What breed of chicken is right for you? Below is a list of common breeds for beginners, with some of each breed's pros and cons.

Australorp
  • Good, dependable layer of brown eggs
  • Dual purpose breed
  • Calm and docile
  • Roosters are less aggressive
  • Good for cold climates


View attachment 1607508 Photo by CackleHatchery


White leghorn
  • Very good layer, produces almost 300 eggs per year
  • Large white eggs
  • Very noisy and flighty
  • Prefers free-range conditions
  • Does well in warmer climates
  • Non-broody

View attachment 1607517 Photo by Stromberg's


Brown leghorn
  • One of the best layers
  • Lays large white eggs
  • Noisy and flighty like the White leghorn
  • Prefers free-range
  • Does well in warmer climates
  • Non-broody

View attachment 1607520 Photo by Hoover's Hatchery



Buff Orpington
  • Popular breed
  • Both roosters and hens are very calm and docile
  • Lays small brownish eggs at a good rate
  • Interesting coloration
  • Hardy
  • Not good for mixed flocks as they often get picked on
  • Good dual-purpose breed
  • Goes broody often
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Rhode Island red
  • Good layer of brown eggs
  • Can be aggressive to other flock members
  • Hardy
View attachment 1607556 Photo by IndiaMART

Speckled Sussex
  • Good layer
  • Rather docile
  • Cold-hardy
  • Dual-purpose breed
  • Interesting plumage
View attachment 1607558 Photo by MyPetChicken

Barred Plymouth Rock
  • Hardy, tolerates both very hot or very cold conditions well
  • Good layer of brown eggs
  • Fairly calm breed
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Easter egger
  • Eggs in tints of pink, blue, or green
  • Not recognized by many associations/shows as a true breed
  • Cute appearance
View attachment 1607564 Photo by Chickens4backyards

Salmon feverolles
  • Not a very dependable layer
  • Friendly breed
  • Cute appearance
  • Cold-hardy
View attachment 1607567 Backyard Chickens