Chicken Breed Directory

NOTE: Unless stated otherwise, all of the breeds in this directory are docile / family-friendly, cold-hardy, bear confinement well and are full-size birds (not bantams).

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Choosing Chicken Breeds

Choosing Breeds

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All Breeds

EGG COLOR
Blue Eggs
Brown Eggs
Green Eggs
White Eggs

EGG PRODUCTION
≤ 3 / wk
3-4 / wk
4-5 / wk
5+ / wk

BREED PURPOSE
Dual Purpose
Egg Production
Meat
Ornamental

BREED TYPE
Heritage breed
Non-heritage breed
Hybrid / Crossbreed

What is a heritage breed?

A heritage breed is one that is recognized by the American Poultry Association. Heritage breeds are those that can mate naturally, are genetically stable, have a typically long outdoor lifespan, and a relatively slow growth rate. Many heritage breeds have existed for hundreds of years. They are naturally better foragers than hybrids but also are more prone to broodiness.

What is a non-heritage breed?

A non-heritage breed has all of the characteristics of a heritage breed but has not been recognized by the American Poultry Association as a standard.

What is a hybrid / crossbreed?

A hybrid (or crossbreed) is a bird that is bred to produce a specific characteristic, usually high egg production. Many hybrids are “auto-sexing,” meaning males and females are easily distinguishable when hatched. A hybrid cannot be considered a “breed” because it cannot produce offspring that have the same characteristics it has. While hybrids will lay more eggs than heritage breeds, they also do not live as long and are more susceptible to disease.

What is Breed Purpose?

Breed Purpose describes the best use for a breed. Some breeds are best for Egg Production only, while some are bred specifically for their Meat. Then there are Dual Purpose breeds, which are good egg layers but can also be harvested for meat. Ornamental breeds are meant for show or as pets. Most ornamental breeds are not good layers nor are they good for meat.

Chicken Breed Directory

Choosing Chicken Breeds

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Categories

What is a heritage breed?

What is a non-heritage breed?

What is a hybrid / crossbreed?

What is Breed Purpose?

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Chicken Breed Directory

Choosing Chicken Breeds

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Ameraucana

Appenzeller Spitzhauben

Araucana

Australorp

Blue Sapphire Plymouth Rock

Barnevelder

Brahma

Buckeye

Cochin

Cornish Cross

Delaware

Dominique

Dorking

Easter Egger

Faverolle

Hamburg

Jersey Giant

Legbar

Leghorn

Marans

Naked Neck

New Hampshire

Olive Egger

Orpington

Plymouth Rock

Polish

Ranger

Rhode Island Red

Sex Link

Silkie

Sussex

Swedish Flower Hen

Welsummer

Wyandotte

Share

Categories

What is a heritage breed?

What is a non-heritage breed?

What is a hybrid / crossbreed?

What is Breed Purpose?

ESSENTIAL RESOURCE

CHICKENSMART: Ultimate Checklist & Decision Guide

ABOUT

MENU