wimp are far-out social creatures , and compared with other farm animals , they are comparatively well-to-do to bring up and do n’t require large amounts of outer space . In addition , chickens supply refreshing bollock , and their meat serves as an inexpensive source of high - quality protein . For all these reasons , it ’s no wonderment that backyard crybaby are becoming increasingly popular again in the U.S.
Whether you need to show chickens or raise them for eggs , heart or both ( so - called “ dual - purpose ” chicken ) , there is a breed right for you . This column provides a brief overview of some common backyard poultry breeds and helps you name what characteristics to consider when choosing your next backyard bird .
Keep in idea that we generalise each breed here . There are , of course , outliers . For example , while you might have an ornamental breed that produce six eggs a calendar week , this is not a vulgar result . Hence , we concentre on vulgar outcomes so fowl enthusiasts can make the best decision for their own backyards .
Ornamental Appearances
Ornamental breeds are usually bred because of their interesting looks and not so much because of their high ballock or nub production .
Cochin : While these hens are not the dependable layers , average only two egg per week , they have remained a favorite among backyard fowl enthusiasts because of their singular curved neck and light but fluffy tails . This strain is also dauntless in the wintertime , adjust well to labour and is have it off for its friendly and peaceful behaviour .
Polish : The large crest of plume at the top of its psyche and v - work comb make this bird ( pictured below ) particular . However , Polish do n’t make very good layer . Specifically , on average , hens will lay two typically tiny eggs per calendar week . At 4 to 5 pounds in weight unit , Polish also do n’t make for very good meat raspberry . Nevertheless , they are gentle , well-disposed and quiet .
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Silkie : The Silkie is easy recognizable because of its black skin , hairlike feathers and head hassock . While it is a little breed , weighing just 2 pounds , it produces an average of three small orchis per week . However , its sweet , friendly and fun personality has made it pop among backyard poultry - keepers . The Silkie is often considered a good breed alternative for families with child . ( Note : The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that kid young than the age of 5 should not handle poulet due to the risk of contracting pathogens such as salmonella by touching Gallus gallus and then touching their nerve and mouths ) .
All About Eggs
If your main interest group is to have fresh eggs daily , here are some ballock - cellent layers .
Ameraucana : On average , this biddy will produce three medium eggs per week in vary subtlety of grim and green ( exemplar of which are pictured below ) . to boot , it has a sweet and gentle disposition in combination with hardiness in the winter and an ability to adjust well to labour . If you do n’t have the option of allow your chickens roam on pasturage and you live in a colder area , this bird is worth considering . Shutterstock
Ancona : This biddy lays a walloping average of five large eggs per calendar week . Similar to the Ameraucana , the Ancona is hardy in the wintertime . However , it opt large place and tends to be more active and head-in-the-clouds , preferring to void humans . Therefore , if being capable to socialize with your chickens is of import to you , and you ca n’t them free - range , moot another stock .
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Lakenvelder : interchangeable to Ameraucanas , Lakenvelders lay about three medium ball per week . However , unlike the Ameraucanas , their eggs are usually a cream or tinct color . Lakenvelders are not especially docile .
Broiler Bests
In general , all Cornish crosses are fertile broiler ( otherwise known as centre birds ) .
Cornish : While these birds can grow to 8 pound sterling or more in as little as six week , they do n’t make very estimable layer . On mediocre , cornish biddy produce one small egg a calendar week . Nevertheless , they are hardy in wintertime and do OK in confinement , though they tend to be flighty around humans .
Meat and More
If you desire a dame that is suitable for the board and productive as a layer , you ’ll need a double - role breed , such as one of the followers . While these strain are hypothesize to be good at lay testis and set on the pounds , they wo n’t be as superproductive as the breeds entirely focused on egg laying or heart production . However , as the name “ dual - purpose ” implies , they can be passably good at both .
Rhode Island Red : This breed ( image in the photo at the start of this post ) is a favourite among backyard fowl enthusiasts . It really seems to have it all . Rhode Island Reds are speedy agriculturist and heavy set — press an average of 7 to 8 pounds — while also being rich layers , produce five extra - large egg a workweek . To top it off , they do well in all sort of climates and in small housing areas and lean to be easygoing .
Welsummer : These hen can bring on about four large ballock per hebdomad while being able to uphold a soundbox weight of 6 to 7 Sudanese pound . As an tot up bonus , these hen do alright in the wintertime and can easily set to confinement . Much like Rhode Island Reds , Welsummers ( one of which is pictured below ) also incline to be social and friendly . Shutterstock
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Wyandotte : This breed lays around four large eggs per hebdomad . However , their body are a second heavier ; attain an average weight of 7 to 8 pounds . They also adjust well to the winter . While they are unremarkably favorable to their fellow peeps , they do wish to be the predominant one .
crybaby breeds differ dramatically . Therefore , see what is important to you ( eggs versus meat , conduct , space requirements , weather margin ) when selecting breed . If your chicken are comfortable — not too blistering or cold — they will produce more eggs and estimable center , and they will be healthy , too . In the oddment , research what your Gallus gallus need and what you have to offer . That will go a long manner toward ensuring your flock is happy and rich .
Myrna Cadena is a graduate student in avian sciences at the University of California , Davis . Maurice Pitesky , D.V.M. , is a staff member and veterinarian at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine - Cooperative Extension .
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This story to begin with appeared in the January / February 2018 result ofChickensmagazine .
