Best Backyard Chicken Breeds

For backyard chicken raisers to be, it is important to note that there are chickens and there are chickens of varying breeds from which they can choose from to be suitable for their backyard chicken raising venture.

They can have a choice from hundreds of domesticated chicken breeds all over the world. These breeds have well-defined physical and behavioral characteristics brought about by cross breeding of different breeds and the birds’ adaptation to local geographical factors.

A breed’s physical traits differentiate it from other chickens with regards to size, color of plumage, type of comb (style), color of skin color, number of toes, feathering, color of earlobes and eggs, and geographical origin. Furthermore, chicken breeds are categorized according to their principal use, whether for eggs, meat, or ornamental purposes; some are also categorized as dual-purpose.

One thing is common among all chickens - they lay eggs, have edible meat, and have a unique appearance common to their particular breed. However, distinct breeds are the result of selective breeding to emphasize certain traits. Any breed may technically be used for general agricultural purposes, and all breeds can be show type varieties to a certain degree. But each chicken breed is known for a primary use.

Chickens for Egg Production

Egg producing chickens are generally light-weight and hens have a balanced temperament. Examples of chickens breeds bred mainly for egg production are Ameraucana, Ancona, Andalusian, Araucana, Easter Egger and Jaerhone.

Chickens for Meat Production

People who raise chickens for the meat alone prefer dual purpose breeds for meat production and egg laying purposes. Chickens commonly used for meat production are the following breeds Bresse, Ixworth and Indian Game (or Cornish).

Dual-Purpose Chickens

The most common of chicken breeds usually seen in farms and backyards all over the world are chickens that produce both meat and eggs; these are the dual purpose variety. Although some of these breeds are slightly better for either egg or meat production, they are normally called dual-purpose breeds. The most common dual-purpose breeds are Australorp, Brahma, Braekel, California Gray, Chanticleer, Derbyshire Redcap, Faverolles and the Jersey Giant.

Chickens for Game, Exhibition and Show

For more than 100 years, the breeding of chicken for competitive game (fighting cocks), exhibition and has greatly influenced the development of chicken breeds. Some breeds have been cross-developed with other breeds in order to come up with game, exhibition and show birds. The most common breeds for game, exhibition or show are the American Game G, Asil G, Appenzeller U, Barbu de Watermael, Bearded d'Anvers and Bearded d'Uccle varieties.

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