The backyard chicken movement is strong these days. It seems like everyone is wanting fresh eggs for breakfast every morning and who can blame them! Chickens were the first animals we got when we first started our homestead journey and I can honestly say that it has been one of the best decisions we have made on our homestead. There are hundreds of chicken breeds out there but after a few years of rising chickens I have a few favorites that I recommend.
Rhode Island Red
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Rhode Island Reds are hugely popular among chicken farmers and backyard chicken owners alike. The main reason is that they are one of the very best at egg production. These birds will lay 5 times a week on average but in my experience, they have many weeks when they lay 7 days a week. Their eggs are large and brown. The only downside to the Rhode Island Red is that they aren’t the friendliest of birds naturally. They tend to be at the top of the pecking order and are known to pick on the weaker birds. Also don’t expect these ladies to be cuddly. They will normally run away from you but there is a trick to at least get them to mildly tolerate a little petting here and there. As soon as you get Rhode Island Red chicks, handle them every day. I held my Rhode Island Reds as much as I could to make sure they felt comfortable with me and they wouldn’t turn into mean old ladies when they get big. It definitely paid off. They still aren’t the friendliest but at least they tolerate me petting them every now and then.
Plymouth Barred Rock
Plymouth Barred Rock’s are extremely popular for back yard chicken owners and small farms. Barred Rocks are heavy, dual purpose birds. They are excellent layers, laying an average of 4-5 eggs per week. They are also very smart and friendly birds. These birds do ok in confinement but are always the first ones out of the coop as soon as I open it. They prefer free ranging as much as possible. They also tolerate cold and heat very well. Even in the middle of the Florida heat, these birds will still lay several times a week.
Buff Orpington
Buff Orpingtons are by far my favorite bird. Not only are they excellent layers but they are the sweetest birds I have even owned. Even as baby chicks these curious little ones will hop right into your hand from day one. My Buffs are the first ones to let me pet them or jump up into my lap. They lay approximately 4 times a week. In my opinion, these birds should be in everyone flock, especially if you are new to chickens.
Easter Egger
The Easter Egger is everyone’s favorite bird. These birds are highly popular due to them laying colorful eggs! The colors can range from green to blue and even a soft pink! Once an Easter Egger lays their first egg, whatever color it is, that is the color they will lay for the rest of their laying days. They are excellent layers too! My Easter Eggers lay an average of 5 eggs a week and during the spring they will go weeks laying 7 days a week! As far as temperament goes, for the most part they are calm and friendly but almost all of my easter eggers are a bit skittish. They also tend to be at the bottom of the pecking order. Keep watch on them as they tend of get picked on by more dominate birds.
Silver Laced Wyandotte
Silver Laced Wyandotte are a breed that we just added to our flock last year. They are very pretty birds with back and silver feathers. They consistently lay an average of 4 eggs per week. They are friendly towards us but they do tend of be a bit aggressive with other birds. Our Wyandottes are always competing with our Rhode Island Reds for the “Top Bird” title. While they are said to be cold hardy, they do not seem to like extreme heat very much. During the hottest summer days they may stop laying all together and pick back up in the fall when it cools down.
No matter what breed your decide on, the most important thing to do is to understand your needs and research best breeds for those needs. What works for one person may not work for another. If you are thinking about getting chickens and looking for a book to help you with your first flock I absolutely recommend The Chicken Chick’s Guide to Backyard Chickens: Simple Steps for Healthy, Happy Hens
What chicken breeds do you swear by that are not on this list? I would love to hear about your favorite chicken breeds!
Until Next Time!
Eva
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Hello aunt Its Jaden notice me senpai!
Hi Jaden! 🙂 Thanks for checking out my blog! <3
Great information here. Shared it on Facebook.