Are you thinking about getting chickens for your backyard homestead? If so, you may be wondering which chicken breeds are the best for beginners.
There are many different chicken breeds out there, and each one has its unique characteristics.
This article will discuss 20 of the best chicken breeds for beginners.
Chickens are a great addition to any homestead. They provide fresh eggs, meat, and fertilizer. Chickens are also relatively easy to take care of and don’t require a lot of space.
Here are some factors to consider before choosing a breed:
Climate: Chickens can tolerate various climates, but some breeds are better suited for certain climates than others.
Egg Laying: If you’re looking for chickens that lay many eggs, certain breeds are known for their high egg production.
Dual Purpose: Some chicken breeds can be used for egg production and meat.
Pet Qualities: Some people prefer chickens that are friendly and docile.
Here are some of the best chicken breeds for beginners:
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1. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds originated in the United States and are one of the most popular chicken breeds in the world. They are known for their red plumage and can lay up to 250 eggs per year. The Rhode Island Red is a popular choice for beginners because it is hardy, has good egg layers, and is relatively easy to take care of.
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2. Australorp
The Australorp is another popular choice for beginners. They are an Australian breed that was developed in the early 1900s. Australorps are known for their black plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 medium brown eggs per year.
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3. Buff Orpington
The Buff Orpington is a British breed developed in the late 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Buff Orpingtons are known for their brown plumage and friendly, docile nature. They can lay up to 150 large brown eggs per year.
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4.Leghorns
Leghorns are an Italian breed that was developed in the early 1800s. They are known for their white plumage and their high egg production. Leghorns can lay up to 280 brown eggs per year.
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5.Barred Plymouth Rock
The Barred Plymouth Rock is an American breed developed in the early 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Barred Plymouth Rocks are known for their barred plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.
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6. Jersey Giant
The Jersey Giant is an American breed developed in the late 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Jersey Giants are the largest chicken breed and can weigh up to 15 pounds.
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7.Easter Egger
The Easter Egger is a hybrid breed developed in the United States. They are known for their mottled plumage and their ability to lay eggs of different colors. Easter Eggers can lay up to 200 eggs per year.
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8. Sussex
The Sussex is a British breed that was developed in the early 1900s. Sussex chickens are known for their light brown plumage and their ability to lay up to 250 eggs per year. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat.
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9. Silkie
The Silkie is a Chinese breed that was developed over 2000 years ago. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Silkies are known for their silky plumage and their docile, friendly nature. They can lay up to 150 eggs per year.
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10. Cochin
The Cochin is a Chinese breed that was developed over 2000 years ago. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Cochins are known for their large size and their feathered feet. They can lay up to 150 eggs per year.
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11. Barnevelder
The Barnevelder is a Dutch breed that was developed in the late 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Barnevelders are known for their dark brown plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.
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12. Brahma
The Brahma is a Chinese breed that was developed over 2000 years ago. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Brahmas are known for their large size and their feathered feet. They can lay up to 150 eggs per year.
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13. Wyandotte
The Wyandotte is an American breed that was developed in the late 1800s. Wyandottes are known for their silver plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat.
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14. Plymouth Rock
The Plymouth Rock is an American breed developed in the early 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Plymouth Rocks are known for their barred plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.
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15. New Hampshire
The New Hampshire is an American breed developed in the early 1900s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. New Hampshires are known for their red plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.
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16. Maran
The Maran is a French breed that was developed in the early 1900s. They are known for their dark brown plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.
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17. Faverolles
The Faverolles is a French breed that was developed in the late 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Faverolles are known for their mottled plumage and their friendly, docile nature. They can lay up to 150 eggs per year.
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18. Dorking
The Dorking is a British breed that was developed in the early 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Dorkings are known for their five toes and their ability to lay up to 250 eggs per year.
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19. Buckeye
The Buckeye is an American breed that was developed in the late 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Buckeyes are known for their red plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.
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20. Delaware
The Delaware is an American breed that was developed in the early 1900s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Delawares are known for their white plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.
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A Chicken Breed For Everyone
There is a perfect breed for every homesteader with so many options available. These are just a few of the many chicken breeds available to homesteaders.
When choosing a breed, it is essential to consider your climate, your purpose for raising chickens (eggs or meat), and your personal preferences.
This article originally appeared on MaxMyMoney.org and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.