Buzz
During the pandemic, backyard chicken coops gained immense popularity as a way to cope with stress. Recently, skyrocketing egg prices have made 'backyard chickens' a trending topic, as people envision becoming self-sufficient in uncertain times. Although raising chickens won't save you money when you account for all the expenses involved, there are still plenty of reasons to keep backyard chickens.
The eggs from your flock will likely be superior in quality compared to store-bought ones, and you'll gain a sense of self-reliance. Additionally, chickens are aesthetically pleasing, many breeds are friendly companions, and even their manure is highly beneficial. Before you rush to order chickens online, take a moment to consider which types of chickens are best suited for your backyard.
Climate is a crucial factor when selecting chicken breeds for your backyard egg operation. Breeds vary in their ability to handle heat or cold, so matching a breed to your local climate is essential. However, even with a climate-appropriate breed, you must provide adequate care. Heat-tolerant chickens need ample shade and water, while cold-hardy breeds require warm shelters. In extreme weather conditions, you must take extra steps to ensure your chickens' safety.
Top chicken breeds for beginners
Cold climate: Brahmas. Brahmas are large, sturdy chickens known for their docile nature and ease of handling. They are friendly, consistent egg layers, and widely available. If you're new to raising chickens and reside in a colder region, Brahmas are an excellent choice as they adapt well and require minimal maintenance.
Warm climate: Polish. While some may debate this, Polish chickens are often seen as nervous due to their extravagant head feathers that block their vision, causing them to startle easily. However, they are quite amiable and calm, particularly if you trim their feathers to improve visibility. Additionally, their unique appearance makes them a standout breed and a great conversation starter.
Top chicken breeds for pets
Cold climate: Silkies.
Warm climate: White Leghorn. Inspired by the famous cartoon character Foghorn Leghorn, these chickens are the epitome of the classic chicken look with their white feathers and red combs. Though somewhat timid, they are gentle, thrive in warm climates, and are quite intelligent. With patience, you and your children can even train them to perform tricks.
Top chicken breeds for egg production
Cold climate: Black Australorp. These sizable, dark-feathered chickens are known for their friendly demeanor and low-maintenance care. Their standout feature is their exceptional egg-laying ability. A hybrid of Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds, they can produce eggs nearly every day when given proper care.
Warm climate: Deathlayers. With the most striking name in the poultry world, these unassuming birds earn their title for a unique reason: Unlike most breeds that stop laying eggs after a certain age (usually around 4 years), Deathlayers continue to lay eggs throughout their lives. While they may not be particularly friendly or attractive, and can be challenging to source from hatcheries, they are an unbeatable choice if your primary goal is egg production.
Best chicken breeds for meat
Cold climate: Buckeyes. If your culinary plans include dishes like dumplings or fried chicken, Buckeyes are an excellent option. They are relatively easy to care for and are known as versatile cold-weather chickens, providing both eggs and high-quality meat.
Warm climate: Rhode Island Reds. For those seeking home-raised, hormone-free chicken in warmer regions, the iconic Rhode Island Red (the state bird!) is a perfect choice. These hardy, self-sufficient birds are dual-purpose, excelling as broilers while also laying a substantial number of eggs annually.
Best chicken breeds for compact spaces
Cold climate: Marans. Marans may not be the friendliest chickens, making them less ideal as pets, but they are reliable egg-layers, producing around 200 eggs annually. They adapt well to small spaces, making them a great choice if your backyard is limited in size.
Warm climate: Dominique. For those with compact yards in warmer areas, the Dominique is an excellent option. These chickens are prolific egg-layers and handle confinement well, so they can thrive even without free-range space.
Top chicken breeds for a peaceful environment
Cold climate: Buff Orpington. If you live in a colder region with close neighbors, the Buff Orpington is an ideal choice. These large, dual-purpose chickens are incredibly quiet, often making their presence barely noticeable. They are perfect for avoiding noise complaints or sleep disturbances.
Warm climate: Sussex. Despite their size, Sussex chickens are calm and easygoing. They are not destructive or noisy, making them a peaceful addition to any backyard. Additionally, they are friendly, gentle, and excellent egg-layers.
Top chicken breeds for low maintenance
Cold climate: Barred Rocks. These striped chickens are calm, intelligent, and require minimal care. They handle cold weather effortlessly and are as close to a hands-off breed as you can find, provided you meet their basic needs like feeding.
Warm climate: Isa Browns. In warmer climates, Isa Browns are efficient egg-layers and adapt quickly to their environment with little effort required from you. If you want chickens without dedicating too much time, these are a perfect fit.
Best chicken breeds with low broodiness
If you're unfamiliar with the term 'broody chickens,' you'll quickly understand it after raising a few. A broody hen becomes determined to hatch her eggs (and sometimes others') into chicks, even without a rooster to fertilize them. She will stubbornly sit on the eggs, halting her egg production. To avoid this, opt for breeds that are less prone to broodiness.
Cold climate: Hamburgs. These eye-catching chickens require ample space and aren't particularly sociable, but they rarely go broody. If avoiding broodiness is your priority in colder regions, Hamburgs are your independent, energetic choice.
Warm climate: Minorcas. In warmer areas, Minorcas are chickens that show no interest in motherhood, making them unlikely to go broody. While they aren't the most prolific egg-layers, the eggs they do produce are exceptionally large—some of the biggest you'll find in a backyard coop. They enjoy foraging and are friendly and easy to manage.
