Buzz
At first glance, Cochin chickens might not stand out, but they typically outweigh Malay chickens, which can reach heights of up to 3 feet (0.91 meters). Anita Kot / Getty ImagesSize plays a crucial role in poultry. According to the Manitoba government, "The weight of a hen directly influences egg size. Larger hens are capable of laying bigger eggs compared to their smaller counterparts."
Whether you're a backyard poultry enthusiast aiming to boost egg output or simply intrigued by the biggest chicken breeds, this article explores the world of giant chickens and their impressive weights.
9. Malay Chicken
Originating from Asia, specifically Malaysia, Indonesia, and Northern India, the Malay chicken is not only large, with males weighing 9 pounds (4.08 kilograms) and females 7 pounds (3.18 kilograms), but also stands out as one of the tallest breeds, reaching an impressive height of 3 feet (0.91 meters).
8. Plymouth Rock Chicken
The Plymouth Rock chicken, hailing from Massachusetts, is known for its docile and friendly nature. This breed is a prolific egg layer, capable of producing up to 200 eggs annually. Hens typically weigh around 7.5 pounds (3.4 kilograms), while roosters can reach up to 9.5 pounds (4.1 kilograms).
7. Orpington Chicken
This British breed is known for its calm temperament and versatility, serving both as a meat source and an egg producer.
6. Cornish Chicken
Cornish chickens, another large breed, are characterized by their muscular build and minimal down. Males weigh approximately 10.5 pounds (4.8 kilograms), and females tip the scales at 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms).
5. Cochin Chicken
Initially bred for meat production, Cochin chickens are now primarily kept for ornamental purposes. Roosters weigh around 11 pounds (4.99 kilograms), and hens average 8.5 pounds (3.9 kilograms).
These chickens are credited with sparking "Hen Fever," a widespread obsession with poultry that swept through the United States and the United Kingdom. Queen Victoria herself received seven Cochin chickens, and their unique elegance captivated her, as she had never encountered chickens of such appearance before.
The queen constructed an aviary and populated it with various birds, inspiring the public to adopt a similar fascination.
4. O-Shamo Chicken
Originating in Japan, the Shamo chicken traces its lineage back to Thai chickens. Among the Shamo varieties, the O-Shamo is the largest, with roosters weighing approximately 12.4 pounds (5.6 kilograms) and hens around 7.5 pounds (3.4 kilograms).
The Chu-Shamo represents the medium-sized variety, while the Kimpa-Shamo is the smallest of the Shamo breeds.
3. Brahma Chicken
Though not the tallest, Brahma chickens are notably large, standing at 2 feet, 6 inches (0.76 meters). Hens weigh around 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms), while roosters reach up to 12 pounds (5.4 kilograms). This American breed is also known for producing sizable brown eggs.
2. Dong Tao Chicken
The Dong Tao chicken, originating from Vietnam, is a hefty breed. Roosters weigh approximately 13 pounds (5.9 kilograms), and hens are slightly lighter at 9.9 pounds (4.5 kilograms).
Known as "dragon chicken" due to its distinctive red-scaled feet, this rare breed is highly prized. In Vietnam, the legs are a delicacy, especially among the wealthy during Tet, the Lunar New Year.
1. Jersey Giant Chicken
True to its name, this breed is not only massive but also originates from New Jersey. Roosters typically weigh between 13 and 15 pounds (5.9 to 6.8 kilograms), while hens range from 10 to 11 pounds (4.5 to 4.99 kilograms).
As noted by Gale Damerow, a seasoned chicken raiser with nearly 50 years of experience, Jersey Giants were initially bred as a turkey substitute. However, this endeavor presented its own challenges.
"Raising Jersey Giants for meat proved inefficient, as they prioritize developing a robust skeletal system before gaining substantial muscle, taking up to six months to begin fleshing out and nine months to reach a harvestable size," Damerow explains. "Despite this, they remain favored for their enormous size, gentle temperament, and resilience to cold weather."
Although the Australorp isn't the heaviest breed, weighing between 6.5 to 8.5 pounds (3 to 4 kilograms), it excels in egg production. One Australorp hen reportedly produced 364 eggs in 365 days, setting a high standard for other breeds.
