People keep backyard chickens for a variety of reasons. While some of us are seduced by the novelty of a green egg (thank you, Dr. Seusse, for planting that into our subconscious minds as children,) others are taken with the need to know exactly what goes in–and comes out of–their chickens.
Whether you’re a chicken beginner or a seasoned pro, chances are, you’ll end up with at least one of these Most Popular Chicken Breeds in your coop during your sojourn into keeping chickens.
Why are these breeds so popular?
They’ve been proven over time to do what they were bred to do well. These are the best egg-laying chickens, best meat chickens, and best-looking hens–although the beauty of a chicken is in the eye of the chicken farmer, so you’re welcome to disagree with me on that one.
Early on, egg production and meat production were the two top factors in chicken breed popularity. However, egg color has come into play and can’t be ignored. There’s something magical about finding blue, green, brown, tan, or pink eggs in your chicken coop.
With the color of eggs being a huge factor in backyard chicken farmers’ decisions on what breed of chicken to buy, the hen’s egg-laying capabilities play a significant role in determining the practicality and productivity of your flock.
When to Start Raising Chickens
Another reason these breeds are so popular is the relative ease of acquiring them. Chicken suppliers breed chickens to sell all year round, with their biggest sales period between February and June. Spring is the optimal time for chick hatching, growth, and maturation–or in other words: success. If you’re new to raising chickens, give them their best shot by starting in the spring.
10 Most Popular Chicken Breeds List
Rhode Island Red
The state bird of Massachusetts, the Rhode Island Red is your classic-looking hen. Red body feathers with black tinting to green and blue tail feathers make this hen a favorite for paintings, quilts, and throw pillows. They can do it all–lay eggs and taste great in soup. They’re considered a dual-purpose breed who hit all three of our Most Popular categories: egg layers, meat producers, and pretty too.
Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock)
I can’t say enough good things about the Plymouth Rock chicken. (Huge fan!) For me, one of their biggest selling points is that they are resistant to the cold; a hearty, American-favorite breed, to be sure. At one point, they were THE most widely kept chickens in America. They, too, are dual-purpose birds, and their black and white barred feathers give them a high-class appearance. Who doesn’t love a woman in a little black dress?
Leghorn
Because of its plain white feathers, you may think this chicken is as boring as vanilla ice cream, but you’d be wrong. Leghorns came from Italy–which means you should compare them to Italian gelato, which is anything but boring. Just like the sweet treat sold by street vendors in Rome, Leghorns always deliver. They produce large white eggs–exceptional for baking, hard boiling, and so much more! They’re so reliable that they’re used by chicken farmers to bring thousands of eggs to market every day.
Sussex
As the name suggests, this chicken originated in England, where they recognize eight color varieties. Here in the good ol’ US, we recognize three: tan, red, and speckled. It is said that Sussex can adapt to various climates. They are dual-purpose birds. The speckled hens are really quite beautiful–royal in their appearance, if you will.
Wyandotte
This hen earns the Show-Stopper Award. With feather patterns that resemble leopards and tigers, it’s sure to make you the envy of your local urban chicken owners. Even with their runway beauty, these chickens are known for their calm temperament. They’re fabulous (darling!) at both laying eggs and meat production. If you’re into brown eggs, you may have found the perfect chicken.
Orpington
Orpingtons are large, docile birds with fluffy feathers. If you’re looking for a pet chicken, this could be your match. They come in different colors, including black, blue, buff, and white–though they were originally bred to be black so they could blend in with soot in London. Not a shining way to enter the world but a useful one. They’ll lay about 200 brown eggs a year and so fall into the meat production category of poultry.
Ameraucana
The new kid on the block, Ameraucanas, were developed in the 1970s. Their best feature is their ability to lay blue or green eggs! The chicken is bearded–meaning it has fluffy, longer feathers below its neck. Yes, the hens are bearded too. There are eight color variants recognized in the US: black, blue, blue wheaton (blue feathers combined with feathers the color of dried wheat in the field,) brown red, buff, silver, wheaton (only has feathers the color of amber waves of grain), and white.
Silkie
They’re so fluffy I could die! A Silkie’s plumage is puffy and feels like silk. But that’s not where their uniqueness ends. They have a black beak, skin, and bones, and five toes on their feet instead of four. They’re well-behaved–perhaps because you can’t help but want to pet them with their satin feathers. Swoon! They do not produce a lot of eggs, only around 100 per year. But they make great mothers and love to brood. If you’re looking for a conversation starter–or emotional support hen, this is your bird.
Brahma
Feathered feet are trending this year, and the Brahma struts her/his stuff. This hen is large, we’re talking 9 lbs for the hens, and the roosters can be even bigger. (Showoffs!) Are you thinking of security guard chickens? I don’t know a lot of front porch thieves who are willing to go up against a nine-lb. chicken. I can’t even get Amazon to deliver when my 4-pounders are out. Despite their size, Brahma are known to be gentle birds who lay 55-gram eggs.
Australorp
The world record holder for most eggs laid in a year, 309.5 (–I’m not sure how they got .5 of an egg in a 365-day period. Was the 310th egg halfway out when the clock struck midnight?) This hen is black with a green shimmer and not great for meat–because it puts everything it has into making eggs. Some hens laid over 200 eggs without lamps in the winter–an amazing feat that I pointed out to my flock when they didn’t lay an egg for a month last January. They were unimpressed.
There you have it. The top ten most popular chicken breeds in America are based on egg production, meat production, and looks.
Are You Ready to be Part of the Popular Flock?
When you choose a chicken based on what you want it to do, your relationship is bound to be much smoother. For example, if you want hens for meat, and yet you can’t resist the fluffy Silkies (because they are darn-near irresistible!), there will be dissonance in your chicken experience. In other words, you can’t make an Americana look like a Wyandotte, no matter how fancy a coop you build.
Therefore, if you are in the market for egg layers, buy egg layers. Once you’ve established a flock, adding other types of hens for decorative purposes or entertainment value will be much easier.
Note: Birds of a feather flock together is not just a saying. My Americanas will not associate with the Rhode Island Reds and vice versa. (Snobs that they are, I don’t dare bring in a Sussex.) The key is not to buy one of each kind of chicken. Make sure they have a buddy to hang out with, and they won’t end up alone and easy prey.
Where to Buy Chicks
You can find these chickens from reputable online breeders who will ship in the spring, summer, and fall. Hatcheries and farms are also good places to find chicks.
Use caution when buying through a local ad, Craig’s List, eBay, or other private-party listing as they are not certified. Getting healthy chicks is the best way to start your flock, and if you’re adding to an existing flock, you don’t want to bring disease into your coop.
Should You Free Range Your Chickens?
We live on 2.5 acres and will often let the chickens out to roam. They eat bugs (spiders which makes them superheroes in my book,) grasses and weeds.
With so much space, you’d think they would want to spread far and wide. They don’t. They will almost always gravitate to my front porch. Does this make us look trendy and cool–yes, yes, it does.
But there is a trade-off. Chickens have no idea what an outhouse is and will leave droppings up and down my front stairs without even considering the fact that my book club arrives in fifteen minutes. (Or that the Amazon delivery driver will drop a package without looking down.)
In any case, you’ll need to have a place to secure them at night to keep them safe.
The Final Squawk on the Matter
Remember, selecting chickens based on their intended purpose, be it for eggs, meat, or simply companionship, is crucial in establishing a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with your flock. Investing in healthy chicks from reputable sources ensures a strong start to your poultry-raising adventure while mitigating the risk of introducing diseases to your coop.
In the end, whether you choose the classic beauty of Rhode Island Reds, the regal charm of Wyandottes, or any other beloved breed, raising chickens is a gratifying and enriching experience that brings joy, entertainment, and fresh, colorful eggs to your daily life. Embrace the world of poultry husbandry with enthusiasm, and you’ll soon find yourself immersed in the delightful world of these endearing and fascinating creatures. Happy chicken keeping!