Chicken Breeds for the Small Farm or Backyard Flock
Which
Breed Is Right for Your Farm or Homestead?
https://www.thespruce.com/chicken-breeds-small-farm-backyard-flock-3016586
Updated 02/18/17
Once you've decided to keep chickens, you need to choose the chicken
breed or breeds you are going to raise on your small farm or homestead.
Chickens come in different colors, sizes, and personalities - and with more
than 200 breeds, it can be hard to choose.This list of the most popular breeds
will help you figure out the best fit for your farm.
Ameracauna
HedgehogWhisperer/Wikimedia
Commons
True
standard Ameracaunas are a rare breed of South American chicken that lays blue
eggs. Most of what are called "Ameracaunas" or "Easter
Eggers" in the United States are a mix of South American breeds. They're
all descendants of Araucana chickens brought from Chile in the 1970s.
In any
case, these are fun, interesting birds who are primarily good for laying eggs
but not for meat. Their personalities can vary and their eggs, in all shades of
blue, green and even cream, are...MORE favorites among children and farmers market customers.
New Hampshire Red
A New
Hampshire Red hen. Photo © Lauren Ware
New
Hampshire Reds are a vigorous, early-maturing breed known for their meat more
than their eggs, although they are a true dual-purpose bird, good for both.
They
originally derived from Rhode Island Reds. Their personalities can vary by the
bird, from focused on the pecking order and a bit aggressive toward other
birds, to mellow and docile.
A Buff
Orpington pullet. Photo © Lauren Ware
The most
common Orpington variety are Buffs, known for their big, fluffy-feathered
bodies and gentle personas. These are the Big Birds of the dual-purpose chicken
world. Sweet, docile, and easy to confine in a fenced area, they are a favorite
of families with young children. They'll tolerate a lot of picking up and
handling. This means that they may also be more vulnerable to predators,
though.
Orpingtons
were originally developed for meat, but also lay eggs well, and will continue
to lay...MORE right through the winter months, making them great for
cold-climate farms.
Barred
Rock hen. Photo © Lauren Ware
The most
common Plymouth Rock variety is the Barred Rock. With their black and white
stripes, Barred Rocks are a good-looking breed and stand out in the flock. As
the name suggests, Plymouth Rock chickens were first discovered in
Massachusetts.
Plymouth
Rocks are solid, sturdy dual-purpose birds and very popular for the small farm
and homestead. They were at one time the most popular breed in America, due in
large part to their gentle, docile personalities.
Continue
to 5 of 7 below.
A Rhode
Island Red hen. Photo © Lauren Ware
Rhode
Island Reds are prolific egg-layers and at one time a standard for small
poultry farms. Although they're good for meat, too, they are known for their
high egg production.
Rhode
Island Reds are handsome birds, and while they're very active, the chickens are
calm and docile. But watch out for Rhode Island Red roosters, as they can tend
to be aggressive.
Sussex
A Speckled
Sussex hen (yes, Miss Friendly!). Photo © Lauren Ware
An English
breed, Sussex chickens were at one time the most common British table bird.
Speckled Sussex is the most common variety, and their brown plumage with white
speckles definitely lets them stand out from the rest of the flock. Their
coloring is also good camouflage from predators.
Sussex
chickens are known for their friendly and curious personalities. They're
among the most "pet-like" of any chickens.
Wyandotte
These
pretty creatures, originally known as the American Sebright, are dual-purpose
birds who lay plentiful numbers of brown eggs. The most common type is the
silver-laced Wyandotte, but they come in several color varieties. These birds
can tolerate adverse weather conditions and terrain and are good-natured
and docile.
