Big Chicken Breeds?

[ChickenGirl555]

I was just wondering what breeds of chickens are almost always big? I want to add some big layers to my flock. I have two Buff Orpington hens that are commercial, so sadly they're not very big. Also are any big breeds usually friendly/not aggressive?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Most big breeds are more mellow.

Some breeds are large fowl cochins, and brahma, and Jersy giants. English bred Orpingtons are big birds.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

English bred Orpingtons are big birds.

Mine must not be English bred then, they are smaller than my polish cockerels! But one is still the alpha....

 

[Shorty22366]

Jersey Giants, Favorellaes. I have both and love them.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mine must not be English bred then, they are smaller than my polish cockerels! But one is still the alpha....

Are they young? Orpington can take two years to fill in and mature fully. Hatchery bred Orpingtons are smaller, though I've had bigger ones from a hatchery, but lately they seem smaller. I have one English buff Orpington hen, she's a huge chunk monster.

 

[New2Chicks97]

Our Brahma is the biggest girl we have. She is a very mellow and sweet girl. She could easily be top chicken as she towers over everyone else but she is content to just “be”. The only time I see any kind of move towards being bossy from her is whenever i give them tomatoes for snacks. She LOVES cherry tomatoes and is willing to move heaven, earth and any hen that gets in her way. For a big girl she can move fast when she wants to

 

[pennyJo1960]

Barred can be a bit bossy but large breed raised with the others as alpha should be fine
had to rid my old girls plymouth barred to auction at 5 bought 4 younger but not hatchery and they are fine but great layers always

 

[Jase The Butcher]

Big breeds would be heritage bred Light Sussex, Orpingtons, Brahmas, Cochins, Plymouth Rocks, and Malaysians

i've heard Jersey Giants are supposed to be the biggest but I've seen Sussex that were far larger

 

[KikiLeigh02]

My Orpingtons from a breeder stand taller than my hatchery Jersey Giants, but the Jersey Giants weigh more.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Are they young? Orpington can take two years to fill in and mature fully. Hatchery bred Orpingtons are smaller, though I've had bigger ones from a hatchery, but lately they seem smaller. I have one English buff Orpington hen, she's a huge chunk monster.

They are only 13 months old.