The best breeds of chicken are the ones that work best for you and your family. It’s important to consider the breed you want, their size, color, temperament, egg production and how they will fit into your backyard or coop. Here are some of the best chicken breeds to consider:
- Americanas – These chickens are a cross between an Ameraucana and a Leghorn. They are good layers of large white eggs and can be kept as pets by children because they are low maintenance.
- Australorps – Australorps are good dual-purpose birds that lay brown eggs and have a friendly disposition. They grow to about 6 pounds and have the potential to be broody mothers if needed.
- Buff Orpingtons – This breed is great for meat production as well as laying brown eggs with a rich flavor that is sought after by chefs around the world! They also make wonderful pets for children as they are calm and friendly birds with beautiful golden feathers!
- Cochins – Cochins have been around since 1847 and were originally bred in China for their large feathered feet so they could better walk on poor soil conditions! Today they are known for their beautiful plumage
These are the best breeds of chicken to raise in your backyard.
- Sussex
- Delaware
- Leghorn
- Rhode Island Red
- Barred Rock
- Orpington
Best Breeds Of Chicken
Here are the top five best chicken breeds.
- Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is one of the most popular breeds of chickens. They are large birds with the males weighing around 6 pounds (2.7 kg) and the females around 4 pounds (1.8 kg). Their eggs are brown and very large in size, averaging about 3 inches long by 2 inches wide (7 cm x 5 cm). The hens lay approximately 200-250 eggs per year and can live up to 10 years old.
- Leghorn
A Leghorn is a breed of chicken that originated in Italy but has been bred for its white egg laying abilities rather than for meat production. The hens have an upright tail and can weigh as much as 7 pounds (3 kg) when fully grown. They lay white eggs that average about 2 1/2 inches long by 1 1/4 inches wide (6 cm x 3 cm). They are not known for being particularly docile or friendly but they do make great mothers due to their large broods of up to 20 chicks at once!
- Delaware
A Delaware is an American breed that was developed in New York State back in the 1800s by crossing various breeds such as Buff Orp
There are many breeds of chicken and all are unique in their own way. The American Poultry Association recognizes over 150 different breeds of chickens, and there are many more that have been developed outside of the United States.
Some breeds lay brown eggs, some lay white eggs and others are dual purpose and lay both types of eggs. Some breeds have fluffy feathers, some have long feathers, some have short feathers, some have curly feathers and still others have no feathers at all!
The diversity of breeds makes them fun to raise and care for. If you have children or grandchildren who would like to learn about chickens then raising a few different kinds is a great way to teach them about genetics and animal husbandry. You can also use your chickens for meat if you wish or just enjoy keeping them as pets
- Americana
The Americana is a breed of chicken that originated in the United States. It is a large, hardy bird with an unusual plumage pattern. The Americana was developed by crossing Barred Plymouth Rocks, Rhode Island Reds and White Plymouth Rocks in the early 20th century. This cross produced very hardy birds that were capable of producing many eggs on a daily basis.
Americanas are considered to be dual-purpose birds because they can be used as egg layers or meat birds. They have a single comb and five toes. They come in three different varieties: Silver Penciled, Golden Penciled and White Laced Red. Their coloration consists of black stripes on their bodies along with white wings, tails and legs. These markings give them their name since they look like pencils with red erasers at their ends when viewed from above or below them (from the side).