Breeds
There are hundreds of breeds of chickens in the world, but we've provided you with a list of a few personal favorites and some brief information about them. For more, check out our book!
Araucana |
Eggs Medium layer, blue-green eggs Physical Characteristics Father tufts near the ears Personality Calm, non-aggressive; well adaptable to confinement or to free-range; quieter than most breeds Special Notes The blue egg color is a dominant trait. Sometimes called Easter Eggers. |
Cochin |
Eggs Medium-low layer, brown eggs Physical Characteristics Yellow skin; big and fluffy feathers of many colors, even on their feet Personality One of the most friendly birds Special Notes This chicken loves being a mother and has the temperament of a puppy dog. |
Silver Duckwing
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Eggs Medium layer, creamy colored large eggs Physical Characteristics Long stocky legs; feather color can range from green to brown Personality Calm, friendly, hardy birds Special Notes A very beautiful chicken |
Hamburg |
Eggs High producer, small, white eggs Physical Characteristics Small, neat rose comb Personality Jumpy, active, can usually fly well Special Notes A rare bird that matures very quickly |
New Hampshire Red |
Eggs High producer, large brown eggs Physical Characteristics Red, chestnut colored feathers Personality Competitive and aggressive Special Notes A very motherly bird. You should gather her eggs quicklyand often to keep her from going broody. |
Polish Crested |
Eggs Medium layer, white eggs Physical Characteristics Very large crest gives them a “poofy” hairdo; some are bearded; typically smaller bodies Personality Quirky and charming; very friendly and gentle; big on companionship; loyal Special Notes Can be susceptible to pecking by other breeds. Their feathers can also get in the way of their peripheral vision, making it hard to see oncoming predators. |
Sebright |
Eggs Low layer, small white eggs Physical Characteristics Unfeathered legs with interesting blue skin; beautiful feather coloring makes them look painted Personality Friendly and very active Special Notes They have a tendency to succumb to disease easily. |
Sex Link |
Eggs High layer, 300 large brown eggs per year Physical Characteristics Red, black or white. Fairly ordinary-looking chicken. Personality Very friendly when raised with love. Special Notes You can tell the males from the females based on the color of the feathers when chicks are first hatched. This is why they are called "Sex Links". |
Silkie |
Eggs Low producer, small cream-colored eggs Physical Characteristics Soft feathers; blue/black skin; turquoise earlobes; five toes Personality Calm, friendly temperament; docile; can be broody Special Notes Need special attention to be kept warm in the winter because of their fine feathers. Likely to be pecked by aggressive birds. |
Sussex |
Eggs High producer; large cream to brown colored eggs Physical Characteristics A gentle and colorful bird. They are one of the larger chickens. Personality Docile birds; adapt well to free-range or confined quarters Special Notes Sometimes (but not often) they will go broody; they are good foragers. Make great backyard chickens. |
Sultan |
Eggs Low producer, small white eggs Physical Characteristics Very large poofy crest; small v-shaped comb; five toes on each foot Personality Very friendly Special Notes They lay eggs at a very slow rate. |
Wyandotte |
Eggs High producer, large brown eggs Physical Characteristics Beautiful feather patterns; no crest; no feathers on legs; heavy, soft feathers; large birds Personality Very docile; tendency to go broody Special Notes These hens are very devoted mothers. |