If you’re thinking about raising chickens in your backyard, you may be wondering what the best chicken breeds are. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right chicken breed for your backyard, including egg production, meat production, and personality.
Here, we’ll discuss the top 18 backyard chicken breeds and how to choose the right one for your backyard flock. We’ll also mention some of the easiest and beginning-friendly chicken breeds, perfect for those just getting started with backyard chicken coops.
Before You Choose a Chicken Breed: Consider these factors
Choosing the best chicken breeds is important but not as easy as you think. To select the perfect breed, you must consider several factors and learn all the details of these breeds. Now, before jumping to the detailed discussion about breed type, first, consider the following factors:
- Climate: While choosing a chicken breed, your initial consideration should be your climate. Usually, most chicken breeds are cold, hardy, and okay in cold climates. But many breed types also struggle in the heat. So, learn first which chicken breed is cold or hot hardy. And then select the one that best fits you.
- Egg Production: Even though almost every chicken breed produces eggs, the point of difference is between egg size and production. Chickens produce eggs in different sizes, small, middle, and large. So, select the breed that will produce sufficient eggs in large or medium sizes.
- Egg and Meat Production: The chicken breed that ensures enough amount of egg and meat production is called a dual-purpose breed. This type of breed ensures meat production in large amount and produce an adequate amount of eggs. The dual-purpose birds take time to become mature.
- Meat Production: Some chicken breeds that produce a higher amount of meat lay very poor eggs. But these chicken types grow faster. Due to the faster growth, this breed of chickens requires a huge amount of food daily.
The Top 18 Best Backyard Chicken Breeds
While talking about the best backyard chicken breeds, some of the most popular chicken breed types are Andalusian, Dominique, and Marans chickens. Also, some more popular breeds are Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red chickens, etc. Mentioning all the popular chicken breed names here is a little tough. So, we will below discuss the details of each breed type. Let’s dive into the discussion:
1. Andalusian Chickens
For egg production, a very gentle chicken breed is Andalusian. When these breeds become six months old, it starts laying eggs. Per week it lays three large white eggs. At different commercial hatcheries, you will find this breed.
These birds are absolutely fine for egg production, but it’s not perfect for the exhibition quality. The bird’s skin is white and upright, with blue legs and feet. However, blue Andalusian chicks are more popular, but their color can be off-white or black.
| Egg Laying Age | 5-6 months |
| Egg production | Per year 155-165 large white eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Not cold hardy rather heat hardy |
| Temperament | Noisy; Flighty |
| Purpose | Egg layer |
For egg production purposes, this Andalusian breed is very gentle to use. Overall the Andalusian is a hardy bird, but it is gentle too. Even though it produces a good amount of egg in winter, it is not considered cold hardy. Some more things that you should know about this breed are:
- Fairly active bird
- Escaping predators
- Fence hoppers
- Confinement issues
- Frostbite susceptibility
- Make noise
- Not cuddly etc.
2. Dominique Chickens
The Dominique, also known as the Dominicker, is considered the original chicken breed in America. This is a dual-purpose and gentle bird. Quickly these chickens become mature. Moreover, the chickens start laying eggs at six months of age. Per week these birds produce 4-5 small to medium eggs. However, you can also select this breed type for meat production purposes.
Though this breed handles heat perfectly, it is mainly considered cold-hardy. The color of this bird is irregularly barred dark, and its feather is light grey. In the USA, Dominique’s bantam version is also available.
| Egg Laying Age | 6 months |
| Egg production | Per week 4-5 small to medium eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Fairly heat hardy/cold hardy |
| Temperament | Friendly, gentle and quite |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
This Dominique breed is a very good option for the beginner because they are docile in nature. With other types of breeds, this chicken will also do well. However, if required, the Dominique roosters can also be aggressive and kill intruders like rats, snakes, etc. Some more features to consider for this breed are:
- Gentle and calm bird
- Dominique roosters are aggressive against the intruders like a snake, small cats, etc
- Self-sufficient
- Like to roost higher up
- Cold-hardy bird
3. Marans Chickens
Another fast-growing and dual-purpose chicken breed is the Marans chicken. This breed produces very good quality meat and lays dark brown eggs of 3-4 per week. The Marans are available in 3 colors: copper, black, and wheaten. There are both feathered-legged, and clean-legged Marans are available. However, compared to the Cochins and Brahmas, the feathering on the shanks is not heavy.
The weight of Marans hens is about 6 ½ pounds. And 8 pounds is its rooster weight. Moreover, this breed is considered cold-hardy, and somewhat this breed can handle the heat well. Overall, Marans are a hardy and strong breed.
| Egg Laying Age | 6 months |
| Egg production | Per week 3-4 dark brown eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | cold hardy/ Somewhat Heat-Hardy |
| Temperament | Friendly, Docile, Passive and very clean |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
The Marans is a gentle, friendly, and docile bird. However, some more features of this breed are:
- Fairly active breed and loves to forage
- Handles the confinement perfectly
- Returns to the coop very early at night
- Risk with predators
- Decent brooders
- Cold-hardy bird and somewhat heat hardy too
- Friendly enough, but this breed is not cuddly
4. Orpington Chickens
So, if you are looking for versatile chickens to raise, then it’s the Orpington. This bird produces both excellent amounts of meat and large brown eggs. Generally, the hens and roosters are calm, and handling them is easy. The beginners can easily raise these hens as they are reliable and hardy. In less than six months, this breed starts laying eggs. Per week it produces 4-5 eggs.
The available colors of this breed are blue, black, white, and buff. The most prevalent color is buff. The Orpington’s bantam version is also available. The overall look of this breed is solid. And this bird is all-around strong, hardy, and sturdy. However, this breed’s medium-sized single comb, earlobes, and wattles are red. The skin is white in color. The standard weight of this hen is 6.5-8 pounds. And the rooster’s weight is 8.5-10 pounds.
| Egg Laying Age | 6 months |
| Egg production | Per week 4-5 large brown eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | cold hardy/Fairly heat hardy |
| Temperament | Quiet, docile, calm and gentle |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
This chicken breed is an exceptional choice for the novice because of its docile, gentle, and calm nature. Both the hens and roosters are sweet-natured. Even though the roosters occasionally become aggressive but handling them is also easy. Some more features of this breed are:
- Docile in nature
- Decent forager
- This breed handles confinement very well
- The risk with predators or Predators can catch them.
- Very good egg setters or good brooders
5. Plymouth Rock Chickens
Worldwide you will find this Plymouth Rock breed as it’s a popular bird type. If you are just beginning your chicken production, this breed is the ideal choice for you. The Plymouth Rock is friendly and docile. You can raise this bird for the dual purpose of producing eggs and meats. This chicken is reliable layers and hardy enough. At around 22 weeks of age, this bird starts laying eggs. And per week, it produces large brown eggs of 4-5.
Seven colors of Plymouth Rock are available, including blue, Columbian, barred, buff, silver-penciled, partridge, and white. Along with all these seven colors, more varieties are available in the Bantam Plymouth Rock breed. The distinctive pattern of barred feathers is clear enough.
| Egg Laying Age | 5-6 months |
| Egg production | Per week 4-5 large brown eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | cold hardy/Fairly heat hardy |
| Temperament | Friendly, docile, calm and gentle |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
If you are looking for a highly reliable egg-producing breed, this Plymouth Rock is a perfect choice. Per year this bird produces large brown eggs of more than 200. On average, the white Rock lays more eggs. However, some more features of this breed are:
- Very gentle and calm bird
- Active breed and a good forager
- Handles confinement well
- This bird can escape from predators
- Pretty good egg setter
- Cold hardy but fairly heat hardy also
- Cuddly
6. Rhode Island Red Chickens
A highly-popular dual-purpose bird is this Rhode Island Redbird. When this breed becomes 6 months old, it starts laying eggs. And per week it produces large light brown eggs of 4-6. This breed is an outstanding producer of both quality meat and eggs. Moreover, it’s easy to handle yet hard.
The Rhode Island Red is red in color, and it has a proud, upright carriage. The shanks are clean, and its skin is yellow. The eye surrounds the comb, and earlobes and wattles are deep red. Two versions of this breed are available. The commercial breeders focused on egg production. But the original heritage version is still available. The heritage Rhode Island Red is uniformly red and has a rose or single comb.
On the contrary, commercial or industrial Rhode Island lays few eggs, and its size is also smaller. And the color of this breed can vary from red to light red to black.
| Egg Laying Age | 6 months |
| Egg production | Per week 4-6 large light brown eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | cold hardy/Heat tolerant |
| Temperament | Gentle, docile, calm |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
The USA also recognized the Rhode Island Red’s bantam version. The weight of bantam hens is 30 ounces, and bantam roosters are 34 ounces. This bird type is very hardy. They can easily handle the substandard feed. And they can thrive even in tough conditions. Almost in all types of climates, they do well. However, some more features of this bird type are:
- Hens are calm and docile, but roosters are aggressive
- Handles confinement well
- Active forager
- Somewhat broody
- Predators can attack this breed in the free-ranging areas
7. Sex-Link Chickens
The Sex-link chicken is a hybrid bird with special characteristics. Based on gender, you can sort out the newly hatched chicks according to their feather color. If you can identify the gender of the chick by its feather color, you will enjoy several advantages of it. First off, you don’t need to inspect the vent of the chickens. Secondly, these birds’ identification is more reliable than the other available options.
Different varieties of sex-link chickens are available, but red sex-link and black sex-link are the most common. This bird is available in other colors also, like the golden buff, ISA brown, cinnamon queen, Legbar, Red shaver, etc. In addition to the color variation, this bird becomes mature and produces huge eggs very fast.
| Egg Laying Age | 5-6 months |
| Egg production | Per week 5-6 large eggs in various colors |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Variable |
| Temperament | Quiet, docile, calm and gentle |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
If you ever select this chicken breed type, you won’t need to replace the flock almost every year. Because this breed is very docile in nature and raising them is also very easy. However, some more factors to consider about this bird type are:
- Very gentle and calm bird
- Active forager
- Handles confinement well
- Predators can target them
- Not brooders
- Fairly heat tolerant and cold hardy
8. Sussex
You can raise Sussex to produce eggs and meat, as it’s a dual-purpose chicken breed. Usually, in a year, this breed lays eggs of nearly 250. The egg’s color varies; it can be either creamy white or brown. This breed’s eight different colors are available. The most common color is a pure white color with black tail feathers and neck.
| Egg Laying Age | 6-7 months |
| Egg Production | Per week lay 4-5 color creamy white egg |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Cold hardy/Somewhat heat hardy |
| Temperament | Gentle & docile |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
The Sussex breed is very calm in nature. Happily, it will move into your garden without destroying it. Moreover, this chicken type loves to eat from your hand.
9. Ancona
Italy is the originating place of Ancona, but in US and United Kingdom, it’s much more common now. Per year it lays around 200 small white eggs. The feather appearance of this breed is very similar to the Plymouth Rock breed, but the size is half. If you want to pick this hen as a pet, then sorry, Ancona is not that breed. Rather it is skittish, and its feathers are also huge.
| Egg Laying Age | 5-6 months |
| Egg Production | Per week lay 3-4 small white eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Cold hardy/Fairly heat hardy |
| Temperament | Calm, gentle and friendly |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
10. Barnevelder
A cross between the Asian jungle fowl and Dutch Landrace is the Barnevelder breed. This chicken type is well known for its glossy feathers and is native to Holland. Per year it can produce light-speckled brown color and medium-sized eggs 200. Predominantly the Barnevelder is a hen type with brown-tipped feathers.
| Egg Laying Age | 5-6 months |
| Egg Production | Per week lay 3-4 medium size eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Fairly heat hardy/cold hardy |
| Temperament | Friendly, calm and gentle |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
However, this bird will suit better to the garden pen as it is a great garden bird. Moreover, you don’t require to think much about the bird’s clipping feathers as this breed isn’t a great flyer.
11. Hamburg
Germany’s native chicken breed is Hamburg, which is quite attractive. Per year this chicken will produce around 200 eggs. The egg has a glossy white shell, and the egg’s size is medium. It has black and white feathers, and the feathers resemble the Dalmatian’s coat. Black with gold-tipped feathers is another color variation of this breed.
| Egg Laying Age | 6-7 months |
| Egg Production | Per week lay 3-4 medium size brown eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Cold hardy/Fairly heat hardy |
| Temperament | Gentle & docile |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
However, roaming around this breed requires huge space, and inside the chicken pen, it will not perform well. In small spaces, this chicken breed becomes too much aggressive. So free ranging will be the best decision for them.
12. Jersey Giant Chickens
One of the largest purebred chicken breeds is Jersey Giant. This breed type is famous for both meat and egg production. It produces extra-large size brown eggs. The Jersey Giant is available in 3 colors, and those are white, black, and blue. However, the splash color is another variety of this breed, but this color is not recognized officially. Irrespective of the color of this breed, these are strong big and stately birds.
The white color bird has white feathers, while the black color bird has black feathers. And the slate blue feathers with dark leg shanks and dark lacing comes with the Blue Jersey Giant. This breed’s underside feet and skin are yellow. The single comb and wattles are red.
| Egg Laying Age | 6 months |
| Egg production | Per week 3-4 extra-large eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Not particularly heat hardy/cold hardy |
| Temperament | Friendly, gentle and quite |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
Approximately at the six-month age, this breed starts laying eggs. Per year the egg production capability of this breed is nearly 135 to 200 brown eggs. The egg size is very large. The growth rate of this bird is fast, but the maturity rate is slow. So, some more features to consider about this bird are:
- This bird is wonderfully docile, calm, and gentle
- Good foragers
- Perfectly handle the confinement well
- Hawks are less like attack the large size Jersey Giant
- Cold hardy
- Big lovable bird and cuddly
13. Leghorn Chickens
Another very active egg-producing machine is the Leghorn. Usually, when this breed becomes 6 months old, it starts laying eggs. A beginner can fairly maintain this bird because they are self-contained. Both the smaller and standard bantam versions of Leghorn are officially recognized. Whether you choose the small or standard size, both will produce lots of eggs. Moreover, they will entertain your homestead.
Two primary varieties are available Leghorn and rose combs and single combs. Moreover, besides white, the Leghorns also come in other available colors. Some of the color varieties for single comb are buff, black, black-tailed red, white, golden, and many more. On the contrary, the rose comb’s various colors are silver, brown, buff, black and white.
| Egg Laying Age | 6 months |
| Egg production | Per week 4-6 extra-large/large white eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Fairly heat hardy/cold hardy |
| Temperament | Nervous, active and busy forager |
| Purpose | Egg |
The Leghorn is hardy, robust, and fast-maturing. Even though the size of this bird is small, it’s scrappy and tough too. Overall this breed is very healthy. The antics of Leghorns provide hours of amusement, and they remain busy for hours. They constantly watch everything around them and constantly scratch, forage, and run around the barnyard. Some more features to consider of this breed are:
- Not docile but loads of fun
- Very active bird and loves to forage
- Handle confinement perfectly
- This bird is a good flyer, and often they roost in trees. From the predators, they can quickly escape.
- Fence hoppers
- They are not good brooders
- Quite talkative and noisy
- Too busy to be cuddly
14. Australorp Chickens
The Australorp chicken breed is great for those searching for a prolific egg layer. At the age of 5-6 months, this gentle, large, dual-purpose, and friendly bird starts laying eggs. A large black bird type is Australorp. The features are a great combination of iridescent green sheen and deep black. This bird type can perfectly handle the heat and is considered cold-hardy.
| Egg Laying Age | 5-6 months |
| Egg Production | Per week 5 large brown eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Fairly heat hardy/Cold hardy |
| Temperament | Friendly; gentle; quiet |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
The Australorp is a very gentle bird, and they are calm. This breed is a good choice for the novice, especially for this bird’s docile nature. Just like the roosters and hens, handling this breed of bird is easy. However, when you house this type of bird with the more aggressive breeds, they can be bullied. However, some more facts about the Australorp breed that you need to know are:
- Calm and docile
- Fairly active
- Handles confinement well
- Enjoy free ranging
- Not typical brooders
- Cold-hardy bird
15. Araucana
A beautiful dual-purpose bird is Ameraucana, and it’s well known for laying gorgeous light blue eggs. Usually, when Ameraucana becomes 6-7 months old, this breed starts laying eggs. And per week, it lays only 3-4 eggs.
However, Ameraucana comes in both the smaller and standard varieties. Whether you choose the smaller or larger size, this chicken breed will definitely add colors to your daily life. The details of Ameraucana are as follows:
| Egg Laying Age | 6-7 months |
| Egg Production | Per week lay 3-4 blue eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Fairly heat hardy/cold hardy |
| Origin | USA, APA classification |
| Purpose | Dual |
However, the feathered cheek bread and muffs are probably the most mention-worthy feature of this breed. Also, their blue to-black colored legs are another unique feature. Moreover, this breed type has some more unique features that you should know. Those are:
- Active forager
- Docile and fun
- Escaping predators
- Confinement/ranging
- Not brooders
- Fence hoppers etc
16. Delaware Chickens
A dual-purpose bird is Delaware. It offers a striking appearance, fast meat growth, and good egg production. At the age of 5-6 months, this chicken breed starts laying eggs. Per week Delaware produces 3-4 large brown eggs. And for producing meat, it is also a very good breed. The well-developed legs and thighs, large breasts, and beautiful yellow skin ensure enough meat production.
| Egg Laying Age | 5-6 months |
| Egg production | Per week 3-4 large brown eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Fairly heat hardy/cold hardy |
| Temperament | Friendly, gentle and quite |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
Delaware is instantly-recognizable as it is white with barred black feathers. Its legs and skin are yellow. And the wattles and single comb are red. Cold hardy Delaware can fairly handle the heat well. Usually, these are strong, productive birds and disease free. Some more features of this breed type are:
- Gentle and calm bird
- Fairly active
- Love free-ranging but handles confinement well
- Smart bird and wary of predators
- Mixed brooders
17. Cochin Chickens
The Cochin is an impressive, large, and dual-purpose bird. You can raise this bird both for producing eggs and meats. This bird is a sweet temperament, very tranquil. Given their size, this type of breed is cold-hardy. For its heavy feathering, it can tolerate heat better than the expectations.
The Cochin is large with toes, feathered shanks, and heavy down feathering. The earlobes, pea comb, and single comb are all red. On the contrary, the toes, legs, and skin are yellow. However, Cochins start laying eggs until they become eight months old.
When the Cochins become eight months old, they start laying eggs. Especially in winter, the Cochin lay eggs more while other breeds stopped producing an egg. As a result, the homesteader, throughout the year, can maintain egg production. The homesteaders can combine high-volume summer layers like the Leghorns, Australorp, and the Cochins for continued egg production.
18. Brahma Chickens
The Brahma breed is very sweet in temperament and a large stately bird. You can raise this dual-purpose chicken broth for egg production and meat. It lays eggs in medium to large size brown eggs. Even though this breed is cold and hardy, given the heavy feathering and its size, it can tolerate heat well.
The Brahma is large with heavy down feathering, feathered toes and shanks, and pea comb, making it particularly suited to cold weather. This breed is available in three colors dark, light and buff. The average weight of Brahma hens is 8 pounds. And 10 pounds is the rooster’s weight. However, this breed is cold-hardy, and often throughout the winter, it produces eggs.
| Egg Laying Age | 6-7 months |
| Egg production | Per week 3 medium to large eggs |
| Cold/Heat Hardy | Somewhat heat hardy/cold hardy |
| Temperament | Friendly, gentle and quite |
| Purpose | Dual purpose |
Almost throughout the year, this Brahma breed lays eggs. This bird is a gentle bird and exceptionally calm. This type of bird is a top choice for the novice, especially for its docile nature. The roosters are friendly, amazingly sweet, and easy to incorporate into a flock. Some more things that you need to know about this breed are:
- This breed is friendly and amazingly sweet
- Handles the confinement quite well
- Fails to escape from the predator’s attack
- Quite and calm bird
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Backyard Chicken Breed for Beginners?
Some of the best backyard chicken breeds for beginners are Australop, Orpington, Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire, Delaware, etc.
What Is the Best Backyard Chicken Breed for Eggs?
Some of the best backyard chicken breeds for producing eggs are Australorps, Bovans Browns, Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, etc.
What Is the Best Chicken Breed for Meat?
The best chicken breeds for meat are Delaware, Cornish Cross, Buckeye, Croad Langshan, etc. Some more breed types are the Chantecler, Dorking, Croad Langshan, etc.
What Is the Best Chicken Breed for Hot Weather?
For hot weather, the best chicken breeds are Orpington, Brahmas, Easter Egger, New Hampshire Red, etc. some more are the Barred Plymouth Rocks, White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, etc.
What Is the Best Backyard Chicken Breed in Cold Weather?
Some of the best chicken breed types in cold weather are the Australorps, Orpingtons, and Silkie Bantams. Moreover, some other breeds are the Rhode Island Reds, Brahmas, Delawares, etc.
Final Thoughts
The great thing about chickens is that there are so many different breeds to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a chicken that lays a lot of eggs or one that is good for meat, there’s definitely a breed that’s right for you. We hope that this article has helped you narrow down your choices and that you now have a better idea of which chicken breed is right for you.
Raising Chickens 101: A Beginner’s Guide
Get started in chicken raising with our expert-approved guide. From building a coop to hatching eggs, you’ll learn all the essential information you need to know. Topics include selecting breeds, caring for chicks, increasing egg production, and more. We also cover chicken feeds, behavior, disease prevention, and essential vitamins and minerals. Follow this guide for a successful and fulfilling experience.
Want to learn more about chicken raising? Check out our beginner’s guide below for even more tips and information: