I get a lot of emails asking me about the best breeds for backyard chickens, and with baby chick season right around the corner, I thought I would just answer the question in a tidy little post. BUT, before I jump into answering the question, I want to mention that it really depends on what you want backyard chickens for.
Obviously, you want the eggs, but does temperament trump production {say, if you have little kids that want chickens to be more like pets}? Maybe you live in a climate that they will need to be really cold hardy? I am just throwing those nuggets of thought out there as things to keep in mind as you read my personal suggestions.
First up, the Rhode Island Red. Rhode Island Reds are really cold hardy. They are great layers {brown eggs}. Their temperament really depends on the individual bird. Some are really docile and sweet, while others can be a bit bratty.
Next, the Plymouth Rock. In my opinion, the barred variety wins for the prettiest backyard chicken. They are solid layers and pretty cold hardy {again, brown eggs}. They typically have great temperaments, but again, individual birds may throw you for a loop.
The Leghorn is another great layer. They typically lay large white eggs. They also are known for being the best layers, where quantity is concerned. Their only downside is their temperament. They can be a little loud–and sometimes flighty.
The White Bantam Brahma is a great choice if space is an issue. They are smaller {hence the bantam}, but still solid little layers. They are known for their docile personalities too.
Orpingtons are classic looking birds. They are pretty good producers, cold hardy, and pretty docile. They are a great “starter” chicken.
Ameraucanas are a great choice if you want more unique eggs {they lay blue eggs}. They don’t lay a ton of eggs, but they do really well in the winter. In super hot climates, they will need quite a bit of shade in the summer.
Finally, Australorps are another popular choice. They are unique because they lay nearly year round. They get along well with other breeds, so you can mix your flock. They typically have very friendly dispositions and lay for a lot longer duration than other popular breeds.
So, there you have it. Obviously, there are TONS of choices, each with unique characteristics, and after you have cut your teeth on the more popular breeds, I think it is fun to try some of the more unique ones out.
In the past I’ve always ordered my chicks on mypetchicken.com. I’ve always gotten healthy chicks, and have been happy with the selection.
I hope that helps. If you are starting a flock this spring, let me know in the comments what breeds you go with.
~Mavis
Once you decide on a breed, make sure to check out How to Care for Baby Chicks.
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Pam says
I’m in the Southeast so I get some cold temperatures through the winter months and have a very hot summer. I have Rhode Island Reds (14 hens and 1 rooster ATM) and, if eggs are what you’re after, I would really give these birds a glowing endorsement. I collect 11-14 eggs every day year round. I think temperament with this bunch is a mix. I don’t have any meanies but I do have a few hens that love to be held and some that just avoid contact. My rooster is very well behaved but, like most roosters, can’t be trusted around small kids.
Lisa Millar says
hee hee.. I recognise those cute little chickie-babes at the top!! 🙂
We just got 6 new chickens… all at point of lay. Three Australorps… we really like those!
We would have got some more Isa Browns too, but they had none that day, so I got some nice grey mixes. Our old Isa Browns laid really well and lasted well too! Nice big eggs.
The new girls were so happy once they got over the shock of being caught, tipped upside down then stuffed in a cat carrier to come home.
they immediately started digging holes and having dust baths! We have 13 now! No roosters. Content with just the eating eggs at this point!
cathy harrell says
I love salmon faverolles. They are so sweet. I have a two sussex roosters and one likes to stalk me when I’m outside. I’m old and live alone so it’s my excitement:)
Carrie says
I have a Buff Orpington, Ameraucana, and two Welsummers. They are all so sweet and we have enough eggs for the two of us plus a few to give away every week. They also think I am their rooster and will do the submissive squat when I approach them so they have been easy to catch to clip their flight feathers and to cuddle. 🙂
Mavis says
That’s awesome and funny they think you’re their rooster!
anaika says
We have Rhode Island Reds and Australorps in our backyard flock. Here in North Texas, we see temperatures in the summer from 105 and in the winter down to about 11 degrees. They lay reliably through the summer and winter months, and thus far have been unbothered by our temperature extremes. We are adding a few Wyandottes this year for our kids…the RIRs and Australorps temperaments range from slightly aloof to rather unpleasant. But, we get about 2 doz eggs a week from 5 hens, so I can live with a little attitude 🙂
Mavis says
Sometimes the tradeoff is worth it!
Teresa says
I love that you used the word “nuggets” in the intro to your post on chickens, haha!