Top 5 Backyard Chicken Breeds

[fowlman01]

Many people seem to have a reaction when I point out that one breed is a better layer than another.

I can say that in general a Barred Plymouth Rock will lay 4 eggs a week on average in a year, whereas a Rhode Island Red will lay 5 eggs a week on average in a year. So I think I am safe in saying that on average Rhode Island Reds are better layers. Of course there are individual variations.

I put links to a few websites that show the number of eggs laid by each breed.


Plymouth Rock

http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/Plymouth-Rock-B85.aspx

http://www.cacklehatchery.com/barred.html

http://www.keepingchickens.com/plymouth-rock-chicken/



Rhode Island Red

http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/Rhode-Island-B97.aspx

http://www.cacklehatchery.com/rhodeislandrdpage.html

http://www.keepingchickens.com/rhode-island-reds/

IMO none of these sources are a reliable source for accurate information.

Walt

 

[fowlman01]

All I was getting at is that it's hard for everyone to agree. You probably can drive all over washington and never see an american game. If you drive down a country road in the south you'll see there little huts all over the place. You will also see the hens in alot of coops. People here get extra hens and keep them for eggs and broodies. It's not just "certain people" that have them. I think it's neat to see the different kinds of chicken popular in different places in the US.

That is it...all these breeds can be very regional.

Walt

 

[Bullitt]

IMO none of these sources are a reliable source for accurate information.

Walt

Then post sources that you think are reliable.

 

[Bullitt]

Hello! I'm new here and am excited to read all the posts. I am starting with chicks this week and have 8. Plymouth Rocks, Buff Cochins, Silver Laced Wyandottes and Ameraucanas, two of each. I love them all, each and every one! lol So glad to have come across this site.

It sounds like you have a nice mix of breeds. I see you will have brown eggs, and blue and/or green eggs. If you like white eggs, you might think about getting a hen that lays white eggs. That way you will have an even better mix of egg colors. Just an idea.

Welcome to the board.

 

[fowlman01]

IMO none of these sources are a reliable source for accurate information.

Walt

I don't have the time or inclination...but try the ALBC website.....they actually have researched this and and are using their own info, not something they heard online. There is no way that the average RIR is going to lay more eggs than a Plymouth Rock.

Walt

 

[Bullitt]

I looked at the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy website. I am sure they get their information from books and websites.

The ALBC has information about Rhode Island Red (non-industrial). It states that Rhode Island Reds will lay 200-300 eggs a year. If you averaged that, it would be 250 eggs a year.

The ALBC lists Plymouth Rock, but there is no information about the breed.


The information I can find reports that Rhode Island Reds lay an average of about 260 eggs a year, or 5 eggs a week. And Plymouth Rocks lay an average of about 208 eggs a year, or 4 eggs a week.

So as far as all the information I can find, including your suggested source, the Rhode Island Red is better on average at laying eggs than the Plymouth Rock.

 

[enel 1]

We are talking about the most popular small-flock chicken breeds in North America, generally.

If you can determine which breed of dog is the most popular, then I don't think it is silly to determine the most popular small-flock chicken breeds.

This seemed like a good article for Backyard Chickens. Here is a list of the top 5 breeds of backyard chickens from Living the Country Life.

 

[enel 1]

the first sentence on the first page

 

[mommiextwo]

Thank you! Been busy with chicks and haven't popped back in.

 

[mommiextwo]

It sounds like you have a nice mix of breeds. I see you will have brown eggs, and blue and/or green eggs. If you like white eggs, you might think about getting a hen that lays white eggs. That way you will have an even better mix of egg colors. Just an idea.

Welcome to the board.

Thank you so much! I also got a Campine, a Sagitta and an Australorpe. Yep...I've got it bad. rofl! Our flock is complete now and our coop will be active, but not too crowded. I know these little gals are going to outgrow my brooder box, so that's got me a bit worried. I don't want to buy two heat lamps, etc, but will do what I have to.