If you’re new to raising chickens, choosing the right breed can make a big difference in your experience. The best chicken breeds for first-time poultry owners are known for being friendly, easy to care for, and have a consistent egg-laying production.
Whether you want chickens for fresh eggs, companionship, or both, you’ll find the right breed to start your chicken-keeping adventure.
1. Ameraucana
Ameraucanas have a unique appearance with their tufted feathers around their face and come in a variety of colors. They are friendly and easy to care for.
- Egg-Laying: They lay around 250-300 eggs per year, (ref) which are often blue or green in color. (ref)
- Origin: Ameraucanas are from the U.S. and were developed from South American chickens that were imported in the 1900s.
2. Golden Comets (Cinnamon Queen)
Golden Comets, also known as Cinnamon Queens, are attractive birds with a golden-red color. They are very friendly and easy to handle.
- Egg-Laying: They are known for their strong egg-laying capabilities, offering about 250-320 large brown eggs per year. (ref)
- Origin: Like Sex Links, Golden Comets are hybrids, developed for high egg production and good temperament.
3. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are hardy chickens with dark red feathers. They are well-known for their resilience and friendly nature.
- Egg-Laying: They are reliable egg layers, providing around 200-300 brown eggs per year. (ref)
- Origin: This breed originated in the U.S., specifically in Rhode Island, and was developed from a mix of other breeds.
4. Black Australorp
Black Australorps are known for their shiny black feathers and friendly nature. They have a calm and easygoing temperament, making them great for beginners.
- Egg-Laying: They are excellent egg layers, producing around more than 300 brown eggs per year. (ref)
- Origin: This breed originated in Australia and was developed from the Black Orpington.
5. Sex Links (Black Star/Red Star)
Sex Links are a crossbreed that is highly valued for their egg production. They come in two main types: Black Star (black feathers) and Red Star (red feathers). They are known for being friendly and adaptable.
- Egg-Laying: These chickens are prolific layers, often producing over 300 large brown eggs annually. (ref)
- Origin: They are a hybrid breed created by crossing different purebred chickens, such as Rhode Island Reds and White Leghorns.
6. Plymouth Barred Rock
Plymouth Barred Rocks have striking black and white striped feathers. They are friendly, easy to handle, and hardy in different weather conditions.
- Egg-Laying: They are good layers, producing about 200 brown eggs each year.(ref)
- Origin: This breed originated in the U.S. and is a result of crossing several breeds, including the Dominique.
7. Leghorn (Non-Industrial Chicken)
Leghorns are active, sleek chickens with white feathers. Unlike the industrial type, which is bred specifically for large-scale egg production, the non-industrial Leghorn is more adaptable to backyard settings and has a more friendly disposition.
- Egg-Laying: Non-industrial Leghorns are excellent egg layers, producing between 150 and 320 eggs per year. (ref)
- Origin: The Leghorn breed originated in Italy and brought to America in the 1800s.
8. Wyandotte
Wyandottes are known for their beautiful, shiny feathers which can be silver, gold, or blue. They are friendly and make good pets.
Wyandottes used to be endangered but have since graduated from the endangered list in 2026, according to the Livestock Conservancy. (ref)
- Egg-Laying: They are good layers, producing around 200 light to brown eggs per year.
- Origin: This breed originated in the U.S. in the late 1800s, developed from several other breeds, including the Hamburg and Plymouth Rock.
9. Delaware
Delaware chickens have white feathers with a few black or gray markings on their necks and wings. They are calm and easy to manage.
- Egg-Laying: They are reliable layers, providing around 200 large brown eggs per year. (ref)
- Origin: The Delaware breed was developed in the U.S. in the 1940s, created by crossing White Plymouth Rocks with New Hampshire Reds.
10. Jersey Giant
Jersey Giants are large, gentle birds with black or white feathers. They are known for their calm demeanor and are easy to handle.
- Egg-Laying: They are decent layers, producing around 150-200 brown eggs annually. (ref)
- Origin: The Jersey Giant originated in the U.S. in the late 1800s, developed by two farmers in New Jersey to create a large meat bird.
Choosing the right chicken breed is an important step for anyone starting out with poultry. No matter which breed you choose, you’ll be well on your way to having a happy and productive flock. Happy chicken-keeping!
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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.