20 Most Popular Chickens
20 Most Popular Chickens
1.Most Popular Chickens in Order
In this article we list the 20 most popular chickens in the US and we include information about their egg-laying capacity in a year.
1. Rhode Island Red 200-300 eggs per year
2. Plymouth Rock 200-280 eggs
3. Leghorn 280-320 eggs
4. Sussex 250-300 eggs
5. Wyandottes 200-240 eggs
6. Orpington 200-280 eggs
7. Australorp 250-300 eggs
8. Ameraucana 170-200 eggs
9. Buff Orpington 200-280 eggs
10. Barred Plymouth Rock 200-280 eggs
11. Speckled Sussex 200-250 eggs
12. Silkie 100-120 eggs
13. New Hampshire Red 200-250 eggs
14. Isa Brown 300-350 eggs
15. Brahma 150-350 eggs
16. Cochin 150-180 eggs
17. Delaware 200-250 eggs
18. Marans 150-200 eggs
19. Jersey Giant 150-200 eggs
20. Dominique 230-275 eggs
Please note that the egg-laying capacity of these chickens can vary depending on factors such as the chicken’s environment, diet, and overall health. The ease of keeping can vary based on individual circumstances and experience level. Most chickens are easy to keep.
1.2. A Homemade Recipe for Nutritious Chicken Food
Creating your own homemade chicken feed can be cost-effective and ensure you know exactly what your chickens are consuming. Here’s a basic recipe that you can adjust based on availability of ingredients and your chickens’ needs:
Homemade Chicken Feed Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 40% Whole corn – A good energy source.
- 20% Wheat – A variety of grains is healthy for chickens’ diets.
- 20% Peas – For protein and to promote egg-laying.
- 10% Oats – Adds fiber and can help prevent issues like obesity.
- 5% Fish meal – A high-protein supplement.
- 3% Sunflower seeds – For fats and oils to keep feathers healthy.
- 2% Calcium carbonate – Necessary for strong eggshells.
- A handful of Grit – Helps chickens digest their food.
Optional:
- Sea kelp – A small amount can provide trace minerals.
- Probiotic powder – Supports gut health.
- Culinary herbs – Such as oregano, garlic, or thyme for added health benefits.
Instructions:
- Mix Grains: Start by thoroughly mixing the corn, wheat, oats, and peas. Grains should be whole or cracked, not finely ground.
- Protein Power: Mix in the fish meal, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for consistent protein content in every serving.
- Add Fats: Add the sunflower seeds for essential oils and fats.
- Calcium Boost: Stir in the calcium carbonate carefully. This is especially important for laying hens.
- Supplement Toss: If using, sprinkle in the sea kelp, probiotic powder, and herbs over the mix and blend well.
- Grit Serving: Provide grit separately in a free-choice feeder so that chickens can consume it as needed for digestion.
- Storage: Store in sealed vermin proof containers out of the sun.
Feeding Tips:
- Always provide fresh water alongside the feed.
- Observe your chickens’ health and egg production to see if adjustments to the recipe are necessary.
- Supplement with kitchen scraps and allow for foraging if possible for additional nutrients.
Note: Formulating your own chicken feed requires understanding the nutritional needs of your flock. It’s important to remember that laying hens have higher calcium and protein needs. Additionally, the right feed will vary based on the chickens’ age, breed, and whether they are meat birds, layers, or dual-purpose. Always consider consulting with a poultry nutritionist or veterinarian for advice tailored to your specific flock.
However, if you do need to purchase feed, the following link is for high quality, high protein feed.
2. Basic Details about the 20 most popular chickens in the US.
Below is the list of the most popular chicken breeds with a picture (where available) and a few basic details. The ones that are in blue print you can click on and it will take you to a page just on that breed. I hope you enjoy your journey. Here we go:
2.1. Rhode Island Red Chicken
The Rhode Island Red, number 1 on the list of most popular chickens. American breed of domestic originated in Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the late 19th century, known for its hardiness and adaptability.
This breed is primarily reddish-brown in color, with males being slightly darker than females. Rhode Island Reds are dual-purpose birds, valued for both their meat and large brown eggs.
They are prolific egg layers, producing about 200-300 eggs per year. These chickens have a calm and friendly temperament, making them excellent backyard birds.
Rhode Island Red chickens typically live between 5 to 8 years. However, their lifespan can be influenced by factors such as care, environment, diet, and genetics. With optimal care, some Rhode Island Reds may live longer than the average lifespan.
Their feathers are rust-colored, and they have a rectangular body shape with a broad, flat back.
I used to have a Rhode Island Red called Rhodie (very original name) and she was a real chatterbox. Every time I cam out into the yard she would start chattering to me as if she was trying to catch me up on the daily news. Eventually I sold her together with her favorite chick to a lady who came to my yard and saw her and loved her chatter. A match made in heaven. They must have been very happy together because I never heard from that lady again.
2.2. Plymouth Rock Chicken
The Plymouth Rock is number 2 on the list of most popular chickens. It is an American breed of domestic chicken, first developed in Massachusetts in the early 19th century. It is a dual-purpose bird, valued for both its meat and egg production.
Plymouth Rocks are known for their distinctive barred plumage, which is black and white striped. They are robust and hardy chickens, with a friendly and docile temperament, making them popular among backyard poultry keepers.
These chickens are good layers, producing around 200 large brown eggs per year. They have a single comb and red wattles, with a broad, deep body that is well-suited for both egg-laying and meat production. Plymouth Rock chickens generally have a lifespan of around 6 to 10 years. Like Rhode Island Reds, their longevity can be affected by their living conditions, nutrition, and overall health management. Proper care can lead to a longer and healthier life for these chickens.
There is nothing not to like about these birds. Their eggs are better than most for cake baking. If you love to bake cakes you need these girls in you flock. I had a man tell me a story that in his younger days he lived on a farm and the local baker used to buy all his eggs.
This was because he noticed his cakes were much lighter when he used the Plymouth Rock eggs. I have never forgotten that story because it means an egg is not just an egg. There are eggs, and then there are EGGS!
2.3. Leghorns
The Leghorn chicken is a Mediterranean breed, originating from Italy and named after the Italian port city of Livorno. Known for its exceptional egg-laying abilities, the Leghorn is a popular choice for commercial egg production.
These chickens are prolific layers, producing around 280 to 320 white eggs per year. Leghorns are characterized by their slender, lightweight bodies, and they come in various colors, with white being the most common. They have a single or rose comb and wattles that are bright red.
Leghorn chickens usually have a lifespan of around 4 to 6 years. Their life expectancy can vary based on factors like care, diet, environment, and health management. With excellent care and management, some Leghorns may live longer than this average range.
Leghorns are active and intelligent birds, but they can be flighty and less docile compared to other breeds.
2.4. Sussex
The Sussex chicken is number four on the list of most popular chickens. It is a British breed that originated in the county of Sussex, England, and has been around since the 19th century.It is a dual-purpose breed, valued for both its meat and egg production. Sussex chickens are known for their calm and friendly temperament, making them great for backyard flocks. There is nothing not to like about these chickens. Their striking imperial necklaces amke them noticable in any yard.
Sussex chickens typically have a lifespan of around 6 to 8 years. However, with excellent care, including proper diet, secure housing, and regular health check-ups, they can sometimes live longer, reaching up to 10 years or more.
They come in several color varieties, with the Speckled, Red, and Light Sussex being the most popular. Sussex chickens are good layers, producing around 200 to 250 large, brown eggs per year. Sussex chickens typically live between 6 to 8 years.
They have a broad, deep body and a rectangular shape, with soft feathers and a single comb. I used to sell Light Sussex (pictured) and Gold Sussex. The Gold Sussex always brought in the most money because they were the rarer of the two. I just could never hatch enough Gold Sussex chicks to cater to the demand. And I didn’t get to grow my chicks up very often as they would get snapped up in the first few weeks. As a breeder it pays to know you buyers. I will tell you a story of my Gold Sussex when i do the Gold Sussex article.
2.5. Wyandotte
The Wyandotte is number five on the list of most popular chickens. It is an American breed of chicken, developed in the 19th century in the Great Lakes region. Known for its striking plumage, the Wyandotte comes in various color patterns, with the Silver Laced Wyandotte being one of the most popular. I have bred Silver Laced, Gold Laced and Blue laced Red Wyandottes (daddy’s favorite) pictured in the main photo. You really can’t say the Wyandottes plummage is any less than striking. It always grabs your attention and people are always drawn to them because of it.
This breed is dual-purpose, valued for both its meat and egg production. Wyandottes are hardy birds, with a rounded, compact body and a rose comb, making them well-suited for cold climates. Wyandotte chickens generally have a lifespan of around 6 to 12 years.
They have a calm and friendly temperament, which makes them great for backyard flocks. Wyandottes are good layers, producing around 200 large brown eggs per year. Wyandotte chickens typically live between 6 to 12 years, depending on factors such as genetics, environment, and level of care. With optimal care, including proper nutrition, safe housing, and regular veterinary checkups, they can reach the upper end of this lifespan range.
2.6. Orpington
The Orpington is number six on the list of most popular chickens. It is a British breed of chicken, developed in the late 19th century in Orpington, Kent, by William Cook. It is a dual-purpose breed, prized for both its meat and egg-laying capabilities.
Orpingtons are known for their heavy, broad bodies, and soft, fluffy feathering, which makes them appear larger than they actually are.
The most common color variety is the Buff Orpington, but they also come in Black, White, and Blue, Splash and Cuckoo.
They have a docile and friendly temperament, making them excellent backyard chickens. Orpington hens are good layers, producing around 200 large, brown eggs per year.
Orpington chickens typically live for about 8 to 10 years.They are a robust breed and with optimal care, including proper nutrition, safe housing, and regular health management, they can sometimes live even longer than this average lifespan.
2.7. Australorp
The Australorp is number seven on the list of most popular chickens. I personaly would have ranked it in the top 3. It is an Australian breed of chicken, developed from the Orpington breed in the early 20th century. Known for its excellent egg-laying capabilities, the Australorp holds the world record for the most eggs laid by a chicken in one year, with a hen laying 364 eggs in 365 days. So given the right conditions this chicken will perform really well for you. She is a stellar bird in my eyes.
They are very child-like chickens with a dash of naivety thrown in and are adored by children world wide if they have been brought up with a lot of love as I would hope. But i have on the odd occasion refused to sell my chicks and chickens to a person if i saw something undesirable in their nature. I would just tell them i couldn’t help them and send them on their way.
Australorps are large, heavy birds with glossy black feathers that have a greenish-purple sheen. They have a single comb and are known for their friendly and docile temperament.
Australorps are good foragers and are well-suited to free-range conditions. They lay large, light brown eggs and are also valued for their meat. A lot of children adore Australorps due to their eady going nature. Australorp chickens usually have a lifespan of about 6 to 10 years.
Children and Australorps have the same inquisitive nature’s, maybe that’s why they get on so well. Australorps and Silkies are the two top breeds adored by children that I noticed.
2.8. Ameraucana
The Ameraucana is an American breed of chicken, developed in the 1970s from the Araucana breed. It is known for its distinctive blue or green eggs, a trait inherited from its Araucana ancestors.
Ameraucanas have a unique appearance, with a pea comb, muffs, and a beard of feathers around their faces. They come in various colors, including black, blue, and wheaten.
Ameraucanas are medium-sized birds with a friendly and docile temperament, making them popular in backyard flocks. They are hardy and adaptable to different climates. Ameraucana chickens typically have a lifespan of around 7 to 8 years.
While they are not prolific layers, they produce a moderate number of eggs, around 150-200 per year.
I have had brown, black and Lavender. All were great except the Lavender Roosters were quite crazy .
2.9. Buff Orpington
The Buff Orpington is a popular British chicken breed, renowned for its docile nature and striking golden-buff plumage. I have always loved the chickens that had the fluffiest butts and the buff orpingtons were right up there. We would have got more colors but at some point you have to stop. Thats about as many as I could fit and look after properly. Because as all the breeders know chickens are a lot of work.
Developed in Orpington, Kent, in the late 19th century, it is a dual-purpose bird, prized for both its meat and egg production. These chickens are heavy, with a broad, deep body and a soft, fluffy appearance due to their abundant feathering.
Buff Orpingtons are excellent layers of large, light brown eggs, averaging around 200 eggs per year. Their calm and friendly temperament makes them ideal for backyard flocks and families with children.
They are also known for being good brooders and mothers. Buff Orpington chickens, a specific variety of the Orpington breed, typically have a lifespan of around 8 to 10 years.
2.10. Barred Plymouth Rock
The Barred Plymouth Rock is an American chicken breed, recognized for its distinctive black and white barred plumage. Developed in the 19th century in the United States, it is a dual-purpose bird, valued for both its meat and egg production.
Barred Plymouth Rocks are known for their hardiness, adaptability, and friendly nature, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks. They have a single comb and lay large brown eggs, with an average production of around 200 eggs per year.
These chickens are robust and active foragers, thriving in free-range environments. Their striking appearance and docile temperament make them a favorite among poultry enthusiasts. I had Plymouth rocks that I was growning up in my big pen – 11 of them. They were amusing to watch because they all walked around together. All the other breeds would intermingle but my barred plymouth rock teenagers all hung out together.
Barred Plymouth Rock chickens, a variety of the Plymouth Rock breed, typically live between 6 to 10 years. Their lifespan can be extended with good care, including a balanced diet, appropriate shelter, and regular health checks. Proper management can help these chickens reach or even exceed the upper end of their average lifespan.
2.11. Speckled Sussex
The Speckled Sussex is a British chicken breed, known for its striking plumage and friendly nature. Originating in Sussex, England, it was developed as a dual-purpose bird, suitable for both meat and egg production.
The breed’s feathers are a rich mahogany color, speckled with white and black, which becomes more pronounced with age. Speckled Sussex chickens are hardy and adaptable, thriving in various climates.
They are excellent foragers and good layers, producing around 200 to 250 large brown eggs per year.
Their calm and curious temperament makes them a favorite among backyard poultry keepers and small-scale farmers. I never liked these chickens till i accidently got some chicks, grew them up and observed them.
I always thought they looked so messy and after a while they weaved their magic spell on me and I was a goner. They had that beauutiful Sussex nature and they are very calm birds. They would just gaze at me. How else would I end up with over 200 chickens and 1000’s of chicks. Now i just write about them because of my housesitting jobs all over the state. But never let them look deep into your eyes, they will bewitch you. Lol. Yep crazy for chickens that’s me. Speckled Sussex chickens generally have a lifespan of around 6 to 8 years.
2.12. Silkie
The Silkie is a unique and ancient breed of chicken, originating from Asia, possibly China. Renowned for their fluffy, silk-like plumage,
Silkies have a distinctive appearance with feathers that lack barbicels, giving them a soft, downy texture. They come in various colors, including white, black, blue, and buff.
Silkies, bantam-sized with compact bodies and walnut-shaped combs, exhibit a calm and friendly temperament, making them excellent pets. Silkies are also broody and make excellent mothers.
Their eggs are small and cream-colored, and they lay fewer eggs compared to other breeds, around 100-120 per year.
When I first started breeding chickens I told my partner we would not be doing Silkies. A few months later every time I sold a hen or a chick, people would ask me if I had any Silkies.
That afternoon when my partner came home from work I asked him to build me another enclosure. He of course wanted to know why. I said for the Silkies. He said I thought we weren’t doing Silkies. I said, well we don’t get to choose. I said every customer I had asked if I had any Silkies. So now we were doing Silkies.
It is hard when something is so cute to say no. So we had many, many Silkies over the years.
Silkie chickens typically live for about 7 to 9 years.
2.13. New Hampshire Red
The New Hampshire Red is an American breed of chicken, developed in the early 20th century from the Rhode Island Red breed. It is a dual-purpose bird, known for its meat and egg production.
New Hampshire Reds are characterized by their deep, rich red color and broad, deep bodies. They are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for various climates.
These chickens mature early and have a rapid growth rate, and are well known for this. They are good layers, producing around 200 large brown eggs per year. New Hampshire Red chickens, a breed developed from the Rhode Island Red, typically have a lifespan of about 5 to 8 years.
New Hampshire Reds have a friendly and docile temperament, making them popular among backyard poultry enthusiasts.
The roosters can vary from very friendly to very aggressive. Many breeders use these roosters to produce sex linked chicks. It is advisable to handle from a very young age so they become accustomed to and enjoy the human touch and human interaction.
New Hampshire Red females tend to be friendlier than their male counterparts, and it’s advisable to handle them often from a young age to familiarize them with touch and human interaction.
I have encountered only two very aggressive roosters, which led me to sell them, as I did not want to propagate that gene, and they ultimately graced someone’s table for Sunday lunch.
I found it hard to kill roosters although I have done it 3 times and made chicken soup, which was very delicious. But for me, I decided always to sell my roosters and I developed a steady rooster clientele.
2.14. Isa Brown
The Isa Brown is a hybrid breed of chicken, developed in the 1970s by the Institut de Sélection Animale in France.
It is a crossbreed, created for high egg production and efficiency. Isa Browns are known for their friendly and docile temperament, making them popular in backyard flocks. ISA Brown chickens generally have a shorter lifespan compared to some other breeds, typically living around 3 to 5 years.
They have a reddish-brown feathering and a single comb. These chickens are prolific layers, producing around 300 large brown eggs per year.
They are hardy and adapt well to various climates. Due to their hybrid nature, Isa Browns are not suitable for breeding, as their offspring will not have the same high production traits.
Isa Browns are built to lay and they are lovely chickens but most only live for three years as they get burnt out. It is so sad. Our lead chicken was and Isa Brown called Maisy. She ruled with a firm hand kept all the chickens in line without being vicious or cruel. One quick peck is all she gave to keep everyone in line.
We had a very orderly backyard before we started with the breeding. Maisy was very entertaining and my partner taught her to do very amazing things. SO don’t let anyone tell you you can’t train a chicken. You can and its very easy to do. It’s similar to training a dog. it just requires repetition.
2.15. Brahma
The Brahma is a large and majestic breed of chicken, originally developed in the United States from birds imported from China and India.
Known for their impressive size, Brahmas can weigh up to 12 pounds for males and 10 pounds for females. They have a distinctive appearance with feathered shanks and toes, a pea comb, and a broad, deep body.
Brahmas display a variety of colors such as light, dark, and buff. Their calm and gentle temperament makes them excellent pets. Although they are not prolific layers, they lay a decent number of large brown eggs.
People also value Brahmas for their meat and their presence in the show bird circuit. Brahma chickens have a lifespan of about 5 to 8 years. However, with optimal care, including a proper diet, adequate housing, and regular health checks, they can live longer, potentially reaching up to 10 years or more. Their large size and gentle nature make them a popular breed, and their longevity can be significantly influenced by the quality of care they receive.
2.16. Cochin
The Cochin is a bantam, breed of chicken, originally from China and known for its profuse feathering, which covers its legs and feet. It was introduced to the Western world in the mid-19th century and quickly gained popularity for its striking appearance and gentle nature.
Cochins come in a variety of colors, including black, white, buff, and partridge. They have a single comb and a round, fluffy body. While not prolific layers, they produce a moderate number of brown eggs. Cochins are known for their broodiness and make excellent mothers.
Their calm and friendly temperament makes them great pets and exhibition birds.
Cochin chickens typically have a lifespan of around 8 to 10 years. With proper care, including good nutrition, suitable living conditions, and regular health monitoring, they can sometimes live longer than this average range. Cochin chickens are known for their large size and fluffy feathers, and their well-being can greatly affect their longevity.
2.17. Delaware
The Delaware is an American breed of chicken, developed in the 1940s in the state of Delaware. It was created by crossing Barred Plymouth Rocks with New Hampshire Reds. Delawares are dual-purpose birds, valued for both their meat and egg production. They are primarily white with black barring on their necks and tails. Delawares are known for their rapid growth and early maturity, making them excellent for meat production. They are also good layers, producing around 200 large brown eggs per year. These chickens have a friendly and calm temperament, making them suitable for backyard flocks and small farms.
Delaware chickens typically have a lifespan of about 6 to 8 years. With proper care, including adequate nutrition, safe living conditions, and regular health check-ups, they can potentially live longer than this average range. Their longevity, like that of other breeds, is influenced by the quality of care they receive.
2.18. Marans
The Marans is number 18 on the list of most popular chickens. I would have ranked it higher due to the dark eggs it lays which have become highly sort after. It is a French breed of chicken, originating from the town of Marans in the Poitou-Charentes region.
It is renowned for its dark brown eggs, which are considered a culinary delight. Marans come in various colors, with the Black Copper Marans being the most popular. They have a single comb, orange eyes, and white skin. Marans, with their medium size and muscular build, stand slightly upright and lay about 150-200 eggs per year.
People also value them for their flavorful meat. These birds adapt well to various environments due to their hardiness. They have a friendly temperament, making them suitable for backyard flocks.
Marans chickens usually have a lifespan of around 7 to 8 years. However, with excellent care, including proper nutrition, suitable living conditions, and regular health management, they can potentially live longer than this average lifespan.
2.19. Jersey Giant
The Jersey Giant is an American breed of chicken, developed in the late 19th century in New Jersey as a dual-purpose bird for meat and eggs.
It is the largest breed of chicken, with males weighing up to 15 pounds and females around 10 pounds.
Jersey Giants have a broad, deep body, and their plumage comes in black, blue, and white varieties.
They are known for their calm and gentle temperament, making them good pets.
While they are not prolific layers, they produce a moderate number of large brown eggs.
Due to their size, they require more space and food than smaller breeds.
This white Jersey Giant rooster is the picture, presents his significant size and stately appearance, standing within the confines of a chicken coop. They are wonderful roosters and porotect their flock with their lives. Its large, well-formed body and striking white feathers, dusted slightly by the elements, exude strength and vitality.
The bird’s bright red comb and wattles are a vivid contrast to its pale plumage. Despite the Jersey Giant’s impressive stature, the rooster possesses a serene demeanor, representative of the breed’s gentle nature, as it stands watch over its surroundings.
Jersey Giant chickens, known for being one of the largest chicken breeds, typically have a lifespan of around 6 to 8 years. However, with optimal care, including good nutrition, proper housing, and regular health check-ups, they can sometimes live longer, potentially reaching up to 10 years or more.
2.20. Dominique
The Dominique is number twenty on the list of most popular chickens. It is an American breed of chicken, considered the oldest in the United States. It is characterized by its distinctive barred plumage, which is black and white with a slight V-shaped pattern. Dominiques are medium-sized birds with a rose comb and a compact, well-rounded body. They are dual-purpose chickens, valued for both their egg-laying capabilities and meat production. Dominiques are hardy and adaptable, making them excellent for free-range conditions. They are known for their calm and gentle temperament, making them great backyard chickens. They lay a moderate number of medium-sized brown eggs and are also good brooders and mothers.
Dominique chickens typically live for about 6 to 8 years. With good care, including proper nutrition, appropriate housing, and regular veterinary check-ups, they can potentially live longer than this average lifespan.
These are the top 20 most popular chickens in a list that is hundreds long. It gives you a snap shot of each chicken but if you click on the link you can go to a full article on the breed that interests you.
