WELCOME TO THE BYC Forum!!!! You will just love it here.
As for your wonderful question, you will get as many answers as there are people who read your question and respond and they will ALL have different ideas. :O)
Of course a lot depends on what you want to have your chickens for--- I would recommend (and a lot of folks with LOADS of chicken experience will too) that you certainly put "Gold sexlink" or Golden comet on your short list for choosing from. They are the sweetest disposition, friendliest birds, very docile and very accomodating. They eat little feed in proportion to the huge eggs that they lay and they lay them all the time. They are brown egg layers. If you want to know which of your chickens produced which egg....then consider some Easter Eggers too- EEs come in a variety of featherings and the eggs can be white, brown, green and bluish---and combinations of those. If you would like some terra cotta colored eggs with possibly brown spots think about Welsummers.
Heat is a problem - if you are in a severe heat area, then breeds that have light (not deeply fluffy) feathering and big combs, bare (unfeathered) legs will stand the heat better.
I have a heat issue too--- and I am dreading the next couple of months. There are strategies for trying to cope with heat---
Mediterranean breeds like Leghorns handle heat well--and they are good layers, but, they aren't the calm friendly birds that Golden Sexlinks are.
My EEs seem to handle the heat a little harder because IMO the comb helps them cool. So although I like the appearance of the small pea comb--- I think it lessens heat dissipation.
i would get a sexlink or barbed rock and a lot more will write back soon. Also here is a chart entil i can write back hope best luck
From; Katie
Sage Hen Farm is not a hatchery. The information is provided for [COLOR=EE20200]educational[/COLOR] purposes only. We do [COLOR=EE20200]not[/COLOR] sell chicks or hatching eggs.
If the table does not fit on your screen, try expanding page to full screen and decreasing font size.
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information) Varieties / Rarity / What's a hen weigh?Class and Type Origins
Black, Blue, Blue-wheaten, Brown-red, Buff, Silver, Wheaten, & White
Easter Eggers are common. Standard Ameraucanas are rare. 80%/12% (EEs/pure)
Unchanged since 2003
Standard:
5.5 lb/2.5 kg
Bantam:
1.6 lb/0.75 kg
APA (1984): Large: All Other Bantam: All Other Clean Legged PC: Not recognized
Layer
Fancy:
[COLOR=##0022CC]Muffed, Bearded[/COLOR]
South American. May or may not be genetically related to the Araucana. One theory is that Ameraucanas were developed by crossing Aracaunas with other breeds. The more current, more accepted theory is that a different breed from Chile, the Quechua, was the parent stock from which the Ameraucanas were developed. Standardized & accepted into APA in 1984. Note: whatever name they use, most hatcheries do not sell standard Ameraucanas, but sell Easter Eggers -- chickens that may lay blue, green, or other colored eggs, but do not conform to standard. Not a problem for backyard flocks.
various
shades
of blue
&
blue-
green
pea white with slate colored shanks red
occasional brooder very cold hardy moderately early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; mostly calm, non-aggressive Our Birds [mostly mongrel Easter Eggers]: a few have been among the most curious & most easily handled birds we have owned. Others have been calm, non-aggressive, but stand-offish. None of ours has gone broody. We wouldn't have a flock without them.
Black mottled, only
Uncommon. 40%
Unchanged since 2003 Standard:
4.5 lb/2 kg
Bantam:
1.5 lb/0.7 kg
APA (1898): Large: Mediterranean Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather Light
Layer
Developed in Italy in mid-19th century probably from leghorns sporting mottled feathers. Once rivaled the Leghorn in Europe, but never caught on in North America.
white to
light cream
single, also rose yellow skin & shanks white
non-setter generally hardy;
very cold hardy except for combs early maturing hens
prefers free range; nervous & restless in confinement; flyer; active, flighty, marked wildness, avoids human contact
Blue (Black and Splash [White] used for breeding, but not recognized)
Uncommon. bird. 32%
Unchanged since 2003 Standard:
5.5 lb/2.4 kg
Bantam:
1.75 lb/0.8 kg
APA (1874): Large: Mediterranean Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Light, Rare
Layer
Fancy: Blue feathered
Developed in Spain & England in mid-19th century. Studied by Gregor Mendel in experiments in genetics & heredity.
Blue color does not breed true. Black & Splash (White) are necessary for breeding.
chalk to creamy white
single white skin,
slate blue shanks white
mostly a non-setter heat tolerant; combs subject to frostbite; ours were not robust, but that may not be representative of the breed. early maturing
semi-adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; active, flighty, noisy, avoids human contact Our Birds: ours, received as adults, never fit in well with the rest of the flock & were nervous all the time. Our one cock crowed louder than any other we've ever had. We've been hesitant to try them again, but we might, since they are such beautiful birds.
The original blue. above average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Black, White, Black Breasted Red, Blue, Buff, Silver
Purebreds are very rare. 0%
Unchanged since 2003 Standard:
5 lb/2.2 kg
Bantam:
1.4 lb/0.65 kg
APA (1976): Large: All Other Bantam: All Other Clean Legged PC: Light, Rare
Layer
Fancy: Rumpless Ear Tufts
According to the latest theory, developed in Chile from a cross between the Collonca and the Queteros, two of several different blue egg-laying chicken breeds and introduced to North American in 1921. Likely that some "mongrelization" occurred before standardization. Standards differ from country to country, indicating that some different crosses and parent stock may have been involved in the development of the breed. Note: no large North American hatchery, that I am aware of, sells Araucanas. Instead, whatever name they use, they are selling Easter Eggers -- chickens that may lay blue, green, or other colored eggs. For true Aracaunas, try some of the smaller farms and breeders.
blue
only
pea yellow skin, willow shanks red
good, or frequent, brooder cold hardy. Araucanas carry a "lethal gene" which causes one quarter of chicks to die in the shell. moderately early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, non-aggressive
Black, White, Duckwing, Red Spangled, Pyle, others
Very rare. 4%
Unchanged since 2003 Standard:
5 lb/2.2 kg
Bantam:
2 lb/0.9 kg
APA: Large: All Other PC: Hard Feather Heavy
Game
Developed in India more than 2000 years ago, perhaps even 3500 years ago. Thought to be the breed from which the Cornish was primarily developed.
lightly
tinted
productive over short season
small pea yellow skin & shanks red
can be broody,
protective mothers hardy, but not feathered for cold winters; very hardy in high heat slow to mature
bears confinement better than most other game breeds; extremely fierce & pugnacious, but docile & easily handled when away from other cocks; because of aggressiveness, not recommended for a mixed flock
Ancient Indian athlete.
below average Australorp or Black Australorp FSOKALPPAR
Black, only (standard); also blue & white
Common 80%
Down since 2003 Standard:
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
Bantam:
2 lb/0.9 kg
APA (1929): Large: English Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather Heavy
Dual Purpose
Developed in 20th century in Australia, primarily from the Orpington. Gained notoriety when one hen in the 1920s laid a record 364 eggs in 365 days. In earlier "contests," a team of six Australorps averaged 309.5 eggs in a year. That individual performance has never been matched by subsequent Australorps.
brown
single
white skin,
dark shanks
red
can be broody; good mother very hardy; very cold hardy moderately early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile; more easily handled
The egg-laying champion table bird from Oz
average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Double-laced, Blue-laced, White, Black, others
Rare, but surging with new interest in dark egg layers. 12%
Up since 2003 Standard:
6-7 lb/2.7-3.2 kg
Bantam:
2.25 lb/1.0 kg
APA (2001): Large: Continental PC: Soft Feather Heavy
Dual Purpose
Developed in late 19th century and early 20th century in Holland for dark egg laying. Developed from an older local variety that may date as early as the 12th century. In recent history, some strains have been bred for show and others for the darkness of their eggs.
very dark reddish brown,
with matte finish
single yellow skin &
shanks red
mixed reports on
setting & brooding less cold hardy;
developed in region known for damp conditions slow to mature,
& some chicks can be easily bullied
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile Our Birds: ours fit in well with the flock, but shied away with human contact. Ours laid reddish brown eggs, but most were not especially dark. None currently in our flock, we will likely try them again.
Famous for large dark brown eggs.
average to above average
Belgian D'Anver, or Antwerp Belgian, Barbu d'Anvers FSARPP
Quail, Porcelain, Black, Blue, Buff, Cuckoo, Mille Fleur, White, Mottled, and more
Common 60%
Up from 33% in 2003 True bantam:
1.3 lb/0.6 kg
APA (1949): Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged PC: True Bantam
Bantam Bearded
Developed in Anver region of Belgium many decades ago. Rumpless versions are called De Grubbe. Breed is often referred to simply as the Quail bantam, after the most popular variety.
creamy
white
rose white skin, dark shanks white
good, or frequent, brooder robust slow; some reports indicate
chicks difficult to rear
active, flyer; hens calm, cocks can be aggressive
Mille Fleur, Porcelain, Black, Buff, White, Blue Mottled, Splash, Golden Neck, others
Common 80%/33.3% (mille fleur/porcelain)
Mille Fleur down from 93% in 2003 True bantam:
1.3 lb/0.55 kg
First bred in Uccle (Belgium) before 1900 by Michel Van Gelder. Breed is often referred to simply as Mille Fleur, the most popular variety.
creamy
white
small single with large spikes
white skin & shanks white
great brooder (or annoyingly too frequent brooder) hardy;
because of fancy feathering,
not suited for foul weather very slow to mature
for full coloring
tolerates confinement; fliers; calm, cocks less aggressive than other banties
One of the more ancient bantams; developed in the Netherlands.
creamy
white
single white skin & shanks bright red
great brooder (or annoyingly too frequent brooder) hardy
slow; some reports indicate
chicks difficult to rear tolerates confinement; fliers; hens calm, cocks can be aggressive
The booted, unbearded bantam
tiny
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Light, Dark, Buff
Once common, now uncommon. 40%/48% (light/all other)
Lights down , others up since 2003 Standard:
9 lb/4.1 kg
Bantam:
2.6 lb/1.2 kg
APA (1874): Large: Asiatic Bantam: Feather Legged PC: Soft feather Heavy
Origin has been in dispute for more than a century and a half. Introduced in mid-19th century (whether first to New York City or London is also in question). Probably imported from the port city of Shanghai, but may have originated in Chinda, India, or elsewhere in the East Indies. Another claim is that the breed was developed in the United States using Cochins, Malays, and Dorkings. For more information on the origins, see Lewis Wright's 1873 monograph on the Brahma fowl.
Before the name Brahma was settled on, they were also called Chittagongs, Shanghais (as were the Cochins), and Brahmapootras. Since the Brahmaputra River flows through China, India, and Bangladesh, even the name doesn't help shed light.
brown
peayellow skin &
shanks red
good, or frequent, brooder robust; very hardy in heat & cold slow to mature
adaptable to confinement or free range; mostly gentle; more easily handled. Our Birds: some hens were among the gentlest birds we've owned; one rooster became too aggressive toward humans and other chickens in his older age. Some hens ate a lot, got fat, and never laid that many eggs, and we do not currently have any in our flock.
Large and regal.
Once the largest breed of chicken.
Nut brown, only
Uncommon. 44%
Up from 12% in 2003 6.5 lb/2.9 kg
APA (1904): Large: American PC: Not recognized
Dual Purpose
Developed by Mrs. Nettie Metcalf of Warren, Ohio, in late 19th century to be a red-feathered, winter-hardy layer. Learning of the Rhode Island Red, she exchanged eggs and birds with RIR breeders to develop the Buckeye Red as a pea-combed variety of the Rhode Island Red. However, since the comb differed, the color was darker, and the genetics different, and because she was concerned that her birds would lose their distinctiveness as a variety of Rhode Island, she established the Buckeye as a separate breed -- Buckeyes and RIRs entered separately into the Standard of Perfection the same year, and pea-combed RIRs disappeared.
Never widely popular.
brown
peayellow skin & shanks red
can be broody very cold hardy moderately slow maturing
adaptable to confinement, very adaptable to free range; calm, docile; can be curious; more easily handled. Our Birds: some have been among the "friendliest." Perhaps because of docileness, none have risen high in the pecking order. Our first Buckeye hens had low egg production, but more recent hens have been much better.
Golden
Uncommon. 32%
Unchanged since 2003 5 lb/2.2 kg
APA (1918): Large: Mediterranean PC: Light, Rare
Layer
Fancy: Large buttercup comb
Originally developed in Dedham, Massachusetts, by C. Carroll Loring from stock purchased in Sicily by his neighbor a Captain Dawes, before 1860, perhaps as early as 1835. It took several generations longer for a standard color pattern to be developed and the breed to be accepted into the standard.
white
buttercup yellow skin &
shanks white
non-setter (mostly) heat tolerant; combs subject to frostbite early maturing,
but full comb takes longer
does not do well in close confinement; very fidgety; active, flighty, wild even for a Mediterrean breed; avoids human contact Our Birds: ours have been typically flighty and shy, but one has been as stubbornly broody as any hen we've raised. Email collaboration of broodiness elsewhere has inspired me to alter Brooding from "non-setter" to non-setter (mostly)
Known for its comb.
below average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Golden, Silver
Uncommon. 32%/24% (golden/silver)
Down since 2003 5 lb/2.2 kg
APA (1914): Large: Continental Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft feather Light
Layer
Fancy: Some males are hen-feathered
May have ancient ancestry, but refined & further developed in Belgium in the 19th century and further developed by British and American breeders. The breed is closely related to the Braekel, a larger, bulkier Belgian breed that did not spread so widely. They share a similar penciling feather pattern, although the Campine cocks are more hen-feathered. Named for the Campine region of Belgium, known for its sandy plains, moors, heath, and wetlands. One theory is that it evolved there where a smaller, lighter more active bird was better adapted to forage over a flat desolate land. The Campine, however, may simply be a lighter bodied Braekel sport.
white
large single white skin,
blue shanks white
non-setter hardy; comb subject to frostbite quick feathering
but late maturing
economical eater; semi-adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; flyer; alert, lively; can be curious; some are rather wild, others can be quite tolerant of humans Our Birds: one hen free ranges even to lay eggs -- never in a standard nesting area. Our cock refused to be confined when we tried to initate a breeding program. Some have been "friendly" enough to eat out of a hand or be a garden companion. Our favorites among the white egg layers.
White, Buff, Partridge
Rare, even in Canada. 16%
Up since 2003 6.5 lb/2.9 kg
APA (1921): Large: American Bantam: All Other Clean Legged PC: Not recognized
Dual Purpose
Developed by Brother Wilfred Chatalain of the Oka Agricultural Institute in Quebec over the course of of a decade beginning in 1908. The goal of his carefully documented breedings was an "ideal fowl" for Canada, good for both meat & eggs and, with small comb and wattles that would be able to stand the extreme cold. Brother Wilfred, who earned a doctorate in agronomy, was also responsible for developing the two flock method for breeding. Among the breeds used in the crosses were Cornish, Leghorn, Rhode Island, Wyandotte, and Plymouth Rock. Brother Wilfred's preferred plumage was white, and he was not responsible for developing the other varieties. In 1979, mistakenly, the Chantecler was declared extinct.
Dr. J. E. Wilkinson, also a Canadian, developed the Partridge Chantecler in the 1930s, but it is totally unrelated to the original White Chantecler. The Buff was developed by an American, Walter Franklin, in the 1980s.
brown
cushion yellow skin &
shanks red
frequent brooder; good mother extremely cold hardy early maturing
bears confinement well; calm, docile, although there are reports of skittishness. Our Birds: our partridges have blended in so well they remained rather anonymous for a long time. One was a successful mother hen. Frequent broodiness has been their most common trait.
Canada's breed.
average to above average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Buff, White, Black, & Partridge
Uncommon. 44%
Down from 64% in 2003 Standard:
8.5 lb/3.8 kg
Bantam (aka Pekin):
1.3 lb/.6 kg
APA (1874): Large: Asiatic Bantam: Feather Legged PC: Soft feather Heavy
Fancy: Feather Footed, fully
Introduced from China in early 19th century. Originally known as the Shanghai (a name also used for the Brahma). The breed that launched interest in poultry shows in the nineteenth century. Pekins are recognized as a separate bantam breed in some countries, rather than as bantam Cochins.
tinted or
yellowy
brown
small single yellow skin & shanks red
excellent brooder (or exceedingly annoying as a too frequent brooder);
good mother;
often used as a foster mother robust, cold hardy slow to mature
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile; more easily handled
White, Dark, White Laced, Red, Buff
Uncommon. 44%
Up since 2003 Standard:
8 lb/3.6 kg
Bantam:
2.6 lb/1.2 kg
APA (1893): Large: English Bantam: All Other Clean Legged PC: Hard Feather Heavy
Meat
Game
Developed in Cornwall in 19th century. Now principally used commercially for cross breeding purposes for Cornish X Rock.
light
brown
pea yellow skin & shanks red
can be broody;
protective mother cold hardy moderately early maturing
easily contained; less active; very docile for a game bird, noisy; because of slowness and inability to well defend themselves, not recommended for a mixed flock
APA (1874): Large: Continental Bantam: All Other Clean Legged PC: Heavy, Rare
Fancy: Crested Bearded & muffed
Developed in Normandy, during or before the 17th century. Believed to be the oldest of several breeds hailing from Normandy, and therefore most likely a forebearer of the others, including Houdans, Faverolles, and possibly La Fleche.
Named after the village of Crève-Coeur en Ange, which might be translated in English as Angel's Heartbreak
white
horn, V-shaped, duplex white skin,
dark shanks red [hidden by feathers]
non-setter because of fancy feathering,
not suited for foul weather;
may have problems with
freezing crest feathers moderately early maturing
suited for close (and dry) confinement; active; can be aggressive
Is it beautiful and elegant, or just peculiar-looking?
White [Columbian]
Uncommon. 44%
Up from 32% in 2003
Standard:
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
Bantam:
1.8 lb./0.8 kg
APA (1952): Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Not recognized
Dual Purpose
Developed by George Ellis in 1940 in Delaware while experimenting with crossing breeds for broilers. An off-colored sport of a Barred Rock / New Hampshire cross that bred true.
Unknown in most of the world.
medium
to rich
brown
singleyellow skin &
shanks red
can be broody robust; hardy in heat & cold early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile. Our Birds: Where ours have stood out has been for decent productivity of very large eggs.
Barred only
Uncommon. 44%
Down from 52% in 2003
Standard:
5 lb/2.2 kg
Bantam:
1.5 lb/0.7 kg
APA (1874): Large: American Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather
Heavy, Rare
Dual Purpose
Developed in New England in early 19th century. Not distinguished from the Barred Rock until APA Standards were developed. Most modern Dominiques may be traced to stock developed by A. Q. Carter after 1900.
brown
roseyellow skin &
shanks red
good, or frequent, brooder; good mother robust; cold hardy early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm mostly, but more flighty than other dual purpose breeds
Silver Gray, White, Colored
Silver uncommon, all others rare. 24%/4% (silver/all other)
Up since 2003
Standard:
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
Bantam:
1.0 lb/0.8 kg
APA (1874): Large: English Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft feather Heavy
Dual Purpose
Fancy: Five-Toed Short legs
Ancient; believed to have been introduced to England by Romans -- based primarily on a description by a Roman writer of a chicken with five toes. May have origins in Normandy, where other five-toed chicken landraces have been known.
creamy
white to
light tint
rose & single white skin &
shanks red
great brooder (or annoyingly too frequent brooder);
good mother less hardy in general,
but cold hardy chicks delicate
& slow to mature
adaptable to confinement or free range; calm; docile; stately or awkward; fattens easily; more easily handled Our Birds: ours have varied from quiet & calm to flighty. Some hens have been very broody. Once they've reached maturity, our birds have been quite hardy. They are supposed to be oddly short-legged, but ours have only be slightly short-legged.
Salmon, White
Once rare, still uncommon. 40%
Down since 2003 Standard:
7.5 lb/3.4 kg
Bantam:
2.2 lb/1.0 kg
APA (1914): Large: Continental Bantam: Feather Legged PC: Soft Feather Heavy
Dual Purpose
Fancy: Bearded & muffed Feather footed, outside only Five-Toed
Developed in Normandy in early 19th century. Named after the village of Faverolles. In France it was considered a utility breed. The US standard more closely matches the British exhibition standard of Faverolles which was developed in the late 19th century. Because of the different times and countries were the breed was developed, it is not clear what breeds were used, but Houdon and/or Crevecoeur, and local five-toed landraces are thought to have been its primary forebears. Dorking, Brahma, and Cochin were possibly used as well, especially in later developments.
creamy
tint
small single white skin &
shanks red [hidden by feathers]
can be broody cold hardy;
because of fancy feathering,
not suited for foul weather
early maturing
bears confinement well; alert; calm; very docile; genteel; prone to bullying by others, so may not do well in a mixed flock Our Birds: ours did not thrived well in the competition with mixed flock. Probably won't replace them.
Gold & silver penciled
Uncommon. 32%
Unchanged since 2003 3.5 lb/1.6 kg
APA: Not recognized PC: Soft feather Light
Layer
Ancient Egyptian origins; only recently spread to the rest of the world. The Iowa State University's Poultry Genetics Program is responsible for first importing to the US after World War II for a study to breed disease resistance. The Fayoumi was known for its resistance to avian leukosis. It remained a "lab animal" for many years in North America before it was recognized as an excellent layer.
off-white
to light
tint
singlewhite skin,
dark shanks white
non-setter very hardy; excellent hot weather bird quick feathering
& very early maturing
very economical eater; does not like containment; lively; flighty, known for wildness
Precocious scavenger and escape artist.
below average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Silver-Spangled, Golden-Spangled, Golden-Penciled, Silver-Penciled, White, Black
Uncommon. 36%/24% (silver-spang/all other)
Silver spangled down from 56%, others up slightly since 2003 Standard:
4 lb/1.8 kg
Bantam:
1.5 lb/0.7 kg
APA (1874): Large: Continental Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather Light
Layer
Developed in Holland (not Germany) before 1700, possibly before 1400; may be even more ancient. An undocumented legend is that the first ever poultry exhibition that did not involve a cock fight occurred in an English pub during the reign of King George III and featured only Pheasant Fowl cocks -- what we know as Hamburgs. Other historical names include Yorkshire Pheasants, Moonies, Crescents, Corals & Everlayers.
Decades before he wrote The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum both raised and wrote about Hamburgs.
low-gloss
white
rosewhite skin, slate blue shanks white
non-setter (or very rarely broody) hardy; cold hardy very early maturing
very economical eater; likes wide range; less tolerant of close confinement; high flyer; very flighty; spritely, active; mostly avoids human contact Our Birds: ours have been very economical eaters, and in their prime laid well; even though smaller than most other hens, they have held their own in a mixed flock. We have one hen left that was ten years old as of spring 2011. In her old age she has mellowed and eats out of my hand every morning. Because small white eggs are not especially popular with most customers, we eat most of their eggs ourselves.
White & Barred
Rare. 16%
Up since 2003
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
APA (1949): Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Not recognized
Dual Purpose
Established in 1949, after about 15 years of breeding experiments, as an improved, yellow skinned, dual purpose, white egg layer. One breed used had been imported from Holland, but other American breeds, including the Lamona, were mixed in as well. The White and Barred varieties were developed simultaneously, but different combinations of breeds were used.
Unknown in Holland & most of the rest of world.
white
singleyellow skin &
shanks red
can be broody cold hardy moderately slow maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, good tempered
White, Mottled
Uncommon. 32%
Unchanged since 2003 Standard:
6-7 lb/2.7-3.2 kg
Bantam:
1.75 lb/0.8 kg
APA (1874): Large: Continental Bantam: All Other Clean Legged PC: Heavy, Rare
Dual Purpose
Fancy: Crested Bearded Five-Toed
Developed in Normandy before 1700, most likely from a cross of a local five-toed landrace and the Crevecoeur, but possibly Polish and Dorking were used in the breeding process.
white
leaf (or V) white skin,
darker shanks white [hidden by feathers]
can be broody because of fancy feathering,
not suited for foul weather;
may have problems with
freezing crest feathers early maturing
bears confinement well; active; docile; more easily handled
The crested French bird with big eyes.
below average to average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Varieties / Rarity / What's a hen weigh?
Class and Type
Origins
Egg color & productivity; egg size
Comb
Skin color
Earlobes
Brooding Hardiness Maturing
Behavior Japanese or Chabo (and still called Japs in some parts of the world) FSARPP
Black, White, Black Tailed, Birchen, Mottled, others
Common 46.7%
Unchanged since 2003 True bantam:
1.3 lb/0.6 kg
APA (1874): Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: True Bantam
Bantam Short legs
Developed in Japan as early as the 7th century perhaps from Indo-Chinese stock. First introduced to Europe in 1860. Truest bred carry a "lethal gene" which is also connected to the shortened leg characteristic.
creamy
white
large single white skin & shanks bright red
excellent brooder (or annoyingly too frequent brooder); protective mother because of short legs
& fancy feathering,
not suited for foul weather slow to mature
tolerates confinement; some are fliers; generally docile, cocks can be aggressive
The short-legged, low-built, squirrel-tailed bantam.
tiny Jaerhon or Norwegian Jaerhon or Norske Jærhøne FS
Dark Brown, Light Yellow
Rare, once unknown. 4%
Not found in 2003
Standard:
3.5 lb/1.6 kg
APA:
Not recognized PC: Not recognized
Layer
Developed around 1920 in Norway. First imported to North America in 1998.
white
small single white with slate colored shanks white
non-setter cold hardy early maturing
adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; active, flighty
Black, Mottled
Rare, but there had been reports that it was critically endangered. 20%
Up since 2003 7.5 lb/3.4 kg
APA (1874): Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Not recognized
Dual Purpose
Developed in U.S. after being introduced from Java in 1835 or earlier. Peaked in popularity as early as the 1880s, but not before being used in the development of several other breeds.
brown
singleyellow skin,
dark shanks red
good, or frequent, brooder cold hardy very slow maturing
Black, White
Uncommon. 48%/24% (black/all other)
Down since 2003 10 lb/4.6 kg
APA (1922): Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Heavy, Rare
Dual Purpose
[formerly Meat]
Developed near Jobstown, New Jersey, in the 1870s by John and Thomas Black, who crossed several breeds, most likely Black Javas, Black Langshans, and Dark Brahmas. Never widely popular commercially, for a several decades they were the bird of choice for heavy roasting capons.
Originally Black Giants referred to the name of the brothers who developed them, not for the color of the breed.
brown
small
single yellow skin,
dark shanks red
occasional brooder;
protective mother robust; very cold hardy very slow to mature
because of size, not an economical eater; adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, gentle, more easily handled. Our Birds: never reached giant-sized porportions; one gentle hen was among the easiest to pick up. We don't currently have any but may try them again.
The chicken world's largest breed.
average to above average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Black, Blue, White, & Cuckoo
Rare. 16%
Up since 2003 5.5 lb/2.5 kg
APA (1874): Large: Continental Bantam: All Other Clean Legged PC: Heavy, Rare
Dual Purpose
Fancy: Horns for a comb
Dates back to France during or before the 17th century. It is unclear if it is older and a parent of the Crevecoeur, or if it worked the other way around.
tinted
white
horn, V-shaped, duplex white skin,
dark shanks white
non-setter hardy early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; active, flighty, avoids human contact
Black/white/black pattern.
Uncommon. 40%/28% (silver/gold)
Down since 2003 4 lb/1.8 kg
APA (1939): Large: Continental Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft feather Light
Layer
Developed in Germany in early 19th century. Golden Lakenvelders are not standard. Vorwerk is a bantam with the black/gold/black pattern.
white to
light tint
singlewhite skin,
dark shanks white
non-setter hardy early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; flyer; flighty, avoids human contact. Our Birds: never sociable, but not easily startled, either. If we get more, it will be because they are handsome birds.
Black, White, & Blue.
Uncommon. 32%/20% (black/all other)
Unchanged since 2003 7.5 lb/3.4 kg
APA (1883): Large: Asiatic Bantam: Feather Legged PC: Soft feather Heavy
Dual Purpose
[formerly Meat]
Fancy: Feather Footed, outside only (some varieties are clean footed)
Introduced from China in mid-19th century. Major Croad introduced them to England & gave his name to an early variety of Langshans. In Europe & elsewhere, distinctions are made between Croad & Modern Langshans.
brown
[Croad
Langshans
once lay very
dark
brown]
singlegreyish white skin,
dark shanks red
can be broody very hardy; cold hardy slow to mature
well adaptable to confinement or free range; active for their size; graceful; not as calm or docile as other large breeds Our Birds: One rooster was very personable and had a lovely, deep crowing voice. We liked him better than the hens who have not stood out either in egg-laying nor personality.
The long-legged, high-tailed, and feather-footed regal bird.
White, Dark Brown, Light Brown, Buff, Black, Silver, Red, Black-Tailed Red, Columbian
Common. 84%/80% (white/all other)
Whites down since 2003 Standard:
4.5 lb/2 kg
Bantam:
1.75 lb/0.8 kg
APA (1874): Large: Mediterranean Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather Light
Layer
Ancient, but greatly developed in 19th & 20th centuries. Honored by the Romans, and the white variety was reportedly developed for use in ceremony and foretelling the future. One of the most popular birds around the globe.
pearl
white
(non-white feathered varieties are less prolific.)
large
single;
also rose yellow skin &
shanks white
non-setter (or very rarely broody) hardy; heat tolerant (esc. white variety); combs subject to frostbite very early maturing
economical eater; better adaptable to confinement then some Mediterranean; enjoys free range; flyer; flighty; spritely, noisy, nervous, usually avoids human contact. Our Birds: Flighty does describe them pretty well, but they aren't without personality. One of our first white Leghorns would lead the pack in greeting us when we came home.
The ultimate egg machine.
above average
[commercial whites' are especially large]
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Black Breasted Red, White, Spangled, Black, and Red Pyle
Very rare 4%
Unchanged since 2003 7 lb/3.2 kg
APA (1883): Large: All Other Bantam: All Other Clean Legged PC: Hard Feather, Rare
Game
An ancient breed related to birds indigenous to southern Asia from the Indian sub-continent to Indonesia. One of the first breeds to be introduced from Asia to Europe, the breed spread quickly where cock fighting was enjoyed. It was standardized in the U. K. before being introduced to North America.
brown
productive over short season
strawberry yellow skin & shanks rich red
can be very broody hardy, but not feathered for cold winters; very hardy in heat very slow to mature
needs to be active; intolerant of close confinement; among the most aggressive, but more placid than most game birds; because of aggressiveness, not recommended for a mixed flock
Black Copper [APA], Cuckoo, and others
Uncommon. 36%/12%
Up from 4%/0% in 2003 Standard:
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
Bantam:
2.2 lb/1.0 kg
APA: (2011): Large: Continental PC: Soft Feather Heavy
Layer Feather Footed [US and French standard, but Clean Footed for English standard]
Developed in France in early 20th century, but a Marans-type bird is said to have begun as early as the 13th century. Imported to North America from both France, England, and elsewhere, post-WWII. Although the Cuckoo has been the most prominent variety, the Black Copper, for which there was clearer consensus for a standard, is the only variety currently recognized by the APA.
dark
chocolate
russett
brown
ideally,
varies widely & seasonally
singlewhite skin &
shanks red
great brooder (or annoyingly too frequent brooder) in some strains developed in marsh lands, so apparently tolerant of wet conditions. Some rapid and carely breeding have made some strains less hardy than others.
varies widely by individual and strain. Our Birds: We've only had clean-legged Cuckoo Marans. Although "cuckoo" was meant to describe feather pattern, we thought it fit the personality as well. Not exactly wild, some have been very active and somewhat difficult to manage. Others have been quite calm. None of ours have laid especially dark brown eggs.
Black, White, Buff
Uncommon. 28%/24% (black/all other)
Blacks down from 44% in 2003 Standard:
7 lb/3.2 kg
Bantam:
1.75 lb/0.8 kg
APA (1888): Large: Mediterranean Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather Light
Layer
Developed in Spain. Whether it was named for Minorca in the Balearics Island or actually developed there is uncertain. Once known as the Red-faced Black Spanish. In Spain the name of breed is spelled Menorca, as is the island.
white
single & rose white skin,
dark shanks white
non-setter excellent hot weather bird;
combs subject to frostbite early maturing
adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; restlessly active, flighty, avoids human contact
Black-Breasted Red, Silver Duckwing, Red Pyle, White, Black, many others
Rare. 12%
Down since 2003 Standard:
4.5 lb/2 kg
Bantam:
1.2 lb/0.55 kg
APA (1874): Large: All Other Bantam: Game PC: Hard Feather
Game
Developed in England in 19th century for exhibibiton, not for cockfighting.
white to light tint
productive over short season
large single (often dubbed) yellow skin & shanks red
can be broody;
protective mother not feathered for coldest winters; hardy in heat;
some subject to health problems slow to mature
needs to be active; less tolerant of close confinement; aggressive, noisy
The little game bird with style and carriage.
below average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Varieties / Rarity / What's a hen weigh?
Class and Type
Origins
Egg color & productivity; egg size
Comb
Skin color
Earlobes
Brooding Hardiness Maturing
Behavior Naked Neck or Transylvanian Naked Neck or Turken FSOKPP
Black, White, Red, and Red are recognized by the APA, but other varieties include Blue and Cuckoo or Barred.
Uncommon. 44%
Unchanged since 2003 Standard:
6 lb/2.7 kg
Bantam:
1.5 lb/0.7 kg
APA (1965): Large: All Other Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Heavy, Rare
Fancy: Bare neck
Originated before 1700 in the Transylvanian region of Central Europe that is now part of Romania. Further developed in Austria and Germany. The naked neck trait possibly came from game birds found in Madagascar. First shown in Vienna in 1875 by breeders from counties that are now part of Romania.
creamy
light
brown
singleyellow skin &
shanks red
can be broody;
good mother hardy in both cold and extreme heat slow to mature
well adaptable to confinement or free range; active; calm, docile; more easily handled
Light brownish red, only
Common 60%
Down since 2003
Standard:
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
Bantam:
1.9 lb/0.85 kg
APA (1935): Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Heavy, Rare
Dual Purpose
Developed in New Hamphire from the Rhode Island Red in early 20th century.
light to
medium
dark brown
large
single yellow skin &
shanks red
good, or occasional to frequent, brooder; good mother robust; hardy in heat & cold;
combs subject to frostbite very early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm; can be docile or aggressive; can be curious Our Birds: a few have been among our favorites. Addled Adelaide was our first hen to raise a brood of chicks. She earned her name for appearing to be scatter-brained at times as a pullet, but when older could almost seem affectionate -- maybe she was just very hungry. Several enjoyed keeping close to us while gardening. Some have been aggressive in maintaining their position in the pecking order.
Red, White
Rare. 24%
Up since 2003 6.0 lb/2.7 kg
APA: Not recognized (dropped from Continental) PC: Heavy, Rare
Fancy: Bearded & muffed
Reportedly developed in Russia in 18th century from Persian stock. Once called Chlianskaia, current name probably derives from Count Orloff-Techesmensky, a Russian breeder
light
brown
walnut yellow skin &
legs red
non-setter hardy slow to mature
adapts to confinement; calm, but not docile, avoids human contact
Buff, Black, Blue, White
Buffs common, others rare. 84%/12% (buff/all other)
Unchanged since 2003 Standard:
8 lb/3.6 kg
Bantam:
2.2 lb/1 kg
APA (1902): Large: English Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather Heavy
Dual Purpose
[formerly Meat]
Originally developed by William Cook in Orpington (County Kent) the 1880s. Some varieties developed by his daughter.
brown
single white skin &
white or dark shanks red
good, or frequent, brooder;
excellent mother hardy; very cold hardy moderately early maturing
adaptable to free range; very adaptable to confinement; docile; more easily handled; can be bullied Our Birds: ours have been docile enough, and some have fit pretty low in the pecking order, but none of ours have shown the "friendliness" that others have claimed for the breed.
Big gentle bird.
average to above average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Barred, White, Buff, Silver Penciled, Partridge, Columbian, Blue
Common 88%/64%/48%/24% (barred/white/
partridge/all other)
Down since 2003 Standard:
7.5 lb/3.4 kg
Bantam:
2.2 lb/1 kg
APA (1874): Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather Heavy
Dual Purpose
Developed in New England in 19th century.
Once common on the homestead, still popular in the backyard.
light (or pinkish) to
medium
brown
small
single yellow skin &
shanks red
infrequent brooder; good mother robust; very cold hardy somewhat early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile; more easily handled Our Birds: ours have been good, solid, dependable birds that have blended in well with the flock, not standing out for good or bad reasons.
Bearded & Beardless; Black, White, Golden, Silver, Buff Laced
Uncommon. 48%
Down from 56% in 2003
4-4.5 lb/1.8-2 kg
APA (1874): Large: Continental Bantam: All Other Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather Light
Fancy: Crested
Originated in Europe, but probably not Poland, before the 16th century. Once known for good egg production, now almost strictly ornamental.
varies widely
to
white
small V white skin,
blue shanks white
non-setter some subject to health problems;
because of fancy feathering,
not suited for foul weather;
| may have problems with
freezing crest feathers;
special care may be needed
since plumage blocks vision
bears confinement well; mixed reports -- either calm or somewhat flighty; obstructed vision can hinder some activities; can be bullied; mixed reports on how well they do in a mixed flock
Perhaps the oldest of the crested breeds.
below average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Varieties / Rarity / What's a hen weigh?
Class and Type
Origins
Egg color & productivity; egg size
Comb
Skin color
Earlobes
Brooding Hardiness Maturing
Behavior Redcap or Red Cap or Derbyshire Redcap FSOKPP
Red & black pattern, only
Rare. 8%
Unchanged since 2003 6 lb/2.7 kg
APA (1888): Large: English Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft feather Light
Layer
Fancy: Large rose comb
Developed in Derbyshire.
white
very large spiked rose white skin,
blue shanks red
Rhode Island Red & Rhode Island White
(two separate breeds)
Common, but show quality reds are rare. 64%/28% (red/white)
Down since 2003 Standard:
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
Bantam:
2 lb/0.9 kg
APA (1904/1922): Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather Heavy
Dual Purpose
Developed in New England in 19th century.
rich
medium
brown
large
single;
also rose yellow skin &
shanks red
infrequent brooder;
can be dutiful mother robust; hardy in heat & cold;
combs subject to frostbite moderately early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; active, calm & fairly docile, can be aggressive (cocks are especially notorious) Our Birds: we've had very limited experience, but the few hens we have had have been more aggressive than most other breeds.
Bearded & Beardless; Black, White, Blue, Buff, Partridge, Gray
Very common. 100%
Unchanged since 2003 True bantam:
2.2 lb/1 kg
APA (1874): Bantam: Feather Legged PC: Soft feathered Light & Bantam both
Black skin, face, comb, & wattles Hair-like plumage Turquoise earlobes Five-Toed Crested Feather footed
Already developed in China by the time of Marco Polo (13th century)
Large & Bantam classes are recognized in some countries
tinted
walnut black skin & shanks turquoise
one of the most broody (or very annoyingly too frequent brooder) hardy in heat & cold;
because of fancy feathering,
not suited for foul weather slow to mature
adapts well to confinement; calm, docile; because of size and docility, may not do well in a mixed flock
An oddity of oddities of the poultry and pet world
below average Spanish, White-Faced Black Spanish, Spanish White Ear, or Clownface FSOKPP
White-Faced Black only
Uncommon. 20%
Up since 2003 6 lb/2.7 kg
APA (1874): Large: Mediterranean Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Light, Rare
Layer
Fancy: White face
Oldest of the Mediterranean breeds, developed in Spain.
white
large single grey skin,
dark shanks white
non-setter reportedly subject to health problems; heat tolerant;
combs subject to frostbite slow to develop;
white face takes more than a year
adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; flighty, haughty, noisy, avoids human contact
Handsome, graceful, rare.
above average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Speckled, Red, Light
Uncommon. 44%/4% (speckled/all other)
Speckled unchanged; others not found in 2003 Standard:
7 lb/3.2 kg
Bantam:
2.2 lb/1 kg
APA (1914): Large: English Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather Heavy
Dual Purpose
Developed in county of Sussex in early 19th century.
creamy
to light
brown
single white skin &
shanks red
good brooder & mother robust; very cold hardy moderately early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm; gentle; active; can be curious; more easily handled Our Birds: a few have been among our favorites for personality.
An old English favorite
average
Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)
Red Partridge
Uncommon. 36%
Up from 12% in 2003 Standard:
6 lb/2.7 kg
Bantam:
2 lb/0.9 kg
APA (2001): Large: Continental PC: Soft Feather Light
Dual Purpose
Developed in Holland in 20th century.
rich
dark
terracotta
brown
small single yellow skin &
shanks red
mixed reports on
setting & brooding hardy; cold hardy moderately early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; lively, but more docile than flighty. Our Birds: some of our hens have laid solid dark brown eggs. Even more popular with many of our customers have been the very large speckled brown Welsumer eggs.
Silver Laced, Golden Laced, White, Buff, Partridge, Silvered Penciled, Columbian
Common. 76%/56%/40% (silver/gold/all other)
Silver and gold down, others up since 2003 Standard:
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
Bantam:
2.2 lb/1 kg
APA (1883): Large: American Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged PC: Soft Feather Heavy
Dual Purpose
Developed in New York State & Wisconsin in late 19th century.
light
to rich
brown
roseyellow skin &
shanks red
infrequent brooder;
excellent mother robust; very cold hardy moderately early maturing
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm. Our Birds: Most of ours have been docile, but some individuals have been aggressive. Most have been aloof in terms of human contact.
Red shouldered & white; White; other colors
Very rare. 8%
Up since 2003 4 lb/ 1.8 kg
APA: Large: All Other Bantam: All Other Clean Legged PC: Light Rare
Fancy:
Long-tailed
Called Yokohama from the port of origin. Developed in Germany in the 19th century from the Japanese long-tailed breed called the Minohiki.
tinted
walnut or pea yellow skin & shanks white
can be broody,
protective mothers because of fancy feathering,
not suited for foul weather slow to mature
requires special housing or cages & high perches to accommodate long tails; generally docile; cocks can be pugnacious around other cocks; because of special needs, not recommended for a mixed flock
Elegant long-tail.
below average
Numerous books (new and old, and including those by authors Harry Lewis, Lewis Wright, Alanna Moore, H. S. Babcock, Caleb N. Bement, Frank L. Platt, Louis M. Hurd, James E. Rice and Harold E. Botsford, Joseph Batty, Ian Kay, Eric Bailey, Page Smith and Charles Daniel, and Tamara Staples), articles from Mother Earth News, Organic Gardening, and Science News, the Murray McMurray and Glenn Drown's Sand Hill Preservation Center catalogs, the websites in the "KEY TO LINKS" section below, and multiple other Web sites were consulted in creating the chicken chart. Sources, of course, do not always agree, so personal judgments, common sense, and some personal knowledge were also used in determining the final make-up of the chart. If you have corrections or suggestions, please let me know. A quirky and very useful site was Johan Opsomer's Chickenbox from the Nederlands, but it seems to have disappeared. Notes on symbols and keywords:
KEY TO LINKS:The links in the first column are to some of the most useful sites I found for information about specific breeds. PLEASE NOTE that the links lead you to sites created and developed by other individuals -- not by me. When you click on them, you are leaving this website.
= portrait (illustration rather than photograph) available on the Web. Most illustrations are by Diane Jacky, found either on her site or in an online poultry catalog.
FS = Barry Koffler's FeatherSite (usually lots of photographs available)
OK = Oklahoma State University's Department of Animal Science's Poultry Breeds
AL = The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy Conservation Priority List
AR = Poultry Photos, a collection of black and white photographs taken during the early 1900s by Arthur Rice, of Lincolnshire.
PP = PoultryPage from Britain
PB = DOM_BIRD Breed Encyclopedia (Formerly associated with the Palm Beach County Poultry Fanciers Association)
RF = Rupert the Fish, the website of a short poultrykeeper from Coventry, aka Robert Stevenson
RB = Rare Breeds Trust of Australia
club = pages specific to the clubs established for specific breeds
VARIETIES AND RELATED BREEDS:Among the poultry associations of different countries, different breeds are officially recognized and different varieties within the same breed are accepted. Not all breeds listed here are recognized by the American Poultry Association, but for the breeds that are APA Standard, I have tried to use the APA accepted varieties. For some breeds, I have listed colors that are available, not that are recognized varieties by either the APA or another official poultry association.Names and terms also differ around the world.
RARITY: Notes on rarity are related to availability in North America. In general, common = 50% or more; uncommon = 20% to 50%; rare = under 20%; very rare = under 5%. The percentages are based on a survey of US and Canadian hatchery catalogs and breeder lists conducted in March 2011. Comparisons refer to a survey I conducted in February 2003. Only if the percentage change was significant did I list the previous percentage. For standard breeds, 25 hatcheries/breeders were used; for bantams, I surveyed true bantams only, and used 15 hatcheries/breeders. Since the previous survey, some hatcheries have disappeared and others either started up or have put their catalogs on the web. Eight years ago, I relied on catalogs sent in the mail for almost half of the hatcheries. For the survey in 2011, I used only catalogs found on the web. The percentage is somewhat skewed, since some hatcheries consulted, such as Sand Hill Preservation Center, specialize in rare breeds. A list of sources used is available upon request. Breeds available through small-scale breeders is not addressed.
CLASS AND TYPE: Class: APA = American Poultry Association (Year in parenthesis is first year any variety of the breed was admitted to the Standard of Perfection) PC = Poultry Club [of Britain] Chicken breeds have been classified many different ways. Class as defined by the American Poultry Association indicates place of origin. The Poultry Club in the UK uses classes based on type of feathering, Soft (or loose) and Hard (or close) and body type,Light or Heavy. Type:Breeds can also be separated by the purpose for which they were originally developed. Dual Purpose were develped for both meat and eggs. These days, most of these breeds are only found in backyards and small farms. [formerly Meat] indicates that in the days before Cornish X Rock dominance (post World War II), this breed was highly prized as a meat bird.Layersare those breeds that are principally used for egg production. As a general rule these birds are active and lively, lighter in weight than most other standard breeds, and not broody. Gamebreeds were once bred for cockfighting. It is believed they were the first chickens to be bred by humans. As a general rule, they are noisy and pugnacious, but some can be docile toward toward humans, and hens can be very protective mothers. As a rule they have low egg production. Fancybreeds are those with special features, such as crests, feathered feet, unusual colors, beards, muffs, or five toes. Some fancy breeds are strictly ornamental, but many others are will also be found among the layer and dual purpose breeds, as well. Bantambreeds are little birds of ornament and pleasure. The term bantam comes from a small chicken that originated in the Bantam region of Java, but after they were introduced to Europe centuries ago, any small variety of fowl was called a bantam. Bantams include both miniature versions of the large standard breeds and True Bantams, breeds for which there is no matching large standard. The descriptive term True, however, does not mean a naturally diminutive breed, since many True Bantams have been highly engineered by breeding programs.
indicates that the hackle and saddle feathers of the cocks in some colors and varieties of these breeds are particularly prized for use in tying fishing flies, especially when natural, undyed feathers are desired. In addition, long-tailed breeds are also used and special crossbreds have been developed. Bantams are preferred by some for their smaller and more delicate feathers.
EGG RATE:
= poor
= fair
= good
= very good
= prolific I have been inexact with the egg rates, because egg production is only partly influenced by the breed of hen, and because numbers I have seen have been all over the place. Egg production of an individual hen is dependent on such other factors as age, health, nutrition, space, housing, sanitation, light, humidity, temperature, and contentment. Although one Black Australorp laid a record 364 eggs in 365 days, your Australorp may not reach half that number in her best year. Different lines of the same variety have been bred for different reasons, some emphasizing breeding to standard, others emphasizing egg-laying.
= winter layer Chickens tend to be much better layers in the spring and summer; winter layers are those hens whose weekly egg rate show significantly less drop in the colder/darker months, even if they aren't especially prolific overall.
EGG COLOR: Egg colors used on this page are estimations and will also appear differently on different monitors. Egg colors will vary from bird to bird. This is especially true of the dark brown egg laying breeds, many of which, disappointingly, will lay much lighter shades than listed. In general for brown egg layers, the color of eggs will lighten as the hen ages.
EGG SIZE:Sizes listed are not in conformity with USDA grades and combine large, extra large, and jumbo. In general, below average eggs average 55 grams or less (under 2 ounces). Average eggs average 55 to 60 grams (about 2 ounces). Above average eggs are 60 grams or more (more than 2 ounces). Egg sizes for bantams, except True Bantams that have their own listings, are not provided, but they fit the label TINY.Size is based on those laid during a hen's prime laying years. Pullets will lay much smaller eggs, and, as hens get older, they will lay increasingly larger eggs. Size of eggs will vary by both variety and individual hen. Perhaps the best example of this is the leghorn, since the commercial white has been developed to lay a very large egg, but most other varieties lay medium sized eggs.
COMBS:For pictures of combs, see this old Cornell poultry textbook with a chapter on comb types. The illustrations, seen quite a few places on the web unattributed, are credited in the book to W. C. Baker. A hen's comb is generally smaller than a coxcomb, and in the case of the large single comb, the hen's comb flops over rather jauntily instead of standing erect like a large single coxcomb.
The University of Illinois Extension site includes descriptions of combs with its illustrations. It also describes a Silkis comb [silkie's comb?], which is most elsewhere called a walnut comb.
BROODING: Broodiness can be a good or bad thing, depending on your perspective. When hens go broody, they don't lay eggs, so especially for commercial egg producers, this is a bad trait. On the other hand, for some backyard chicken enthusiasts, the opportunity of having a natural hatching experience is very desirable, so having a broody hen is a good thing. The range of broodiness goes from non-setters to great brooders. The Mediterranean breeds are notorious for not setting on their eggs. Silkies, on the other end of scale, have both greatly frustrated some owners for going broody so often and been prized for so often being available for hatching out eggs. Hens of all breeds can go broody, according to testimony from many friends and correspondents. In 2009, we first observed a broody brown leghorn. With notoriously broody breeds, individual hens may never or never conveniently go broody at convenient times.
HARDINESS: What is the difference between hardy and robost? For purposes of this chart, Hardy has more to do with ability to deal with different climate and weather related conditions. Robust is more health-related, and indicates not prone to sickness.
BEHAVIOR: Chickens don't make good pets like cats and dogs, and chickens really aren't friendly like house pets. What some interpret as friendly is most often little more than not not avoiding human company, not struggling when held, or willing to eat out of a human's hand. Calm, docile birds can appear to be "friendlier" than flighty birds that squawk and run away whenever a human gets close or an aggressive bird that will peck at other birds and humans alike. I have removed notes about foraging, because I have learned from experience that all chickens, when introduced to free ranging at an early age, seem to do just fine.
OUR BIRDS: Please keep in mind that the notes on our birds are based on a small sample size of chickens found in a small, mixed-breed, backyard, free-ranging flock. Experiences of others with birds in a different environment may be quite different.
This page authored and maintained by John R. Henderson ([email protected]), Sage Hen Farm, Lodi, NY.
Last modified on Sarah's birthday and almost Washington's, 2012
All chicken portraits are by Diane Jacky and are used by permission.
Here's my BASIC list so far.
Golden Comet
Rhode Island red mixes from local farm
Plymouth Rocks
Amaracana
Orpingtons
other mixes from friend.
Leghorns
Red and Black sexlinks
Although they seem to get a bad rap... I really love my rhode island red! It is friendly, follows me around the yard and will lay great eggs. I'm also partial to Buff Orpingtons for great layers and all around nice bird!
I would go with Easter Eggers, or Ameraucanas. Your basket will not be boring! They tolerate hot and cold. Personalities are different chicken to chicken. Play with them a lot when they are babies!
. I was wondering what chicken breed I should get. They must lay lots of eggs, be heat resistant, and be friendly.
