7 Chicken Breeds to Start Your Backyard Flock

Introduction

Hoping to join the growing backyard chicken trend? If so, you’re far from alone. There’s nothing quite like organically grown cannabis and fresh organic chicken eggs! You just never know when the munchies will have you craving some quality protein. ?

Research shows that the search volumes for items like chicken nesting boxes and supplies have grown at staggering rates in the last few years! This may be in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many Americans looked for new ways of getting healthy food and more interesting pastimes.

Fortunately, raising chickens isn’t hard—as long as you start with the right chicken breeds! However, with hundreds of different types of chickens to choose from, it’s easy to get paralyzed with indecision before you buy your first feathered friend.

If so, you’re in luck: we’ve put together a quick list to help you find the best chicken type for your backyard coop.

1. Rhode Island Red

Developed for farms in the late 1800s, these laid-back egg-layers are hardy in almost any climate, making them a great choice for any backyard coop across the country. Though they can be aggressive depending on their disposition, they lay a whopping 300 eggs per year.

2. Buff Orpington

Originally from England, these golden-feathered birds are loveable and calm, which means they’re a perfect family-friendly breed. They tend to lay around three eggs per week, though they do have a tendency to go broody at times.

3. Plymouth Rock

This breed has a distinctive black-and-white zebra pattern to its feathers. Plymouth Rock chickens tend to have a relaxed disposition that makes them great around kids and pets. They’ll lay between four and five eggs a week.

4. Sussex

Sussex chickens have a long and distinguished background, and their friendly attitude toward humans can make them great companion birds—though they aren’t always as friendly around other chickens. They lay around 280 eggs per year.

5. Cochin

Originating in China, these birds have gorgeous golden feathers and a relaxed and calm attitude. Thanks to their friendliness, they react well to being held and cuddled, which can make them a good family-friendly bird. As with any breed, however, you’ll need to remember to wash your hands after handling them or their organic feed corn.

6. Wyandotte

These chickens tend to come in brassy gold-and-black patterns, and their temperaments are no less bold. Their fluffy feathers, however, will require regular cleaning, but they tend to be robust egg-layers.

7. Easter Egger

Also known under the name “Ameraucana,” this breed creates great egg-laying chickens and beautiful eggs, which can come in blues, greens, and pinks in addition to the typical browns and whites. Cold-hardy and friendly, they do tend to get broody at times.

Find the Best Chicken Breeds for Your Yard

Whether you’re looking for a new and entertaining pet or a source of eggs and meat, finding the right chicken breeds can be a great help. The seven breeds above are perfect for any beginner or veteran chicken keeper, so be sure to consider them as you move forward with your backyard coop!

Looking for more tips to help you make the most of your home’s furry and feathered friends? Be sure to check out our other posts for more insightful guides.