Ornamental chicken breeds are prized for their striking appearances, including vibrant plumage, unique crests, feathered legs, or unusual physical traits like extra toes or rumpless tails. Originating from various regions, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas, these breeds are bred primarily for aesthetic appeal and exhibition rather than high egg or meat production. They add charm and personality to backyard flocks, appealing to hobbyists and show enthusiasts.
These chickens are typically small to medium in size, with some being true bantams, making them well-suited for confined backyards or urban coops. They adapt to free-range or enclosed environments but require secure, dry shelters to protect delicate feathers or crests from weather and predators. Most thrive in mild climates, with some needing extra warmth in cold conditions.
Ornamental breeds lay fewer eggs than production breeds, often producing 50–150 small eggs annually in colors like white, cream, or blue. Their focus is on visual appeal, with intricate feather patterns, iridescent colors, or flowing tails that make them stand out. Some are also valued for their broody tendencies, useful for hatching eggs in mixed flocks.
Temperaments range from docile and pet-like to alert and flighty, influencing their suitability for families or exhibition. Many are friendly but may need careful handling due to fragile feathers or crests that obscure vision, increasing predator risk. Their social nature requires integration into flocks with compatible breeds to avoid bullying.
Ornamental Chicken Breeds
These breeds were selected for their striking appearances and popularity among hobbyists, as noted in sources like the American Poultry Association, hatchery catalogs (e.g., Murray McMurray, Cackle Hatchery), and backyard poultry communities (e.g., BackYard Chickens).
Silkie
The Silkie is a small bantam breed (2–4 lbs) with fluffy, fur-like plumage in colors like white, black, or blue, black skin, bones, and five toes per foot. Originating in China, possibly as early as the 13th century, it’s prized for its docile, pet-like temperament, often used as a broody hen for hatching eggs.
Silkies lay 100–120 small cream or tinted eggs annually. They thrive in small, secure backyards, are moderately hardy, and need dry, warm coops due to non-waterproof feathers. Their fluffy, cuddly appearance makes them a top ornamental choice.
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. Developed in the Netherlands, despite its name, in the 16th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a quirky, docile temperament, though crests can obscure vision, making them predator-prone.
It lays 100–150 small white eggs yearly. Polish chickens adapt to small backyards, are moderately hardy, and need dry coops to protect crests from dampness, adding elegance to flocks.
Cochin (Buff)
The Buff Cochin is a large breed (8–11 lbs) with golden-buff, fluffy plumage covering legs and feet, and a small red single comb. Originating in Shanghai, China, in the 1840s, it’s valued for its striking appearance and calm, friendly demeanor, often kept as a pet.
Cochins lay 150–180 small brown eggs annually and are prone to broodiness. They thrive in confined backyards, are cold-hardy due to dense feathers, but need shade in heat. Their fluffy, showy look is a backyard highlight.
Sebright (Silver)
The Silver Sebright is a tiny true bantam (1–1.5 lbs) with white plumage laced with black, a rose comb, and slate-blue legs. Developed in England in the early 19th century by Sir John Sebright, it’s a purely ornamental breed with a lively, proud temperament, laying 60–80 small white eggs yearly.
Sebrights thrive in small, secure backyards, are moderately hardy, and need warm, dry coops due to their small size. Their intricate, laced feather pattern is a showstopper.
Frizzle
The Frizzle is a medium-sized breed (4–6 lbs) with curled, outward-pointing feathers in various colors (e.g., white, black), a single red comb, and a genetic mutation causing its unique plumage. Originating in the Pacific Rim, including China, around the 1500s, it’s a dual-purpose ornamental breed with a lively, friendly temperament, laying 120–150 medium brown eggs yearly.
Frizzles thrive in free-range or confined backyards, are hardy in mild climates, and need dry coops to protect feathers. Their quirky plumage is a standout.
Pekin Bantam
The Pekin Bantam is a tiny true bantam (1–2 lbs) with dense, fluffy plumage in colors like black, lavender, or mille fleur, short feathered legs, and a round head. Originating in China and popularized in Britain in the 19th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a friendly, cuddly temperament, laying 80–100 small cream eggs yearly. Pekin Bantams thrive in small, secure backyards, are moderately hardy, and need warm, dry coops. Their furball-like appearance makes them a charming pet.
Serama
The Serama is the smallest chicken breed (under 1 lb) with upright, colorful plumage (e.g., black, white), a single red comb, and a proud, arched posture. Originating in Malaysia, with Chinese breeding influences, in the 1990s, it’s a purely ornamental breed with a confident, friendly temperament, laying 80–100 tiny white eggs annually. Seramas thrive in small, indoor or outdoor backyards, are heat-tolerant but need warm coops in cold climates. Their diminutive size and bold stance are unique.
Rosecomb (Black)
The Black Rosecomb is a small bantam (1.5–2 lbs) with glossy black plumage, a large rose comb, and white earlobes. Developed in England in the 19th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a proud, active temperament, laying 60–100 small white eggs yearly.
Rosecombs thrive in small, secure backyards, are moderately hardy, and need dry coops to protect their combs. Their sleek feathers and oversized rose comb make them a classic show bird.
Old English Game (Black-Breasted Red)
The Black-Breasted Red Old English Game is a small breed (4–6 lbs) with vibrant red hackles, black breast and tail, and a single red comb. Originating in England for cockfighting (now banned), it’s an ornamental breed with a bold, alert temperament, laying 100–150 small white eggs yearly.
It thrives in free-range backyards, is hardy in most climates, and needs secure coops due to its agility. Its athletic build and fiery plumage are striking.
Japanese Bantam (Black-Tailed White)
The Black-Tailed White Japanese Bantam is a tiny true bantam (1–1.5 lbs) with white plumage, black tail feathers, a single red comb, and short legs. Originating in Japan, with Chinese influences, in the 17th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a friendly, docile temperament, laying 60–80 small white eggs annually. Japanese Bantams thrive in small, secure backyards, are moderately hardy, and need warm coops. Their compact size and elegant posture are distinctive.
Sultan
The Sultan is a small breed (4–6 lbs) with pure white plumage, a large crest, beard, muffs, and heavily feathered legs. Originating in Turkey, with Chinese breeding influences, in the 19th century, it’s a rare ornamental breed with a calm, docile temperament, laying 50–100 small white eggs yearly.
Sultans thrive in small, secure backyards, are cold-sensitive due to ornate feathers, and need warm, dry coops. Their regal, fluffy appearance makes them a show favorite.
Booted Bantam (Mille Fleur)
The Booted Bantam is a tiny true bantam (1–2 lbs) with mille fleur (spotted) plumage, a single red comb, and long, feathered legs. Originating in the Netherlands, with Asian influences possibly from China, in the 16th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a gentle, lively temperament, laying 80–100 small white eggs annually. Booted Bantams thrive in small backyards, are moderately hardy, and need dry, warm coops. Their feathered legs and colorful patterns are eye-catching.
Belgian D’Uccle (Mille Fleur)
The Belgian D’Uccle is a small true bantam (1–2 lbs) with mille fleur plumage (brown with black and white speckles), a single red comb, and heavily feathered legs with vulture hocks. Originating in Uccle, Belgium, in the early 20th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a friendly, docile temperament, laying 80–100 small white eggs annually. D’Uccles thrive in small, secure backyards, are moderately hardy, and need dry, warm coops to protect their leg feathers. Their intricate, colorful plumage and petite size make them a show favorite.
Brahma Bantam (Light)
The Light Brahma Bantam is a small bantam (2–3 lbs) with white-and-black plumage, feathered legs, and a small red pea comb. Developed in the United States as a miniature version of the Brahma, with Chinese origins, it’s an ornamental breed with a calm, gentle temperament, laying 100–150 small brown eggs yearly. Brahma Bantams adapt to confined backyards, are cold-hardy due to dense feathers, but need shade in heat. Their feathered legs and compact, stately appearance are distinctive.
Sumatra (Black)
The Black Sumatra is a medium-sized breed (4–5 lbs) with glossy black plumage, a green sheen, a small pea comb, and black legs. Originating in Indonesia’s Sumatra Island, with Chinese breeding influences, in the 19th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a flighty, alert temperament, laying 100–150 small white eggs annually. Sumatrans thrive in free-range backyards, are heat-tolerant, and need secure, insulated coops in cold climates. Their long, flowing tails and iridescent feathers are striking.
Cubalaya (Black-Breasted Red)
The Black-Breasted Red Cubalaya is a medium-sized breed (4–6 lbs) with red hackles, black breast and tail, a pea comb, and slate-blue legs. Developed in Cuba from Asian stock, possibly Chinese, in the 19th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a proud, moderately aggressive temperament, laying 100–150 medium brown eggs yearly. Cubalayas thrive in free-range or confined backyards, are heat-tolerant, and need insulation in cold weather. Their vibrant colors and long, low tails are unique.
Phoenix (Silver)
The Silver Phoenix is a medium-sized breed (4–6 lbs) with silver-white plumage, black tail feathers, and a single red comb. Originating in Japan, with Chinese and European breeding in the 19th century, it’s an ornamental breed with an alert, elegant temperament, laying 80–100 small white eggs annually. Phoenix chickens thrive in free-range backyards, are hardy in mild climates, and need secure coops due to their long tails. Their flowing, extravagant tail feathers (up to 3 feet) are a showstopper.
Yokohama (White)
The White Yokohama is a medium-sized breed (4–5 lbs) with pure white plumage, a walnut red comb, and long, flowing tail feathers. Developed in Japan from Chinese stock in the 19th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a calm, graceful temperament, laying 60–80 small white eggs yearly. Yokohamas thrive in free-range or confined backyards, are moderately hardy, and need secure, dry coops to protect their tails. Their elegant posture and long tails make them a display favorite.
Dutch Bantam (Light Brown)
The Light Brown Dutch Bantam is a tiny true bantam (1–1.5 lbs) with light brown plumage, black tail accents, a single red comb, and slate-blue legs. Originating in the Netherlands, with possible Asian influences, in the 17th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a lively, friendly temperament, laying 80–100 small white eggs annually. Dutch Bantams thrive in small, secure backyards, are hardy, and need warm coops. Their petite size and delicate appearance are charming.
Appenzeller Spitzhauben
The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a small breed (3–4 lbs) with silver-spangled black plumage, a V-shaped comb, and a forward-leaning crest. Originating in Switzerland, possibly with Asian influences, in the 19th century, it’s an ornamental breed with an active, flighty temperament, laying 100–150 small white eggs yearly. Spitzhaubens prefer free-range backyards, are cold-hardy, and need secure coops due to their agility. Their crested, polka-dot appearance is distinctive.
Houdan (Mottled)
The Mottled Houdan is a medium-sized breed (5–7 lbs) with black-and-white mottled plumage, a crest, beard, and five toes per foot. Originating in France, with possible Chinese influences, in the 19th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a docile, friendly temperament, laying 150–200 medium white eggs annually. Houdans thrive in small backyards, are moderately hardy, and need dry coops to protect their crests. Their unique five-toed feet and fluffy crest are eye-catching.
La Fleche
The La Fleche is a medium-sized breed (5–7 lbs) with glossy black plumage, a V-shaped red comb, and white earlobes. Originating in France, possibly with Asian influences, in the 17th century, it’s an ornamental breed with an alert, slightly skittish temperament, laying 150–200 large white eggs yearly. La Fleche thrives in free-range backyards, is hardy in mild climates, and needs secure coops. Its sleek feathers and devil-horn-like comb make it a dramatic addition.
Crevecoeur
The Crevecoeur is a medium-sized breed (6–8 lbs) with solid black plumage, a crest, and a V-shaped red comb. Originating in France, with possible Asian roots, in the 17th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a calm, docile temperament, laying 100–150 medium white eggs annually. Crevecoeurs adapt to confined backyards, are cold-hardy, and need dry coops to protect their crests. Their solid black feathers and crested head are distinctive for shows.
Barbu d’Anvers (Quail)
The Barbu d’Anvers is a tiny true bantam (1–1.5 lbs) with quail-patterned plumage (brown, black, and white), a rose comb, and a beard. Originating in Belgium, with possible Asian influences, in the 19th century, it’s an ornamental breed with a friendly, proud temperament, laying 60–80 small white eggs yearly. D’Anvers thrive in small, secure backyards, are hardy, and need warm coops. Their bearded, compact appearance is a show highlight.
Modern Game (Birchen)
The Birchen Modern Game is a medium-sized breed (4–6 lbs) with greyish-black plumage, red hackles, and a single red comb. Developed in England in the 19th century from Old English Game stock, it’s an ornamental breed with a proud, upright temperament, laying 80–100 small white eggs annually. Modern Games thrive in free-range backyards, are hardy, and need secure coops due to their agility. Their sleek, elongated build is ideal for exhibition.
Araucana (Black)
The Black Araucana is a medium-sized breed (4–5 lbs) with solid black plumage, tufted ears, no tail (rumpless), and a small red comb. Originating in Chile, with Chinese breeding influences, it’s an ornamental breed with an alert, skittish temperament, laying 150–180 medium blue eggs yearly. Araucanas adapt to free-range or confined backyards, are hardy, and need secure coops due to predator visibility. Their tufted ears and blue eggs are unique.