Top 7 Chicken Breeds Every Beginner Should Know: From Egg Layers to Feathered Friends
Published: July 12, 2024
Raising chickens is one of the most rewarding experiences a farmer can have. From the fresh eggs to the entertaining personalities of the birds, keeping a small flock can be a truly enriching endeavor.
If you're new to chicken keeping, choosing the right breeds for your needs and lifestyle is crucial. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular chicken breeds for beginners.
Hybrid vs. Heirloom Chicken Breeds
When it comes to chicken breeds, you'll often hear the terms "hybrid" and "heirloom" used to describe them. Much like with seeds, these classifications refer to the way the breeds were developed.
Hybrid Breeds: These are more modern breeds that have been selectively bred to exhibit certain desirable traits, such as faster growth or higher egg production. Hybrid breeds may grow a bit quicker and have some enhanced features compared to heirloom breeds.
Heirloom (Heritage) Breeds: Also known as heritage breeds, these are chicken varieties that predate the 20th century. They were developed through natural mating patterns and tend to grow a bit slower than hybrids, but they are known for their stability and hardiness as a breed.
Both hybrid and heirloom breeds have their own unique advantages, and the "best" choice will depend on your specific goals and preferences as a chicken keeper.
Let's dive into some of the top breeds for beginners in each category.
Orpingtons: The All-Around Small Farm Favorite
When it comes to reliable, all-purpose chicken breeds, it's hard to beat the Orpington. Originating in England, Orpingtons are a heritage breed that are prized for their excellent egg production, docile temperament, and suitability as both an egg and meat bird.
Many flocks include a Lavender Orpington and a Buff Orpington, and folks will often add a Jubilee Orpington as well. Orpingtons are known to lay around 200 eggs per year and live for approximately 8 years. They make wonderful mothers and are very friendly, often enjoying being held and interacting with their caretakers.
The one potential downside of Orpingtons is that they can have a tendency to go "broody" more often than some other breeds. This means they get the strong maternal instinct to hatch eggs, even if they aren't actually sitting on fertile eggs. While this can be beneficial if you want to hatch chicks, it can be frustrating if you're just looking for a steady supply of eggs.
Overall, Orpingtons are an excellent choice for beginner chicken keepers. They are hardy, adaptable, and make great additions to any backyard flock.
Cream Legbars: A Beautiful and Independent Breed
Another breed that has found it’s way to the hearts of farmers is the Cream Legbar. These hens, with their distinctive mohawk-like crest and streamlined appearance, are known for their striking good looks.
They are a bit more independent and less cuddly than the Orpingtons. While she is a reliable layer, producing around 200 eggs per year
Some you’ll find are not as fond of being picked up and held as some of other breeds. Their feathers tend to sit closer to her body, giving her a more compact and aerodynamic appearance.
Overall, the Cream Legbar is a beautiful and unique addition to any flock. While they may not be as cuddly as some other breeds, their independent nature and striking appearance make them a wonderful choice for chicken keepers looking to add some visual interest to their backyard setup.
Rhode Island Reds: The Tried-and-True Egg Layers
No discussion of beginner-friendly chicken breeds would be complete without mentioning the Rhode Island Red. This heritage breed is one of the most popular and well-established options for backyard chicken keepers.
They can be a true workhorse when it comes to egg production. These hens are known to lay around 250 eggs per year, with large, brown eggs. They are also a common choice for those raising chickens for meat, as Rhode Island Reds make excellent dual-purpose birds.
While Rhode Island Reds may not have the same visual flair as some other breeds, they more than make up for it with their reliable egg-laying abilities and hardy, adaptable nature. If you're looking for a classic, no-frills chicken that will provide a steady supply of fresh eggs, the Rhode Island Red is a fantastic option.
Wyandottes: The Striking and Charismatic Hens
For those seeking a bit more visual interest in their backyard flock, the Wyandotte breed is a fantastic choice.
Wyandottes are known for their striking, almost "raptor-like" appearance, with their distinctive rose comb and laced feather patterns. This unique look, combined with their generally friendly and docile temperament, makes them a popular pick for chicken keepers.
One advantage of the Wyandotte breed is their cold-hardiness. The rose comb style helps to minimize the surface area that can be affected by freezing temperatures, making them a good choice for those in colder climates.
While Wyandottes are generally quite calm, they do tend to be a bit more independent and less inclined to enjoy being held compared to the Orpingtons. They also have a tendency to be a bit louder, with more pronounced "egg songs" and a more excitable overall demeanor.
Despite these minor quirks, Wyandottes are excellent egg layers, producing around 200 eggs per year. With their beautiful plumage and charismatic personalities, they make wonderful additions to any backyard flock.
Expanding Your Flock: Other Breeds To Consider
We simply couldn't resist the opportunity to talk about a few more breeds to the mix.
Black Australorp
The Black Australorp breed is a cross between an Orpington and an Australian hen, resulting in a bird with stunning iridescent black feathers and a distinctive red comb.
What really sets the Black Australorp apart, however, is its incredible egg-laying prowess.
These hens are known to lay an astounding 250+ eggs per year, with one farmer even reporting 364 eggs in a single year from a single bird!
Buff Brahma
Next up is the majestic Buff Brahma. This massive, feather-footed breed is often referred to as the "king" or "queen" of poultry.
While they may not be the most prolific egg layers, producing around 150 eggs per year, Buff Brahmas are prized for their docile temperament and impressive size.
You’ll be sure to look forward to the opportunity to cuddle and interact with such a unique-looking hen.
Splash Laced Wyandotte
Finally, let’s talk about the Splash Laced Wyandotte. This beautiful bird is a color variation of the Wyandotte breed, with a striking speckled pattern across its feathers.
Its unique appearance will be a hit with visitors to any farm.
Naming the New Flock Members
As you prepare to welcome these new hens into your flock, why not have a little fun and give them some fun names? It just so happens there are over 500 egg-ceptional chicken names to consider here.
Embracing the Individuality of Each Hen
It's important to remember that even within a specific breed, each individual hen will have its own unique personality and quirks. While the descriptions provided give a general overview of the typical traits associated with each breed, the reality is that your own birds may exhibit some variations.
For example, while Orpingtons have largely lived up to their reputation as docile, cuddly hens, while certain Wyandottes have been a bit more independent and less inclined to enjoy being held than some Wyandottes we’ve seen.
The moral of the story is to embrace the individuality of your flock members and enjoy getting to know each of their unique personalities. While breed characteristics can provide a helpful guide, the true joy of chicken keeping often comes from the unexpected and endearing behaviors of your feathered friends.
Conclusion: Expanding Your Backyard Flock with Confidence
Whether you're just starting out with your first flock or looking to add some new breeds to your existing setup, the key is to do your research and choose breeds that align with your goals and lifestyle.
From the reliable, all-purpose Orpingtons to the striking and charismatic Wyandottes, there are so many wonderful chicken breeds to explore.
We hope this in-depth look at some of the top chicken breeds for beginners has been helpful in your own journey towards building a thriving chicken flox. Happy chicken keeping!
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