Choosing Chicken Breeds for a Backyard Farm During a Recession

During tough economic times, many people turn to backyard farming as a way to save money on food and to earn a bit of extra income. One of the most popular animals for backyard farming is the chicken. Chickens are easy to care for, relatively inexpensive to keep, and can provide a steady supply of eggs and meat.

However, not all chicken breeds are created equal. Some breeds are more suited to backyard farming than others, and some are more suited to times of economic uncertainty. In this article, we will discuss the best chicken breeds for a backyard farm during tough times.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Chicken Breeds​

When choosing chicken breeds for a backyard farm during a recession, there are a few factors to consider:

• Egg production: If you are keeping chickens primarily for eggs, then you will want to choose a breed that is known for laying lots of eggs.
• Meat production: If you are keeping chickens primarily for meat, then you will want to choose a breed that grows quickly and has a lot of meat on its bones.
• Hardiness: Chickens can be vulnerable to disease and cold weather, so you will want to choose a breed that is known for being hardy and resistant to disease.
• Feed conversion: During a recession, feed costs can be a major concern. You will want to choose a breed that is known for converting feed to meat or eggs efficiently.
• Temperament: Some chicken breeds are more docile and friendly than others, which can make them easier to handle and more enjoyable to keep as pets.

Best Chicken Breeds for a Backyard Farm during a Recession​

1. Rhode Island Red​

The Rhode Island Red is one of the most popular chicken breeds for backyard farming, and for good reason. They are hardy, adaptable, and known for laying lots of eggs. They are also good meat birds, as they grow quickly and have a decent amount of meat on their bones. Rhode Island Reds are also very docile, making them easy to handle and good pets.

2. Plymouth Rock​

The Plymouth Rock is another popular chicken breed for backyard farming. They are hardy and known for laying lots of eggs. They are also good meat birds, although they may take a bit longer to grow than some other breeds. Plymouth Rocks are also friendly and easy to handle, making them good pets.

3. Sussex​

The Sussex is a hardy breed that is known for being good at foraging. They are good egg layers and are also good meat birds. Sussex chickens have a calm and friendly temperament, making them easy to handle and good pets.

4. Australorp​

The Australorp is a hardy breed that is known for being good at both laying eggs and producing meat. They are also good foragers, which can help reduce feed costs. Australorps are friendly and easy to handle, making them good pets.

5. Orpington​

The Orpington is a large, hardy breed that is good at laying eggs and producing meat. They are also known for their docile and friendly temperament, which makes them good pets. Orpingtons can be good foragers, but they may require a bit more feed than some other breeds.

6. Leghorn​

The Leghorn is a good choice for those who are primarily interested in egg production. They are known for laying lots of eggs and are efficient feed converters. Leghorns are not as friendly or docile as some other breeds, but they are good at foraging and can help reduce feed costs.

7. Cornish Cross​

The Cornish Cross is a hybrid breed that is specifically bred for meat production. They grow quickly and have a lot of meat on their bones, making them an efficient choice for those who want to raise chickens for meat. However, they are not as hardy as some other breeds and may require more care and attention.

Conclusion​

Choosing the right chicken breeds for a backyard farm during a recession is important for maximizing food production and minimizing costs. The breeds listed above are all good choices for those who want to raise chickens for eggs or meat and are known for their hardiness, efficiency, and docile temperament. By selecting the right breeds and providing proper care and attention, backyard farmers can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, affordable food during tough economic times.

Do you have any of the above breeds in your flock?