My favourite thing to do with chickens is breed them - and broody hens are my favourite. I like tame ones that can't fly well and make me good money here in New Zealand. After a lot of research, I landed on Orpingtons. I am now growing my Orpington flock, with two hens, six coming through, and eggs under a hen. This is the best breed of chicken for my purposes.
Everyone has a different purpose for their flock. Some want lots of eggs, some want meat, some want both, and some, like me, want to breed. Below are some breeds suitable for each purpose.
EGGS
Leghorn: Reliable layers, producing 250–320 eggs a year. They come in many colours, though standard white is the most common, and are known for being hardy and low-maintenance. They are flighty and are better free range than penned up. The roosters of this breed can be aggressive and confrontational but if raised correctly they will be stunning, lovely boys.
Hylines/Red Shavers/Brown Shavers/ISA Browns: These birds have a heck of a lot of names! and are sometimes even called Golden Comets, but they are generally very similar. They lay around 300 eggs a year, have attractive brown feathering with some white, and are mostly used to supply supermarkets in New Zealand. Roosters are hard to find, and they can look scruffy while moulting. I’ve had many of these in the past. These do well free range or penned up. My friend had a Hyline rooster once and he is very friendly, however they can be hard to find.
Australorp: Lay slightly fewer eggs (around 250 per year) than Hylines or Leghorns but are much hardier and friendlier. Ideal for colder climates, they are striking birds with a calm, approachable temperament. These do well either penned or free ranging.
The roosters are big docile boys.
MEAT
Cornish Cross: The classic meat bird. They grow very fast, reaching market size in six to eight weeks, and their broad, muscular build provides plenty of meat. They are calm, easy to keep, and visually appealing, making them perfect for anyone focused on meat production. Are good penned. Most roosters of this breed are friendly but some can be quite aggressive.
Bresse: Originating from France, Bresse chickens are considered some of the most flavorful in the world. White with green or slate-colored legs, they are slower-growing than Cornish Crosses and prized for their tender, juicy meat. I’ve never raised one myself, but they are a fancy option for those seeking fancy quality rather than rapid production. They are hard to tame but not usually aggressive.
DUAL PURPOSE
ORPINGTON: The height of chickens. They are tame, easy to contain, and extremely versatile. Lay 220–250 eggs a year, grow large for meat, and often go broody, able to fit many eggs under them. Fluffy, docile, and predictable, they are perfect for families and breeders. My absolute favourite breed. Do well penned up but need space. (forgive me for capitilizing the name!) roosters are not aggressive they are VERY big but all of mine I have had have always happily sat on my shoulder.
Barred Rock: Sleek and beautiful, with striking barred feathering. Share most of Orpingtons’ advantages but slightly less tame. Egg production ranges from 200–280 per year. Hardy in cold climates, and full of personality—I regret selling all mine. Like free ranging in my experience. They are not usually aggressive but can be hard to take.
Wyandotte: Elegant birds with intricate lacing patterns—Gold Laced, Silver Laced, and more. Lay 200–300 eggs a year and grow well for meat, though not as large as Orpingtons. Friendly and curious, they make a lively addition to any flock. They free range or are penned up. My Wyandotte rooster is untamed but not aggressive.
Brahma: Massive, gentle giants. Lay fewer eggs (170–220 per year) but their size makes them excellent for meat. Hardy, calm, and striking, though harder to find in New Zealand. I don't have enough experience with these to say if they like free ranging, they would probably do well penned however.
Faverolles: Stunning birds with gorgeous males, lovely hens, and adorable chicks. Lay 150–200 eggs per year, grow large, and are hardy. My first rooster was a Faverolles, and he set the standard for the kind of bird I aspire to have—strong, reliable, and unforgettable. These do well penned but prefer free ranging.
Thank you for reading my article! I hope it helps. If I missed anything, feel free to comment and I’ll consider adding it.
