Backyard chicken breeds are domesticated poultry prized for their egg production, meat, or ornamental qualities, making them popular for small-scale farming and hobbyists. These birds vary in size, plumage, and temperament, with distinctive combs, wattles, and leg colors that add visual appeal. Originating from various regions, they are bred for specific traits like egg color or cold hardiness, suited to diverse backyard environments.
These chickens are typically hardy, adapting to confinement in coops or free-range setups in small yards. They thrive in temperate climates but can handle cold or heat with proper shelter, ventilation, and shade. Their habitat needs include secure coops to protect against predators and space for foraging, which enhances their health and egg quality.
Egg production varies widely, with some breeds laying up to 300 eggs annually in colors like white, brown, blue, or green. Others are dual-purpose, providing both eggs and meat, while some are kept for their striking feathers or friendly demeanor. Their diet includes grains, insects, and kitchen scraps, requiring balanced feed for optimal output.
Temperaments range from docile and pet-like to active and flighty, influencing their suitability for families or mixed flocks. Many are beginner-friendly, needing minimal care beyond feeding, watering, and coop maintenance. Social by nature, they establish pecking orders, and some breeds are prone to broodiness, ideal for natural chick-rearing.
Backyard chickens face challenges like predators, diseases, and local regulations, requiring secure fencing and regular health checks. Their role in providing fresh eggs, pest control, and garden fertilizer makes them valuable, while their diverse appearances and behaviors add charm to urban and rural backyards alike.
Backyard Chicken Breeds
Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is identifiable by its deep, rusty-red plumage, yellow legs, and reddish-brown beaks with a reddish-orange eye tint. This medium-sized bird (6–8 lbs) has a single comb and a robust build. Originating in the United States (Rhode Island and Massachusetts) in the late 1800s, it’s a hardy, dual-purpose breed known for laying 250–300 medium to large brown eggs annually.
Its temperament ranges from calm to slightly assertive, with roosters being more dominant. It thrives in backyard coops across various climates, preferring mild temperatures (70–75°F) but adapting well to cold and heat with proper shelter. Its friendly yet bold nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Plymouth Rock (Barred)
The Plymouth Rock, particularly the Barred variety, is recognized by its striking black-and-white striped feathers, red comb, and yellow beak. This medium to large bird (7–9.5 lbs) originated in the United States in the 19th century. A dual-purpose breed, it lays 200–250 large brown eggs per year and is known for its docile, friendly temperament, making it great for families.
It adapts well to confinement in small backyards or free-range setups, thriving in cold and moderate climates. Its hardy nature and ability to be trained to eat from the hand make it a top choice for novice keepers.
Orpington (Buff)
The Buff Orpington is a large, fluffy bird (7–10 lbs) with golden-yellow plumage, a small red comb, and a heavyset body. Developed in Kent, England, in the late 1800s, this breed is prized for its docile, cuddly temperament, ideal for families with children. It lays 150–200 large brown eggs yearly but may go broody in summer.
Buff Orpingtons are cold-hardy due to their dense feathers but need shade in hot climates. They thrive in small backyards or confined coops, as their heavy build makes them less flighty, though they can be bullied by more aggressive breeds.
Leghorn (White)
The White Leghorn is a small, slender bird (4–6 lbs) with pure white feathers, a large red comb, and white earlobes. Originating in Italy and refined in the United States in the 1800s, it’s a prolific egg-layer, producing 250–300 medium-sized white eggs annually. Its active, flighty temperament makes it less ideal as a pet but excellent for egg production.
Leghorns prefer free-range environments but adapt to confinement with sufficient space. They are hardy in various climates, though their light feathers make them more visible to predators, requiring secure coops in backyard settings.
Australorp (Black)
The Black Australorp is identifiable by its glossy black feathers with a green sheen, red comb, and robust build (6–8 lbs). Developed in Australia from Black Orpingtons in the early 20th century, it’s renowned for high egg production (200–300 light brown eggs per year, with a record of 364 eggs in a year). Its calm, gentle temperament makes it suitable for beginners and small backyards.
Australorps are cold-hardy and adapt to confinement but thrive best with space to roam. They require a balanced diet to maintain egg output and are less suited to extreme heat.
Wyandotte (Silver Laced)
The Silver Laced Wyandotte is distinguished by its black-tipped silver feathers, red comb, and compact, heavyset body (6–8 lbs). Originating in the United States in the 1870s, this dual-purpose breed lays 180–260 medium brown eggs annually. Its calm, friendly demeanor suits families, though it can be assertive in mixed flocks.
Wyandottes are cold-hardy and tolerate confinement well, making them ideal for small urban backyards. They thrive in varied climates but need shade in hot weather. Their striking feather patterns add aesthetic appeal to backyard coops.
Easter Egger
Easter Eggers are a hybrid breed with varied plumage (often mixed colors), pea combs, and occasional cheek muffs or beards. Not a true breed, they stem from Ameraucana and Araucana crosses in the United States. They lay 150–200 large eggs in blue, green, pink, or brown hues, making them popular for colorful egg baskets.
Their gentle, curious temperament suits kids and beginners. Easter Eggers adapt to confinement or free-range setups and are hardy in most climates, thriving in backyard coops with predator-proofing due to their diverse appearances.
Silkie
The Silkie is a small bantam breed (1.5–2 lbs) with fluffy, fur-like feathers, black skin, and a distinctive crest on its head. Originating in China, it’s prized as an ornamental pet for its docile, cuddly nature, often kept indoors by some owners. Silkies lay 100–150 small cream or tinted eggs yearly and are excellent broody hens.
They thrive in small backyards or confined spaces but are susceptible to cold and predators due to their fluffy feathers, requiring secure, warm coops. Their unique appearance makes them a favorite for hobbyists.
Brahma (Light)
The Light Brahma is a large breed (8–12 lbs) with striking white-and-black plumage, feathered legs, and a small pea comb. Originating in the United States in the 19th century from Chinese stock, it’s a dual-purpose breed laying 150–200 medium brown eggs annually.
Its calm, gentle temperament makes it ideal for families, and it handles confinement well in small backyards. Brahmas are extremely cold-hardy due to their size and feathering but need shade in hot climates. Their impressive size and beauty make them a standout in backyard flocks.
Black Copper Maran
The Black Copper Maran is recognizable by its black plumage with coppery neck and head feathers, lightly feathered legs, and red comb. Originating in France in the early 20th century, it lays 150–200 large, dark chocolate-brown eggs annually. Its quiet, gentle temperament suits mixed flocks and urban backyards.
Marans are weather-hardy, tolerating heat and cold with adequate shade and shelter. Their unique egg color and calm nature make them a favorite, though they require careful handling to avoid bullying by more dominant breeds.
Sussex (Speckled)
The Speckled Sussex is a large bird (6–8 lbs) with mahogany plumage speckled with white and black, a red comb, and a sturdy build. Developed in England in the 19th century, it’s a dual-purpose breed laying 200–250 large, light brown eggs (sometimes speckled) per year.
Its friendly, curious temperament makes it greatlegendary for families, and it forages well in free-range setups. Sussex chickens are hardy in cold and wet climates, adapting to small backyards or enclosures, though they need protection from extreme heat.
Ameraucana
The Ameraucana is a medium-sized bird (5–7 lbs) with a beard, cheek muffs, and slate-blue legs, available in colors like blue, black, or white. Developed in the United States in the 1970s from Araucana stock, it lays 150–200 medium blue eggs annually.
Its docile yet alert temperament suits backyard flocks, though it’s less cuddly than others. Ameraucanas are active, hardy in most climates, and adapt to confinement or free-range setups, requiring secure coops due to their predator awareness. Their blue eggs are a backyard highlight.
Cochin (Buff)
The Buff Cochin is a large, fluffy bird (8–10 lbs) with golden-buff feathers, heavily feathered legs, and a small comb. Originating in China and refined in the West in the 19th century, it’s an ornamental breed laying 150–180 small brown eggs yearly.
Its calm, friendly demeanor makes it a great pet, often brooding and raising chicks. Cochins thrive in small backyards or confined spaces and are cold-hardy but need shade in heat. Their fluffy appearance and gentle nature appeal to hobbyists.
Welsummer
The Welsummer is a medium-sized bird (5–7 lbs) with rich brown and red plumage, a single red comb, and yellow legs. Originating in the Netherlands in the early 20th century, it lays 150–200 large, dark brown eggs annually.
Its gentle yet independent temperament suits mixed flocks, though it’s less assertive. Welsummers are cold-hardy, good foragers, and adapt to free-range or confined backyards, thriving in moderate climates. Their attractive plumage and reliable egg production make them a popular choice.
Barnevelder
The Barnevelder is a medium-sized bird (5–7 lbs) with glossy black plumage laced with iridescent brown or beetle-green, a single red comb, and yellow legs. Originating in the Netherlands in the early 20th century, this dual-purpose breed lays 150–200 large, dark brown eggs annually. Its calm, friendly temperament makes it ideal for families and mixed flocks in small backyards.
Barnevelders are cold-hardy, adaptable to confinement or free-range setups, and thrive in temperate climates, though they need shade in extreme heat. Their striking feather pattern and rich egg color are key identifiers.
Dominique
The Dominique is a medium-sized bird (5–7 lbs) with barred black-and-white plumage, a rose comb, and yellow legs. Considered America’s oldest breed, originating in the United States in the 18th century, it’s a dual-purpose breed laying 180–260 medium brown eggs per year. Its docile, calm nature suits beginners, and it’s less prone to broodiness.
Dominiques are cold-hardy, thriving in small backyards or free-range environments, and adapt well to various climates. Their barred pattern, often confused with Plymouth Rocks, and historical significance make them distinctive.
Faverolles (Salmon)
The Salmon Faverolles is a medium-sized breed (6–8 lbs) with salmon-colored feathers, a white beard, cheek muffs, and feathered legs. Developed in France in the 19th century, it lays 150–200 medium brown to pinkish eggs annually and is known for its gentle, affectionate temperament, perfect for families.
Faverolles thrive in confined backyards due to their docile nature but enjoy foraging. They are cold-hardy but need protection from wet conditions and heat. Their unique feathering and friendly demeanor make them a backyard favorite.
Hamburg (Silver Spangled)
The Silver Spangled Hamburg is a small breed (4–5 lbs) with striking white feathers spangled with black, a rose comb, and slate-blue legs. Originating in Germany and refined in England in the 18th century, it lays 150–200 small white eggs yearly. Its active, flighty temperament makes it less cuddly but excellent for free-range backyards.
Hamburgs are hardy in most climates but require secure coops due to their small size and predator vulnerability. Their elegant, spotted plumage adds ornamental appeal.
Jersey Giant (Black)
The Black Jersey Giant is one of the largest chicken breeds (10–13 lbs), with glossy black feathers, yellow legs, and a single red comb. Developed in the United States in the late 19th century, it’s a dual-purpose breed laying 150–200 large brown eggs annually. Its calm, gentle nature suits families, though its size requires larger coops.
Jersey Giants are cold-hardy, adapt to confinement, and thrive in temperate climates, needing ample space and feed. Their massive size and docile temperament are key identifiers.
New Hampshire Red
The New Hampshire Red is a medium-sized bird (6–8 lbs) with lighter, chestnut-red plumage than the Rhode Island Red, a single red comb, and yellow legs. Developed in the United States in the early 20th century, it’s a dual-purpose breed laying 200–240 large brown eggs per year.
Its friendly yet slightly assertive temperament suits mixed flocks. New Hampshire Reds are cold-hardy, adapt to small backyards or free-range setups, and thrive in moderate climates, needing shade in heat. Their lighter red hue distinguishes them.
Araucana
The Araucana is a medium-sized breed (4–5 lbs) with tufted ears, no tail (rumpless), and varied plumage (often black, white, or splash). Originating in Chile, it lays 150–180 medium blue eggs annually, prized for their color.
Its alert, slightly skittish temperament requires calm handling, making it less ideal for young children. Araucanas are hardy, adapt to confinement or free-range backyards, and thrive in mild climates, needing secure coops due to their unique appearance attracting predators.
Delaware
The Delaware is a medium-sized breed (6–8 lbs) with white plumage, black barring on the hackles and tail, a single red comb, and yellow legs. Developed in the United States in the 1940s, it’s a dual-purpose breed laying 180–260 large brown eggs yearly.
Its calm, friendly temperament makes it great for beginners and small backyards. Delawares are cold-hardy, adapt to confinement or free-range setups, and thrive in temperate climates, needing shade in heat. Their white-and-black pattern and productivity are distinctive.
Lakenvelder
The Lakenvelder is a small breed (4–5 lbs) with white plumage, black hackles and tail, a single red comb, and slate-blue legs. Originating in Germany and the Netherlands in the 19th century, it lays 150–200 small white eggs annually.
Its active, flighty temperament suits free-range backyards, but it adapts to confinement with enough space. Lakenvelders are hardy in most climates but need predator-proof coops due to their small size. Their striking black-and-white contrast adds elegance to flocks.
Minorca (Black)
The Black Minorca is a large breed (6–9 lbs) with glossy black plumage, a large single red comb (often flopping in hens), and white earlobes. Originating in Spain’s Mediterranean region, it lays 150–200 large white eggs yearly.
Its active, slightly aloof temperament makes it less cuddly but good for egg production. Minorcas prefer free-range setups but tolerate confinement, thriving in warm climates and needing insulation in cold weather. Their sleek feathers and large combs are key identifiers.
Polish (Crested White)
The Crested White Polish is a small breed (4–6 lbs) with white plumage, a dramatic crest of feathers on its head, and a small V-shaped comb. Originating in the Netherlands (despite the name), it’s an ornamental breed laying 100–150 small white eggs annually.
Its docile, quirky temperament suits hobbyists, but crests can obscure vision, making them predator-prone. Polish chickens adapt to small backyards, are moderately hardy, and need dry, secure coops to protect their crests from dampness.
Red Sex-Link (Red Star)
The Red Sex-Link, often called Red Star, is a hybrid breed (5–7 lbs) with reddish-brown plumage, white undertones, a single red comb, and yellow legs. Developed in the United States for commercial egg production, it lays 250–300 large brown eggs annually.
Its calm, friendly temperament suits beginners and small backyards. Red Sex-Links are hardy, adapt to confinement or free-range setups, and thrive in varied climates with proper shelter. Their high egg output and sex-linked traits (males and females differ in color at hatching) are distinctive.
Bantam Cochin (Black)
The Black Bantam Cochin is a small breed (1–2 lbs) with glossy black, fluffy feathers, feathered legs, and a single red comb. Originating in China and refined in the West, it’s an ornamental breed laying 100–150 tiny brown eggs yearly.
Its docile, pet-like temperament makes it ideal for families, often brooding readily. Bantam Cochins thrive in small backyards, are cold-hardy due to dense feathers, but need shade in heat. Their fluffy appearance and small size are key identifiers.
Ancona
The Ancona is a medium-sized breed (4–6 lbs) with black plumage mottled with white, a single or rose red comb, and yellow legs. Originating in Italy in the 19th century, it lays 200–250 medium white eggs annually.
Its active, alert temperament suits free-range backyards, though it adapts to confinement. Anconas are hardy in most climates but need secure coops due to their flighty nature. Their mottled pattern and prolific egg-laying make them a practical choice.
Speckledy
The Speckledy is a hybrid breed (5–7 lbs) with dark brown plumage speckled with white, a single red comb, and yellow legs. Developed in the United Kingdom as a Maran cross, it lays 200–250 large, dark brown eggs yearly.
Its calm, sociable temperament makes it great for mixed flocks and small backyards. Speckledys are cold-hardy, adapt to confinement or free-range setups, and thrive in temperate climates, needing shade in heat. Their speckled appearance and dark eggs are distinctive.