed from southern Sweden that was on the verge of extinction in the 1970s.

The Swedish Flower chicken is a landrace, which means that the birds were not bred for a certain colour or feature and were instead left to choose for themselves.

In 2010, this breed was brought to the United States for the first time.

The name of the breed comes from the mottling of the feather tips, and nearly no two Swedish dogs are alike.

Flower chicks are all same, yet they are all different.

As a result, no standard has been established, and they have yet to be accepted by the American Poultry Association.

Blommehons are a great garden option since they are gentle, gentle, and cold resilient.

Each year, they lay around 150 light brown to coloured eggs. The size of the egg might vary from average to abnormally huge.

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Turken

The Transylvanian Naked Neck chicken (aka Turken) has an odd appearance.

It has a turkey-like look since the neck region is totally devoid of feathers.

It’s a robust bird that’s mainly raised for meat; egg production is minimal.

It doesn’t perform well in excessive heat or cold because of a hereditary fault with the feathers.

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Welsummer

The Welsummer Chicken is a Dutch breed named after the Dutch hamlet of Welsum. It was established in the early 1900s.

When exporters transported their huge, dark brown eggs to other European nations for the commercial egg trade, this breed became well-known.

Welsummer chickens are well-known for their dark terracotta coloured eggs, which are often speckled or patterned.

Welsummers are still considered new to North America, having been introduced in the mid-nineteenth century. In 1991, the breed was accepted into the American Standard of Perfection.

The Welsummer has a confident yet charming disposition.

They are clever and sociable, but not very docile. Hens lay around 160 dark brown or speckled eggs every year and are still prized for their attractiveness.

White Leghorn

The White Leghorn Chicken is a breed of Leghorn chicken that originated in Tuscany, Italy, and was first introduced to the United States in 1928.

They were first known as “Italians,” then “Livorno,” the name of the Italian port city from whence they were transported, but by 1865, they were known as Leghorn, which is just English for the Italian term Livorno.

Leghorn chickens are very energetic foragers that have little time for people. They may be anxious or flighty at times.

However, if handled as young as chicks, they may be quite pleasant backyard chickens.

Leghorns’ feed bill is often cheaper than other breeds due to their preference for scratching and scavenging for food.

White Leghorns are also known to lay up to 300 huge white eggs per year, all year, making them a popular choice among industrial egg producers.

White Rock

White Plymouth Rocks or White Rocks are two prominent variations of the Barred Rock breed that were originally discovered in Massachusetts in the mid-nineteenth century.

The White Rock is a planned breeding product that is particularly cold resilient, developing an additional downy overcoat as the winter months approach.

White Rocks tend to lay long into the winter, even on short days, and most may lay one egg each day throughout the colder months.

Depending on the hen’s age, 250-275 big brown eggs might be expected every year.

White Rocks are also excellent backyard chickens since they are considered to be affectionate, gentle, and do not mind being handled.

They will get connected to the person who cares for them and can even be trained to respond when called.

Wyandotte 

Buff, Black and Silver Laced, Red, Blue, Blue Laced Red, Buff, White, Black, Silver Pencilled, and Buff Columbian are among the Wyandotte breed’s 10 variants.

The Silver Laced Wyandotte was the original variation, an American breed produced in New York State about 1870 and named after the Wyandotte Nation.

In 1883, the Silver Laced was accepted into the American Poultry Association. Subsequently named variants were established by crossing the Silver Laced with various breeds from different parts of the country.

Wyandottes are a breed that is typically docile, amiable, and easy to handle.

A few individuals among certain types may look aloof or even hostile, though this is uncommon.

Wyandottes lay around 200 big brown eggs each year, are good egg layers, and perform well in the cold.