Choosing the Right Breed
The breed or breeds you choose to raise will largely be determined by two factors: your region’s greater climate and the space you have available to devote to your flock. Once those two considerations are met, decide how important other factors are, such as egg production, personality, and temperament. The primary purpose of your flock will determine which breed(s) you’ll raise most successfully.
There are hundreds of chicken varieties, each with its own strengths. The descriptions that follow highlight some of the most popular American chicken breeds for the backyard flock. I’ll admit, I’m biased: Many of these are my favorite chickens, and I wouldn’t have a flock without them. Just keep in mind that while many generalizations can be made for a breed as a whole, individual birds may not always conform to their breed’s exact temperament, size, color, or other factors. Many of the following chickens are heritage breeds, dual-purpose (which means they can be used as both egg layers and meat birds), and some fall on The Livestock Conservancy’s (TLC) Conservation Priority List for endangered poultry (see below).
Lineage aside, what these breeds all have in common is that they’re easily handled, easy to find and purchase, friendly toward their keepers, and laying eggs is their strong suit, making them the absolute best birds for the suburbs.
The Livestock Conservancy
The Livestock Conservancy does research, education, outreach, marketing and promotion, and genetic rescues to help ensure the future of rare breed agriculture.
Each year, The Livestock Conservancy publishes its annual Conservation Priority List for endangered poultry. The breeds identified on the list generally conform to certain parameters, as identified below.
Critical. Fewer than 200 annual registrations in the United States and estimated global population less than 2,000.
Threatened. Fewer than 1,000 annual registrations in the United States and estimated global population less than 5,000.
Watch. Fewer than 2,500 annual registrations in the United States and estimated global population less than 10,000. Also included are breeds that present genetic or numerical concerns or have a limited geographic distribution.
Recovering. Breeds that were once listed in another category and have exceeded “Watch” category numbers but are still in need of monitoring.
Study. Breeds that are of genetic interest but either lack definition or lack genetic or historical documentation.
Source: The Livestock Conservancy at www.livestockconservancy.org
The Best Egg-Producing Breeds
Ameraucana
Description: The Ameraucana is best known for its ability to lay eggs in various (and lovely) hues of blue. These eggs are a stunning addition to any egg basket or market table, and they make a great show-and-tell project for school. In the looks department, Ameraucanas themselves are pretty cute, too—they sport facial furnishings and are available in a wide variety of colors and feather patterns. They have winning personalities and are fun birds to have in any flock.
Productivity: Good to very good
Egg Color: Blue
Temperament: Calm, non-aggressive, friendly, easily handled
Hardiness: Cold-hardy
Varieties: Black, blue, blue wheaten, brown-red, buff, silver, wheaten, white
Australorp
Description: Of all the heritage chicken breeds, the Australorp is widely considered the best for egg production. The Australorp has its origins in Australian-bred Orpington chickens, hence the name (Australia + Orpington = Australorp). The Australorp is a medium-sized bird, and hens are prolific layers of large, brown eggs. The breed’s one color, black, is a stunning display of subtlety, with hints of green and purple in the right light. They are really gorgeous birds. Overall, Australorps are friendly and personable in temperament, although some individuals may have the tendency to be the enforcers of hierarchy in the flock. They are very friendly and curious toward their keepers, though. If you’re looking for the best heritage breed layer, this is it.
Productivity: Excellent
Egg Color: Brown
Temperament: Docile, easily handled, quiet disposition; may dominate other birds
Hardiness: Cold-hardy
Varieties: Black
Brahma
Description: The Brahma is a gentle giant. Quiet, calm, and even-tempered, this breed is exceptionally cold-hardy, and the hens are great winter layers. Because of their feathered legs and shanks, they’re not best for excessively wet or muddy regions (moisture can cling to the feathers, leading to frostbite on toes). Otherwise, the Brahma is a great addition to the backyard flock, especially in northern regions. Despite their large size, they handle confinement very well and are not quite as active as other breeds that prefer to forage; this makes them great for smaller spaces, too. The breed’s easy-going temperament makes it a perfect chicken for kids.
Productivity: Good
Egg Color: Brown
Temperament: Very calm, quiet, non-aggressive, easily handled, very gentle
Hardiness: Cold-hardy, not heat-tolerant
Varieties: Light, dark, buff
Buckeye
Description: The Buckeye chicken gets its name from its state of origin, the Buckeye State of Ohio, where Nettie Metcalf—the only woman to develop a recognized American breed of chickens (so far)—cultivated this deeply hued chestnut bird. Although the Buckeye and the Rhode Island Red originated around the same time and were recognized as breeds in the American Poultry Association’s (APA) Standard of Perfection in the same year, they should not be confused with one another; they are totally separate breeds. Robust and meaty, the Buckeye is active, preferring to forage for food and likes to have some room to roam but can adapt to confinement. Hens lay a medium-sized brown egg, and the breed is dual-purpose. The Buckeye is currently categorized as “Threatened” on The Livestock Conservancy’s Priority List.
Productivity: Good
Egg Color: Brown
Temperament: Very friendly, very active, great forager
Hardiness: Cold-hardy
Varieties: Dark reddish brown only
Delaware
Description: This lovely bird is relatively new in the world of chicken breeds, developed in 1940 in the state that shares its name. The breed is a cross between the Barred Plymouth Rock and the New Hampshire, sporting a unique feather pattern, similar to the Columbian white coloring. Delawares are friendly birds that grow to maturity rather quickly for a heritage breed. Hens are reliable layers, and the breed bears confinement well. The Delaware is currently under “Threatened” status on The Livestock Conservancy’s Priority List.
Productivity: Very good
Egg Color: Brown
Temperament: Calm, docile, friendly
Hardiness: Cold-hardy
Varieties: White (similar to Columbian coloring, but with barring where black feathers would be)
Dominique
Description: The Dominique gets the title of America’s oldest chicken breed. Easily (and often) confused