Chicken Types

Ameraucana

Class: All Other Breeds
Type: Large Fowl & Bantam
Size: Medium (6-7 lbs)
Rarity: Rare
Purpose: Egg-laying
Recognized Varieties: Black, Blue, Blue Wheaten, Brown Red,
Buff, Silver, Wheaten, White

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)
Egg Color: Blue
Egg Size: Medium


Comb Type: Pea Comb
Crested: No
Feathered Legs: No
Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes
Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well
Especially Docile: Yes
Setter/Broody: No
Personality: Fun

Ancona

The Ancona has a "mottled" color pattern of black with white spots, and both Single Comb & Rose Comb varieties are accepted by the American Poultry Association. Like other Mediterranean breeds, Anconas are closely feathered, active, good foragers and good layers. The Ancona is also extremely hardy in cold weather.

Class: Mediterranean

Type: Large Fowl & Bantam

Size: Medium (6-7 lbs)

Rarity: Rare

Purpose: Egg-laying

Recognized Varieties: Single Comb, Rose Comb

Egg Laying: Excellent (5/wk)

Egg Color: White

Egg Size: Large

Comb Type: Single Comb & Rose Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Tolerates confinement

Especially Docile: No

Setter/Broody: No

Personality: Active & avoiding of human contact

Andalusian

Developed in the Andalucia, Spain, Andalusians are closely feathered, active and good layers of large white eggs. Blue (laced) is the only variety accepted by the APA, but when two blues are crossed, 25% will be black and 25% will be white. (Incidentally, Mendel used these birds in his genetic experiments, thanks to which we know things like two brown eyed people can have blue eyed children, but two blue eyed people cannot have brown eyed children!) This breed is exceedingly rare!

Class: Mediterranean

Type: Large Fowl & Bantam

Size: Medium (6-7 lbs)

Rarity: Rare

Purpose: Egg-laying

Recognized Varieties: Blue

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)

Egg Color: White

Egg Size: Large

Comb Type: Single Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: No

Bears Confinement: Tolerates confinement

Especially Docile: No

Setter/Broody: No

Personality: Small & Active

Antwerp Belgian Bantam

Antwerp Belgian Bantam also known as Quail Bantam. Similar to Belgian Bearded d'Uccle Bantam, but being clean-legged and a rose comb instead of a single comb ..

Class: Rose Comb Clean Legged Bantam

Type: Bantam

Size: Bantam

Rarity: Common

Purpose: Ornamental

Recognized Varieties: Black, Porcelain, Mottled, Quail, Self Blue, White

Egg Laying: Fair (2/wk)

Egg Color: Cream or Tinted

Egg Size: Tiny (bantam)

Comb Type: Rose Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: No

Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well

Especially Docile: Yes

Setter/Broody: Yes

Personality: Sweet

Appenzeller Spitzhauben

The Appenzeller Spithauben is the national breed of Switzerland, noted for its very unusual forward-pointing crest and v-shaped comb. These birds are well-adapted to life in the mountains, are excellent climbers and love to roost in trees. They really don't do well in confinement, so don't keep them unless they can be allowed to roam freely throughout the day.

Class: All Other Breeds
Type: Large Fowl
Size: Small (4-5 lbs)
Rarity: Rare
Purpose: Egg-laying
Recognized Varieties: Barthuhner, Black Spangled, Blue Spangled, Gold, Gold Spangled, Silver Spangled

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)

Egg Color: White

Egg Size: Medium

Comb Type: V-Shape Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Intolerant of confinement

Especially Docile: No

Setter/Broody: No

Personality: Active, alert, like to roost in trees, good foragers

Araucana

Araucanas are exceptionally rare and have their origins in South America, although they were developed here in the US. Araucanas that meet the breed standard are rumpless and tufted, however they are exceptionally difficult to breed because the tufted gene can cause a high percentage of the chicks to die in their shells. In addition, the tufts often aren't symmetrical, even in purebred Araucanas. For these reasons, Araucanas are only available through breeders at this time, and not hatcheries. This breed is most famous for laying blue-shelled eggs. They should not be confused with Easter Eggers, which can lay blue and green eggs, and do not conform to any breed standard. However, many hatcheries continue to call their Easter Eggers "Araucanas" (or various other misspellings). If you are interested in showing your birds, make sure that you have true Ameraucana or Araucana.

Class: All Other Breeds

Type: Large Fowl & Bantam

Size: Small (4-5 lbs)

Rarity: Rare

Purpose: Dual

Recognized Varieties: Black, Black Red, Golden Duckwing, Silver Duckwing, White

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)

Egg Color: Blue

Egg Size: Medium

Comb Type: Pea Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Tolerates confinement

Especially Docile: No

Setter/Broody: Yes

Personality: Unknown

Aseel

The Aseel (also spelled Asil) is an ancient breed from India, originally kept for cockfighting but today kept for ornamental purposes. Despite their history, Asils are said to be friendly when kept apart from other cocks. They're also said to be very smart. Strongly muscled, they contributed to the modern Cornish "broiler"breed. Combs and wattles are very small. Aseel hens are broody but only lay a few eggs per year. Feathering is close, sleek and hard.

Class: All Other Breeds

Type: Large Fowl

Size: Small (4-5 lbs)

Rarity: Rare

Purpose: Ornamental

Recognized Varieties: Black Breasted Red, Dark, Spangled, White, Wheaten

Egg Laying: Poor (1/wk)

Egg Color: Cream or Tinted

Egg Size: Medium

Comb Type: Pea Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well

Especially Docile: Yes

Setter/Broody: Yes

Personality: Docile & intelligent. Cocks should be kept separate from other cocks

Australorp

Australorps are the Australian take on the Orpington breed. They are calm and friendly, and excellent layers of light brown eggs. The Australorp's exceptionally soft, shiny black plumage has hints of green and purple in the sunlight. Peaceful and dignified, Australorps are an absolutely delightful bird which we highly recommend to anyone who wants a pet chicken that lays dependably.

Class: English

Type: Large Fowl & Bantam

Size: Heavy (7-8 lbs)

Rarity: Common

Purpose: Dual

Recognized Varieties: Black

Egg Laying: Excellent (5/wk)

Egg Color: Brown

Egg Size: Large

Comb Type: Single Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well

Especially Docile: Yes

Setter/Broody: Yes

Personality: Sweet and shy

Barnevelder

The Barnevelder originates from the Barneveld region of Holland and is so well-known that, according to the Barnevelder Club of North America, the Barnevelder name is synonymous with the word chicken. It is sought after for its dark "chocolate" brown eggs. This beautiful bird is hardy and quiet and doesn't mind being confined.

Class: Continental (Northern European)

Type: Large Fowl & Bantam

Size: Medium (6-7 lbs)

Rarity: Common

Purpose: Dual

Recognized Varieties: Double Laced Partridge in the U.S.; other colors in Europe such as Black, Blue Laced, White/Silver etc.

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)

Egg Color: Brown

Egg Size: Large

Comb Type: Single Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well

Especially Docile: Yes

Setter/Broody: No

Personality: Lively, active and friendly

Belgian Bearded d'Uccle Bantam

The Mille Fleur variety is the most popular breed of Belgian Bearded d'Uccles - so much so that people commonly refer to all Beglains as "Millies" or "Mille Fleurs"! The only difference between this breed and the Booted Bantams is the presence of a beard.

Class: Feather Legged Bantam

Type: Bantam

Size: Bantam

Rarity: Common

Purpose: Ornamental

Recognized Varieties: Mille Fleur, Black, Porcelain, Golden Neck, Mottled, Self Blue, White

Egg Laying: Fair (2/wk)

Egg Color: Cream or Tinted

Egg Size: Tiny (bantam)

Comb Type: Single Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: Yes

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: No

Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well

Especially Docile: Yes

Setter/Broody: Yes

Personality: Sweet

Booted Bantam

Booted Bantams are the same as the famous Belgian Bearded D'Uccle Bantam breed, except Booted bantams are non-bearded. 

Class: Feather Legged Bantam

Type: Bantam

Size: Bantam

Rarity: Rare

Purpose: Ornamental

Recognized Varieties: Black, Porcelain, Self Blue, White

Egg Laying: Fair (2/wk)

Egg Color: Cream or Tinted

Egg Size: Tiny (bantam)

Comb Type: Single Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: Yes

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: No

Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well

Especially Docile: Yes

Setter/Broody: Yes

Personality: Sweet

Brahma

Brahmas are gentle giants with feathered legs and feet and profuse, fluffy feathering. Originally from India, these birds were bred for meat production, though the hens lay relatively decently and are great setters and mothers. This fancy breed of chicken makes a great pet for its quiet and tame nature, tolerance to the cold, huggability and sheer chic-ness!

Class: Asiatic

Type: Large Fowl & Bantam

Size: Very Heavy (8+ lbs)

Rarity: Common

Purpose: Dual

Recognized Varieties: Dark, Light, Buff

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)

Egg Color: Brown

Egg Size: Medium

Comb Type: Pea Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: Yes

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Tolerates confinement

Especially Docile: Yes

Setter/Broody: Yes

Personality: Quiet and tame

Campine

Campines are a gorgeous Northern European fowl valued for their large white eggs and beauty. Their close-fitting feathers and relatively large combs mean they're not the most cold-hardy fowl, but they can certainly tolerate some cold as they were developed in an area with cold winters. Campines are active birds and love to forage.

Class: Continental (Northern Mediterranean)

Type: Large Fowl

Size: Small (4-5 lbs)

Rarity: Common

Purpose: Egg-laying

Recognized Varieties: Recognized: Silver and Golden. Unrecognized: Chamois and others.

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)

Egg Color: White

Egg Size: Medium

Comb Type: Single Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Tolerates confinement

Especially Docile: No

Setter/Broody: No

Personality: Active, alert, intelligent

Catalana

Hugely popular in South America and Spain, Catalanas are excellent in the egg-laying department and valued for their meat as well. They're very rare.

Class: Mediterranean

Type: Large Fowl & Bantam

Size: Medium (6-7 lbs)

Rarity: Common

Purpose: Egg-laying

Recognized Varieties: Buff

Egg Laying: Very Good (4/wk)

Egg Color: Cream or Tinted

Egg Size: Medium

Comb Type: Single Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: No

Bears Confinement: Intolerant of confinement

Especially Docile: No

Setter/Broody: No

Personality: Active; love to forage

Chantecler

Chanteclers have the distinction of being the first-ever Canadian breed, and were developed for good egg and meat production and hardiness even in the coldest of winters. Toward that end, they're on the chunky side with extra-small combs and wattles.

Class: American

Type: Large Fowl & Bantam

Size: Heavy (7-8 lbs)

Rarity: Common

Purpose: Dual

Recognized Varieties: White, Partridge

Egg Laying: Very Good (4/wk)

Egg Color: Brown

Egg Size: Large

Comb Type: Cushion Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well

Especially Docile: No

Setter/Broody: No

Personality: Friendly, quiet, well-mannered

Cochin

Cochins are known the world over for being big friendly balls of fluff and feathers. They don't lay well but are very popular because of their sweet personality and fantastic mothering qualities. Cochins became famous in the 1800s when this Chinese breed was given as a gift to Queen Victoria of England, who absolutely adored them.


Class: Asiatic
Type: Large Fowl & Bantam
Size: Very Heavy (8+ lbs)
Rarity: Common
Purpose: Ornamental
Recognized Varieties: Black, Buff, Partridge, White, Barred, Brown Red, Golden Laced, Mottled, Silver Laced, Birchen, Blue, Columbian, Red


Egg Laying: Fair (2/wk)
Egg Color: Brown
Egg Size: Medium

Comb Type: Single Comb
Crested: No
Feathered Legs: Yes
Number of Toes: 4


Hardy In Winter: Yes
Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well
Especially Docile: Yes
Setter/Broody: Yes
Personality: peaceful, friendly, easily handled




Cornish

Cornish are stocky meat birds from the Southwest corner of England with short, close-fitting feathers. Because they don't have much insulation, they don't do especially well in drafty cold, even though their small pea combs are not usually subject to frostbite. 

Most chicken meat bought in US supermarkets comes from a White Cornish x White Plymouth Rock cross. Because the poor crosses were bred to be confined, they're not the best pets, and the crosses suffer from a variety of skeletal and heart problems due to their fast growth, poor things! (For healthier meat birds we would recommend looking for the new hybrid usually referred to as the "Colored Ranger") The regular Cornish don't suffer from the same health problems the Cornish Crosses do. Nonetheless, Cornish are still not especially good foragers, nor are they usually very active birds in general. We're told they can make great lap chickens and have a gentle nature, even though they are large, heavy and look fierce. They tend to be on the lower end of the pecking order in mixed flocks despite their size.


Class: English
Type: Large Fowl & Bantam
Size: Very Heavy (8+ lbs)
Rarity: Common
Purpose: Meat
Recognized Varieties: Dark, White, White Laced Red


Egg Laying: Poor (1/wk)
Egg Color: Light Brown
Egg Size: Small


Comb Type: Pea Comb
Crested: No
Feathered Legs: No
Number of Toes: 4


Hardy In Winter: Yes
Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well
Especially Docile: No
Setter/Broody: Yes
Personality: Loud and active






Crevecoeur
Crevecoeurs are a beautiful, black crested breed from France that is widely thought to have developed from the Polish breed. They were developed for meat and egg production but aren't great on either and are today kept purely for ornament and show. Crevecoeurs are critically endangered but can be purchased at a few of the major hatcheries.


Class: Continental (French)
Type: Large Fowl & Bantam
Size: Heavy (7-8 lbs)
Rarity: Rare
Purpose: Dual
Recognized Varieties: Black

Egg Laying: Fair (2/wk)

Egg Color: White

Egg Size: Medium

Comb Type: V-Shape Comb

Crested: Yes

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: No

Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well

Especially Docile: No

Setter/Broody: No

Personality: very active, need lots of exercise

Cubalaya

Cubalayas are a gorgeous breed with long, lustrous tail feathers kept mainly in Cuba but originating in the East (probably the Phillipines). In North America, Cubalayas are rare and enjoyed only as an ornamental breed. The hens that can lay fairly well, though. The roosters, on the other hand, can be aggressive and can also have multiple spurs. 

Class: All Other Breeds

Type: Large Fowl

Size: Medium (6-7 lbs)

Rarity: Rare

Purpose: Meat

Recognized Varieties: Official: White, Black, Black Breasted Red. Unofficial: Silver Duckwing, Golden Duckwing, Blue Wheaten and others

Egg Laying: Very Good (4/wk)

Egg Color: Cream or Tinted

Egg Size: Medium

Comb Type: Pea Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Tolerates confinement

Especially Docile: No

Setter/Broody: Yes

Personality: Male Cubalayas are aggressive toward other males

Delaware

The Delaware is a relatively new breed of chicken, having only been developed in 1940. They're a cross between New Hampshire Reds and Barred Plymouth Rocks with the goal of maintaing the prolific egg production of these two breeds but increased meat value. They're a lovely, calm white breed with black feathers around the neck and the tip of the tail, and with some black striations also working their way into the back. They perform well in the cold and will fare even better if their combs are protected from frostbite with the help of some petroleum jelly.

Class: American

Type: Large Fowl & Bantam

Size: Heavy (7-8 lbs)

Rarity: Rare

Purpose: Dual

Recognized Varieties: White

Egg Laying: Very Good (4/wk)

Egg Color: Brown

Egg Size: Large

Comb Type: Single Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well

Especially Docile: Yes

Setter/Broody: Yes

Personality: Quiet, friendly

Dominique

Dominiques are considered a "heritage" breed of chicken in that they've been around for hundreds of years and are now critically endangered. Some people can't tell the difference between a Dominique and a Barred Rock, but the trained eye will notice that Dominques have a rose comb versus the Barred Rock's single comb. Dominques are a wonderfully cold-hardy dual-purpose bird, and hens make very caring, nurturing mothers. 

Class: American

Type: Large Fowl & Bantam

Size: Medium (6-7 lbs)

Rarity: Common

Purpose: Dual

Recognized Varieties: Barred

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)

Egg Color: Brown

Egg Size: Large

Comb Type: Rose Comb

Crested: No

Feathered Legs: No

Number of Toes: 4

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well

Especially Docile: Yes

Setter/Broody: Yes

Personality: Calm and nurturing