Chicken Breeds: Different Types of Chickens

Chickens are one of the most common types of bird found in tropical countries after crows and sparrows. It is also one of the most popular domesticated animals in the world. The population of chickens is more than any other bird. It is the primary source of food, in terms of meat and eggs both. There are various breeds of chicken that are found in different geographic locations. Primarily chickens can be divided into three breeds:

• Pure breeds
• Egg-laying hybrids
• Mixed hybrids

There are egg-laying chickens, those meant for slaughter and dual-purpose breeds as well. The egg-laying breeds are genetically prepared to have high egg productivity but then because these birds have small bodies, they are poor meat providers. We hall have a look at different types of chickens in this Buzzle article.

Can Different Kinds of Chickens Breed Together?
Many times, people who think of breeding chickens, often wonder, if different types of chickens can breed together. The chickens meant for consumptions are not breeds in the true sense of the term. They are hybrids, which are actually a combination of different breeds. They are prepared in such a way so that they have more body mass, thus making them fit for consumption. The dual-purpose chickens, as the name suggests, are meant for producing eggs and slaughter. In this category there are some breeds which serve as better egg providers, and some as a source of meat. So, if you have large fowls and bantam in your flock, you can give it a try to breed them. Generally, chickens get along with each other and won't mind mating among themselves.

Types of Chicken Breeds: Pictures

What are the Different Types of Chickens
There are many different breeds of chicken found in poultry farms worldwide. Some of these kinds of chickens are explained below.

Rhode Island Red:
This breed can be further divided into single comb and rose comb. Chickens of this breed generally weigh from somewhere around six and half pounds to eight and half pounds. The color of their feathers are yellow and the color of the eggshells are brown. This is a dual-purpose breed as mentioned above and are used for both purposes when it comes to eggs and meat. They originated in Rhode Island where they get their deep color and bulky frames.

Langshan:
These are available in two varieties, one white and the other black. The standard weight varies from somewhere around nine and half pounds to seven and a half pounds. The color of their feathers are white and the color of their eggshells are brown. It is generally used for getting meat than eggs. It is usually roasted and is well suited for capons than fryers. This breed originated in China and they are tall with long legs and tails. This breed comes across as a very active and energetic breed.

Dorking:
This breed is known for its fine quality of meat. They can be found in three varieties namely silver-gray, white and colored. The standard weight of these varieties are about six pounds. The color of their feathers are white and the color of their eggshells are also white. It is believed to have originated in Italy and was introduced in England by the Romans. They have a rectangular-ish frame and short legs.

Cornish:
This breed is the finest for the meat and broiler industry. The development of the muscles give it a good build. The color of the feathers of this breed are yellow and the color of the eggshell is brown. They are found in dark, white, white laced and buff varieties and weigh somewhere around ten pounds. This breed developed in the county of Cornwall. They have a broad and well-muscled body but they also need protection during winters.

Appenzeller
This breed originates in the Appenzell region of Switzerland. There are two varieties of this chicken. This includes the Spitzhauben and Barthuhner. The Appenzeller breed is generally kept as a show breed. This is not a fighting breed and can live well in confinement.

Jersey Giant
This chicken from United States are large chickens who were meant to replace the turkey. It is recognized by the American Standard of Perfection. They are very friendly chickens and do well as pets. He cocks are rarely aggressive and these chickens like begin around people.

Wyandotte
This breed of chicken is docile and kept for meat and eggs. These medium-sized birds have a rose comb with clean legs. They are suitable for confinement as well as free range in a run. These are very vocal chickens who are really friendly with people.

Sultan
This breed of chicken originates in Turkey. They are primarily kept as ornamental breeds and for competitive showing. Sultans have a decorative plumage and have five toes on each foot. These are docile and friendly chickens, who do not mind confinement.

Apart from these breeds, there are many breeds of chicken like the Campine, Catalana, Cochin, Brahmas, Baheij, Araucana, Aseel,Blue Hen of Delaware, Lamona, Asturian Painted Hen, Kosova Long Crowing Rooster and many more. This was some information about chicken varieties and chicken breeds. There is more to chicken, than just meat and eggs. Next time you spot a chicken, do try to guess its breed.