Posted by Posted by wayland
The number of eggs a chicken produces can vary
based on factors such as age, season, and diet
You can eat any chicken.
Some take too long to mature and just aren’t meaty. Look at our Broiler chickens.
Color eggs Layers Best Laying hens Broiler Chickens
Ameraucana
| To Harvest any young or old chicken for food, Feel there weight, Used for: Color Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 150-200 |
| Egg Color: Blue eggs some Green eggs |
| Temperament: friendly, curious Ready to Lay Eggs: Between 22 to 26 weeks Is Ameraucana Broody: Yes, broody, and they make very attentive mothers. Lifespan of Ameraucana: 7 – 8 yrs Broodiness refers to the instinct of hens to sit on their eggs to hatch chicks |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for, Cold hardy, Both warm, cold |
Altsteirer
| Used for: Meat- Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 100-180 |
| Egg Color: Ivory white to light tinted |
| Temperament: Friendly Ready to Lay Eggs: Between 12 weeks Is Altsteirer Broody: No, rarely go broody. Lifespan ofAltsteirer: 6 to 9 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Large Fowl Best for, Cold hardy, Both warm, cold. |
Ancona
| Used for: Meat- Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 200 plus year |
| Egg Color: Large White |
| Temperament: Skittish, Highly Active Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks Is Ancona Broody: No, rarely go broody Lifespan of Ancona: up to 8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for, Warm area because of comb. |
Andalusian
| Used for: Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 100-170 |
| Egg Color: Medium to Large Chalk-White |
| Temperament: Friendly, Active Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-24 weeks Is Andalusian Broody: No, rarely go broody Lifespan of Andalusian: 5 to 8 year |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for, Warm area Not cold hardy |
Appenzeller Hen
| Used for: Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 170-290 |
| Egg Color: Medium White |
| Temperament: Active, alert, like to roost in trees, Appenzeller are Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks plus Is Appenzeller Broody: Yes, moderately broody Lifespan of Appenzeller: 5 to 8 year |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for, Cold Hardy |
Ayam Cemani
| Used for: Meat, Eggs, Exhibition Yearly Egg Production: 100 Ayam Cemani are Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks plus Is Ayam Cemani Broody: Yes, moderately broody Lifespan of Ayam Cemani: 6- 8 years |
| Egg Color: Medium Tan to Cream color |
| Temperament: Friendly, Indifferent, Assertive |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: medium fowl Best for, Hardiness: All Temps |
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 100-170 |
| Egg Color: Green to Blue Egg. |
| Temperament: Energetic yet friendly by nature Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks some 58 weeks Is Araucana Broody: Yes they are good mothers Lifespan of Araucana : 5-8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium size fowl Best for, Hardiness: All |
Andalusian
| Used for: Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 160-200 |
| Egg Color: Medium to Large Chalk-White |
| Temperament: Active Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 plus weeks Is Andalusian Broody: No, rarely go broody Lifespan of Andalusian: 5 to 8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Both large fowl and bantams Best for, Not cold hardy |
Asil (Aseel)
| Used for: Meat, Exhibition Yearly Egg Production: 5-70 |
| Egg Color: cream-colored to brownish Egg Sizes,: Medium |
| Temperament: friendly, very tame and trusting towards humans. Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-24 weeks Is Asil (Aseel) Broody: Yes, broody occasionallydepend on hen. Lifespan of Asil (Aseel): 8-10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Large Fowl Best for, Hardiness: Adapted to survive in harsh environments |
Useful knowledge: Once used for cock-fighting, they have a desire to fight that has been bred into them for over 2000 years.
Asil chickens are friendly when they are kept apart from other roosters. But you should not keep many roosters together, because they will fight until death.
Hens can sometimes be kept together but have to be watched closely in case of fighting
Ancona
| Used for: Eggs, Exhibition Yearly Egg Production: 220 eggs |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: active, playful, talkative, Alert, quick, and very flighty, they are highly active and noisy birds. Ancona Ready to Lay Eggs: 16 weeks Is Ancona Broody: No, don’t get broody Life span of Ancona: 8 years or more |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for, Hardiness: Ancona are Hardy in cold weather |
Ancona breed has many similarities to Leghorn chickens
Austra White
| Used for: Eggs, Exhibition Yearly Egg Production: 250 -290 eggs |
| Egg Color: Cream White to Light Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Docile Ready to Lay Eggs: 12 weeks Is Austra White Broody: Not strong broody Lifespan of Austra White: 6-10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for, Heat and cold hardyAustra Whites is cross between a Black Australorp rooster and a White Leghorn hen |
Australorp
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: one hen laid 364 eggs in 365 days! |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: docile and friendly personality Ready to Lay Eggs: 22-24 weeks old Is Australorp Broody: occasionally go broody Lifespan of Australorp: 6 to 10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Large Fowl Best for, Australorp can withstand cold winter temperatures easily |
Barnevelder
| Used for: Meat Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 180-200 eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Medium-large |
| Temperament: gorgeous, docile Ready to Lay Eggs: 32-40 weeks old Is Barnevelder Broody: Some strains yes some no Lifespan of Barnevelder: 6 to 12 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for |
Bearded d’Uccle
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 180 to 280 eggs |
| Egg Color: Cream Egg Size: Small |
| Temperament: Docile, Alert Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-21 weeks Is Bearded d’Uccle Broody: fantastic broody hens Lifespan of Bearded d’Uccle: 5 years and longer with right living conditions |
| Winter Egg layers: No Class: Smaller Bantam Fowl Best for: not especially cold-hardy Normaly one of the sweetest, loveliest and cuddliest pets in the whole wide world |
Booted Bantam
| Used for: Pet, Showbird Yearly Egg Production: 120 eggs |
| Egg Color: Cream Egg Size: Extra Small |
| Temperament: Sweet, Docile, Friendly Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-24 weeks Is Booted Bantam Broody: Yes, go broody and make great mothers, Lifespan of Booted Bantam: up to 10 years in right conditions. |
| Winter Egg layers: No Class: Avis, tiny chicken Fowl Best for: Sensitive to Cold |
Barbu d’Everberg
Belgian Bantam
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 100 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: white Egg Size: Small |
| Temperament: very friendly bird, with a wonderful calm nature When is Barbu d’Everberg Ready to Lay Eggs: 160-200 Is Barbu d’Everberg Broody: Yes, do go broody easily. Lifespan of Barbu d’Everberg: 8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No Class: Light Best for: Easily tamed and good birds for children due to their small size |
Basque
| Used for: Meat Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 175-250 eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: large |
| Temperament: Friendly When is Basque Ready to Lay Eggs: 12 weeks Is Basque Broody: Yes, slightly broody Lifespan of Basque:5 to 10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No, needs Warm climates Class: Smaller Bantam Fowl Best for: Warm climates |
Brahma
| Used for: Meat Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 130 to 150 eggs |
| Egg Color: Light Brown Egg Size: Medium to Large |
| Temperament: Friendly Disposition When is Brahma Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 -24 weeks Is Brahma Broody: Yes, (Often) Good Broody Hens Lifespan of Brahma: 5 to 8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Especially cold-hardy Class: Smaller Bantam Fowl Best for: All Temps |
Braekel
| Used for: Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 180-200 eggs eggs |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size: Small to Medium |
| Temperament: Friendly towards people When is Braekel Ready to Lay Eggs: 24-28 weeks Is Braekel Broody: Rarely broody Lifespan of Braekel : 6 to 7 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Smaller Bantam Fowl Best for: both cold and heat-hardy |
Bresse
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: up to 250 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: calm, even temperament toward humans. Active and Alert When is Bresse Ready to Lay Eggs: 18 weeks Is Bresse Broody: Yes, becomes broody Lifespan of Bresse: 6 to 8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Large Fowl Best for: heat and cold tolerant |
Buckeye
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 180 to 280 eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Active, yet gentle When is Buckeye Ready to Lay Eggs: 24-28 weeks Is Buckeye Broody: Yes, do become broody Lifespan of Buckeye: 10 years or more |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Large Fowl Best for: Especially Cold Hardy |
Buttercup
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 140 to 180 eggs |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size: Small to Medium |
| Temperament: very active, alert, and flighty breed When is Buttercup Ready to Lay Eggs: 23-24 weeks. Is Buttercup Broody: Not-broody Lifespan of Buttercup : 5-8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl and Small Bantam Fowl Best for: don’t like cold weather |
California Gray
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 300 eggs in a year |
| Egg Color: white Egg Size: Extra Large |
| Temperament: flexible and friendly sociable, with a congenial nature When is California Gray Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-24 weeks Is California Gray Broody: Rarely go broody. Lifespan of California Gray : 6-10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Large Fowl Best for: Hot and Cold (caution with both extremes) |
Campine
| Used for: Exhibition Yearly Egg Production: 140 to 170 eggs |
| Egg Color:White Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Friendly, chatty, and inquisitive, but they dislike handling. When is Campine Ready to Lay Eggs: 16 and 20 weeks Is Campine Broody: Rarely go broody, Lifespan of Campine: 6 to 7 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No if cold Class: : Large Bantam Fowl Best for: Can tolerate some cold |
Chantecler
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 175-250eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Genital When is Chantecler Ready to Lay Eggs: about 20 weeks old. Is Chantecler Broody: Can go broody Lifespan of Chantecler: 8 –10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Large Fowl Best for: Excels in a winter climate |
COCHIN
| Used for: Eggs, Ornamental, Pets Yearly Egg Production: 100-170 eggs |
| Egg Color: light brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Docile, Cuddly, friendly, loving When is Cochin Ready to Lay Eggs: 8 to 9 months old Is Cochin Broody: Inclined to broodiness Lifespan of Cochin : 8-10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes especially cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: Considered the best fowls for hatching and brooding ducks and turkeys. |
Cornish Cross
| Used for: Meat Yearly Egg Production: 0 eggs, meat chicken |
| Egg Color: Non, meat chicken Egg Size: Non, meat chicken |
| Temperament: Docile, Alert When is Cornish Cross Ready to Lay Eggs: 23weeks Is Cornish Cross Broody: No, Reduced or eliminated Lifespan of Cornish Cross : 8 to 10 years if in healthy condition |
| Winter Egg layers: No, meat chicken Class: Large Fowl Meat chicken Best for: Cornish Cross has exceptional feed conversion and growth rate. Great Birds for Raising in Movable Chicken Tractors. They grow fast 6 weeks to Butchering. |
Cream Legbar
| Used for: Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 150 to 200 eggs per year. |
| Egg Color: light blue or light green eggs Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: they are friendly birds, she got bossy to flock. When is Cream Legbar Ready to Lay Eggs: 25 weeks Is Cream Legbar Broody: Do not usually go broody Lifespan of Cream Legbar: 5 to 10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Class: medium-sized large fowl Best for: Some Cream Legbars actually lay white eggs and not green or blue egg. some hens are poor layers in winter |
Croad Langshan
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 150 to 200 eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Strong, intelligent and active birds, docile and easily tamed When is Croad Langshan Ready to Lay Eggs: 24 to 28 months Is Croad Langshan Broody: Make great broodies and mums Lifespan of Croad Langshan: 8 years or more |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes best laying is in winter. Heat hurts them. Class: Large Fowl Best for: Winter layers |
Delawares
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 175 to 250 eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Large to Jumbo |
| Temperament: Gentle with people; Assertive with other chickens but not bullies When is Delawares Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-22 weeks Is Delawares Broody: Will go broody Lifespan of Delawares: 5-7 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium sized Fowl Best for: Fast growth; can be eaten at any age |
Dominique
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 180 to 240 eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Docile, Alert When is Dominique Ready to Lay Eggs: 26 weeks old. Is Dominique Broody: Often go broody Lifespan of Dominiqu: 5-8 years. Class: Large Fowl |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Best for: said to be America’s oldest chicken breed. If you live in a colder climate and are looking for a dependable egg layer then look no further |
Dorking
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 170-190 eggs |
| Egg Color: White to Cream Egg Size: Medium to Large |
| Temperament: Calm and gentle When is Dorking Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 to 24 weeks Is DorkingBroody: Will go broody Lifespan of Dorking: 7 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Class: Medium Bantam Fowl Best for: Winter layer, good forager |
Dutch Bantam
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 150 to 160 eggs |
| Egg Color: White to Light Brown Egg Size: Small |
| Temperament: docile temperament When is Dutch Bantam Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-24 weeks Is Dutch Bantam Broody: Will easily go broody Lifespan of Dutch Bantam: 4-8 years under right condition’s, some live to 15 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No Class:Medium Bantam Fowl Best for: Not cold-hardy. Dutch Bantams would also make excellent pets |
Easter egger
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: up to 280 eggs a year |
| Egg Color: blue to green to olive to aqua and sometimes even pinkish. Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Friendly, docile temperament. They are curious When is Easter egger Ready to Lay Eggs: 30 -32 weeks Is Easter egger Broody: Rarely goes broody, Lifespan of Easter egger: 5-8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for: cold-hardy, different color of eggs |
Egyptian Fayoumi
| Used for: Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 150–205 |
| Egg Color: Off-white or tinted Egg Size: Small |
| Temperament: Active and lively, flighty, fast, and will scream if captured When is Egyptian Fayoumi Ready to Lay Eggs: 18 weeks Is Egyptian Fayoumi Broody: Not given to broodiness Lifespan of Egyptian Fayoumi: 5–8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Class: Medium Bantam Fowl Best for: Egyptian Fayoumi have reputation as a good free range predator resistant chicken to raise on your farm or acreage. |
Faverolles
| Used for: eggs, meat, and ornamentation Yearly Egg Production: 180 to 240 |
| Egg Color: Light brown to cream Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Docile and active, most enjoy being lap-chickens When is Faverolles Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks old Is FaverollesBroody: Occasionally go broody Lifespan of Faverolles: 5 to 7 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Class: Large Bantam Fowl |
Gingernut Rarganger
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: to 320 eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: very friendly hen When is Gingernut Rarganger Ready to Lay Eggs: 21 weeks Is Gingernut Rarganger Broody: No, never been broody Lifespan of Gingernut Rarganger : 2 to 6 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for: Gingernut Ranger great egg layers, even in the winter |
Golden Laced Wyandotte
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 200 eggs |
| Egg Color: light brown Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Docile with their keepers When is Golden Laced WyandotteReady to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks Is Golden Laced Wyandotte Broody: Strong broody tendencies Lifespan of Golden Laced Wyandotte: 6-12 years. Depends on living conditions |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: large Fowl Best for: Winter laying, They don’t tolerate any other bird trying to peck them or pick on them |
| Golden Comet Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: to 320 eggs Egg Color: Light Brown Egg Size: Medium to large Temperament: Docile and gentle When is Golden Comet Ready to Lay Eggs: 19 weeks Is Golden CometBroody: No, do not generally go broody Lifespan of Golden Comet : 5-7 years Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Smaller Fowl Best for: Finest brown egg layers available today |
Gold Legbar
| Used for: Pet & eggs Yearly Egg Production: 150-200 eggs |
| Egg Color: Light blue or Green, White Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Friendly When is Gold Legbar Ready to Lay Eggs: Its first egg at 22 weeks Is Gold Legbar Broody: Some might from time to time Lifespan of Gold Legbar: 5 to 10 years depending on living conditions |
| Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: Legbars are friendly, easily handled, good layers, and one of the most highly sought after–and rarest–breeds in this country |
Hamburg
| Used for: Eggs, Ornamental Yearly Egg Production: 120-225 eggs |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size: Small to Medium |
| Temperament: Very Active When is HamburgReady to Lay Eggs: 22 weeks Is Hamburg Broody: They do not become broody Lifespan of Hamburg: 6-10 years depending on living conditions |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for: Flighty, roosts in trees; winter hardy, good at avoiding predators |
Icelandic
| Used for: Eggs, Meat Yearly Egg Production: 180 eggs |
| Egg Color: White to Cream or Light Brown Egg Size: Small to Medium |
| Temperament: Lively, curious, and independent. When is Icelandic Ready to Lay Eggs: 22 weeks Is Icelandic Broody: Some will go Broody Lifespan of Icelandic: up to 15 years in a secure conditions |
| Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Class: Smaller Fowl Best for: Very hardy active forager, |
iSA Brown
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 300+ eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Friendly, sweet and docile nature When is iSA Brown Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks Is iSA Brown Broody: Yes, can become broody Lifespan of iSA Brown: 3-4 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for: Can thrive in both hot and cold climates. |
Jaerhon
| Used for: Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 215 eggs |
| Egg Color: White to Off white Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Active & Friendly When is Jaerhon Ready to Lay Eggs: 6 weeks Is Jaerhon Broody: Not known as a broody, Lifespan of Jaerhon: 5 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Large Fowl Best for: All Climate |
Java
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 180 eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: docile and friendly birds, both to humans and to other chickens. When is Java Ready to Lay Eggs: 24 weeks Is Java Broody: Hens are broody Lifespan of Java: 5-8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No, Cold tolerance: Poor Class: Large Fowl Best for: well-suited for both meat and egg production |
Jersey Giants
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 150-200 egg |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Jersey Giants are friendly, docile birds When is Jersey Giants Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks Is Jersey Giants Broody: Yes, will go broody Lifespan of Jersey Giants: 6 to 10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No, Cold tolerance: Poor Class: Large Fowl Best for: Jersey Giants can make really great pets for children. |
Kraienkoppe
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 150-180 eggs |
| Egg Color: white or tinted Egg Size: Small |
| Temperament: good-natured. They are active foragers and hardy birds When is Kraienkoppe Ready to Lay Eggs: 22-28 weeks Is Kraienkoppe Broody: Will go broody Lifespan of Kraienkoppe : 8-18 years all depending on living conditions |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Medium Fowl Best for: Kraienkoppe lays even in cold weather. |
Lakenvelder
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 150 eggs |
| Egg Color: White to tinted Egg Size: Small to Medium |
| Temperament: Active – good foragers, can be flighty. When is Lakenvelder Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-28 weeks Is Lakenvelder Broody: Hens are not broody Lifespan of Lakenvelder: s 6 to 8 years and longer in right conditions |
| Winter Egg layers: No Class: Small Fowl. Best for: Lakenvelders are best suited to free range situations where predator resistant chickens are necessary. Do well in most climates, but aren’t fond of cold weather |
Langshan
| Used for: Meat Eggs,Exhibition Yearly Egg Production: 150 – 200 eggs |
| Egg Color: Dark Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Langshan chickens are relatively calm and rarely show aggressive When is Langshan Ready to Lay Eggs: 24-28 weeks Is Langshan Broody: Are not particularly broody. Lifespan of Langshan: 10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Medium Fowl Best for: Hardy in winter |
Lavender Orpington
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 170 to 200 eggs |
| Egg Color: Light Brown Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Clam and Friendly large fluffy, friendly hen When is Lavender Orpington Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-28 weeks Is Lavender Orpington Broody: Known to be broody Lifespan of Lavender Orpington: 8-10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: Lavender Orpington are healthy, cold hardy, and not very demanding. They’re quiet chickens too. |
Leghorn
| Used for: Meat Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 280-320 eggs |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size: Large to Ex Large |
| Temperament: Intelligent and noisy When is Leghorn Ready to Lay Eggs: 17 weeks Is LeghornBroody: No, not exhibiting the maternal behaviour Lifespan of Leghorn : 4-6 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, Class: Medium Fowl Best for: Leghorn an intelligent and resourceful bird and will find much of its own food if allowed to range They lay well into their third or fourth year too. Leghorn chickens tend to be hardy, so most will survive the cold. However, the single comb variety may get frostbite. |
Light Brahma
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 200 eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: gentle and easily handled. When is Light Brahma Ready to Lay Eggs: 24-28 weeks Is Light Brahma Broody: Hens tend to go broody Lifespan of Light Brahma: 5 and 8 years. |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy – Class: Large Fowl Best for: Great for cold weather |
Marans
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 150-200 eggs |
| Egg Color: Chocolate to Russet Brown Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Friendly When is Marans Ready to Lay Eggs: 24-26 weeks Is Marans Broody: Maybe, occasionally go broody some Never Lifespan of Marans: 8 year . Keep laying till 6th year. |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Smaller Bantam Fowl Best for: Comfortable with cold weather |
Menorca
| Used for: Egg, Show and Ornamental Yearly Egg Production: 170 to 220 eggs |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size:Large |
| Temperament: Friendly, Flighty, Very Active, Docile, Shy When is Menorca Ready to Lay Eggs: 26 weeks Is Menorca Broody: Are not broody Lifespan of Menorc:a: 8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: They don’t like being picked up/handled, but will eat out of your hand |
Marsh Daisy
| Used for: Meat, Eggs, Pet Yearly Egg Production: 200 to 250 eggs |
| Egg Color: Cream to Light Brown Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: so gentle and easy to handle When is Marsh Daisy Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks Is Marsh DaisyBroody: Rarely go broody. Lifespan of Marsh Daisy: 7–10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Small Fowl Best for: hardy breed, Great pets for Children. |
New Hampshire Red
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 150 to 220 eggs |
| Egg Color: CChocolate to Russet Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: friendly personality When is New Hampshire Red Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 to 30 weeks Is New Hampshire RedBroody: Prone to go broody Lifespan of New Hampshire Red: 7 to 8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No not Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Frostbite prone Don’t enjoy handling Class: Large Fowl Best for: warmer climate. |
Olive Egger
| Used for: Meat, Eggs, Pet Yearly Egg Production: 200 to 250 eggs |
| Egg Color: Olive green to mossy or khaki green hue Egg Size: Medium to Large |
| Temperament: Friendly and curious, relatively calm and easygoing When is Olive Egger Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 -24 weeks Is Olive Egger Broody: Rarely go broody Lifespan of Olive Egger : 5-8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Medium Fowl Best for: Hardy and adaptable to a wide range of climates including both hot and cold weather |
Old English Game
| Used for: Meat or OrnamentalO Yearly Egg Production: 160 to 180 eggs |
| Egg Color: cream, tinted Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Aggressive and noisy bird When is Old English Game Ready to Lay Eggs: 22 weeks old Is Old English Game Broody: Usually show broodiness Lifespan of Old English Game: 15 years or more. |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class:Medium Fowl Best for: Can tolerate cold, but do not do well in hot climate. |
Buff Orpington hen
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 175 – 200 eggs |
| Egg Color: Light Brown Egg Size: Medium to large |
| Temperament: very friendly with their keepers, gentle and peaceful hen When is Buff Orpington Ready to Lay Eggs: 24 weeks Is Buff Orpington Broody: Go broody relatively often, Lifespan of Buff Orpington : 5 to 10 years depend on living conditions |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes,cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: Good With Children, Cold Hardy in winter. |
Penedesenca
| Used for: Meat Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 200 eggs |
| Egg Color: Chocolate Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Active, avoids human contact When is Penedesenca Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-24 weeks. Is Penedesenca Broody: Normaly not broody Lifespan of Penedesenca: 5-8 years or longer if good living conditons |
| Winter Egg layers: No not cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: The hens run away at the sight of children, but the roosters might try to attack them. |
Polish
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 150 eggs |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Polish chickens are calm, gentle, friendly, and active birds When is Polish Ready to Lay Eggs: 24 weeks Is Polish Broody: Rarely go broody Lifespan of Polish : 6 to 8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Class: Medium Fowl Best for: kid friendly, docile and pretty quiet. prefer a dry, warm climate, |
Plymouth Rock
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 200-250 eggss |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Medium to large |
| Temperament: sweet, calm, and docile – even the roosters When is Plymouth Rock Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks Is Plymouth Rock Broody: Quite likely to go broody Lifespan of Plymouth Rock: 6-8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: cold-hardyYes, |
Redcap
| Used for: Meat, Eggs, Ornamental Yearly Egg Production: 150 to 200 eggs |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: not the most friendly, they are hardy and active When is Redcap Ready to Lay Eggs: 22 weeks Is Redcap Broody: Do not usually go broody Lifespan of Redcap: 10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: Cold Hardiness: Hardy in winter, . They are excellent free-range birds. Note. Not good at setting on eggs., |
Red Sex Link
| Used for: Meat, Eggs, Yearly Egg Production: 250-300eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: very active chickens, with moderately docile personalities. When is Red Sex Link Ready to Lay Eggs: 17 or 18 weeks Is Red Sex Link Broody: Broodiness genes have been mostly bred out of them Lifespan of Red Sex Link : 2 or 3 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: Cold Hardiness: Hardy in winter |
Rhode Island Red
| Used for: Meat Eggs, show bird Yearly Egg Production: 310 eggs |
| Egg Color: Brown Egg Size: XLarge |
| Temperament: Docile, easygoing When is Rhode Island Red Ready to Lay Eggs: 16 weeks Is Rhode Island Red Broody: Mostly bred out of them. Lifespan of Rhode Island Red : 5-8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: Cold Hardiness: Hardy in winter |
Rumpless Araucana
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 170-180 eggs |
| Egg Color: Blue, Green Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: friendly and docile When is Rumpless Araucana Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-24 weeks of age Is Rumpless AraucanaBroody: Do go broody Lifespan of Rumpless Araucana: 6-8 years. |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: winter hardy |
Silver Spangled Hamburg
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 200 eggs |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: wild, spirited, and, most notably, beautiful When is SIlver Spangled Hamburg Ready to Lay Eggs: 20-24 weeks Is Silver Spangled Hamburg Broody: Can occasionally go broody. Lifespan of Silver Spangled Hamburg: 8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Smaller Bantam Fowl Best for: Cold hardy, they do not like confinement, Silver Spangleds are high fliers and can jump fences and enclosures |
SEBRIGHT
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 60–80 eggs |
| Egg Color: Cream Egg Size: Small |
| Temperament: friendly, active and social bird. Roosters are not aggressive, somewhat skittish birds When is Sebright Ready to Lay Eggs: 16-22 weeks Is Sebright Broody: Rarely go brood Lifespan of Sebright: 8-12 years. |
| Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Class: Tiny Small Fowl Best for: All Climates, SEBRIGHT are Friendly, Easily Handled, Shy, Flighty, Bears Confinement Well |
Serama
True Bantam the smallest chicken in the world
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 180 to 200 eggs Egg Color: Cream and Brown Egg Size: Tiny, Small Temperament: Serama look feisty, they are a sweet and friendly breed When is Serama Ready to Lay Eggs: 35 weeks of age Is Serama Broody: Serama hens will go broody Lifespan of Serama: 8 or 9 years Winter Egg layers: No not cold-hardy Class: Tiny Small Fowl Best for: Serama are Smallest chicken in the world. They eat less food than larger breed, they do not tolerate cold temperatures. |
Silkie
| Used for: Meat Eggs, Pets, Show Bird Yearly Egg Production: 100-120 eggs |
| Egg Color: Cream Egg Size: Small |
| Temperament: Silkie are docile, gentle and tolerant, make great family pets When is Silkie Ready to Lay Eggs: 28 weeks Is Silkie Broody: Most broody of the chicken breeds, Lifespan of Silkie: 8 or 9 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Medium Fowl Best for: Sillkie generally accepted to be a cold hardy chicken breed |
Swedish Black Hen
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 250 eggs |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Swedish Black Hen, affectionate and generally laid back When is Swedish Black Hen Ready to Lay Eggs: 24 weeks Is Swedish Black Hen Broody: Like to go broody Lifespan of Swedish Black Hen: 5-8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Smaller Fowl Best for: Swedish Black Hen good at free-ranging. |
Spanish
| Used for: Meat Eggs, Poultry Shows Yearly Egg Production: 180 to 280 eggs |
| Egg Color: Chalk White Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Spanish hens are active, noisy, curious, esteemed aristocrats, flighty and vocal birds When is Spanish Ready to Lay Eggs: 18- 22 weeks Is Spanish Broody: Considered non-broody Lifespan of Spanish Hen: 5-8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No not cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: Spanish poultry shows, eggs |
Sumatra
| Used for: Meat, Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 100 eggs |
| Egg Color: White or lightly tinted Egg Size: Small |
| Temperament: skittish, nervous When is Sumatra Ready to Lay Eggs: 18 weeks Is Sumatra Broody: Can get broody Lifespan of Sumatr: 7-9 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No not cold-hardy, prefers to live in a warm climate. Class: Smaller Fowl Best for: Sumatra avoids preditors, Sumatra’s ability to fly better than most chicken breeds making them, a tremendous free-range chicken. |
Sussex
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 180 to 320 eggs |
| Egg Color: Cream to Light Brown Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Sussex are calm breed that can adapt to any surroundings and be quite tame and friendly When is Sussex Ready to Lay Eggs: Around 24 weeks Is Sussex Broody: Yes, a broody breed Lifespan of Sussex : 8+ years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: Sussex are a great breed if you want eggs all year around. |
SPECKLEDY HYBRID
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: to 280 eggs |
| Egg Color: Chestnut Brown Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Speckled Hybrid is a docile, easily handled bird When is Speckled Hybrid Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks Is Speckled Hybrid Broody: Not a broody breed Lifespan of Speckled Hybrid : 2 to 4 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No not especially cold-hardy Class: Large Fowl Best for: Not a pure breed. They look the same as the Marans but they have a higher capability of egg production and good winter layers. They are friendly and easy-to-handle birds. |
Turken (Naked Neck)
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 250-300 eggs |
| Egg Color: Light Brown Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Turken are easygoing and easily tamed When is Turken (Naked Neck) Ready to Lay Eggs: 22 weeks Is Turken (Naked Neck) Broody: Have been known to go broody. Lifespan of Turken (Naked Neck) 8-10 years |
Vorwerk
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 160 – 190 eggs |
| Egg Color: Cream/Tinted Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Vorwerks are alert and active and generally docile and genital. Ready to Lay Eggs: 22 weeks Do Vorwerk Blue become Broody: No, not known for going broody Known to live, 5 to 10 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Medium Fowl Best for: Vorwerk chickens are fast-growing, strong, medium-sized birds, they lay eggs through the winter. |
Welsummer
| Used for: Meat Eggs, family pet Yearly Egg Production: 150-200 eggs |
| Egg Color: Deep brown eggs that are often speckled Egg Size: Medium to Large |
| Temperament: Welsummer a friendly, intelligent, and easily handled bird Ready to Lay Eggs: around 22 weeks of age Do Welsummer Blue become Broody: Yes, broody behaviour, predominantly in the springtime Known to Live: 9-13 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No, cold-hardy Yes. Class: Medium Fowl Best for: Welsummer during the winter months stops laying until the days begin to lengthen. Welsummer chicken breed is very hardy and can do well in both heat and cold weather. |
Whiting True Blue
| Used for: Meat Eggs, Yearly Egg Production: 280-300 eggs |
| Egg Color: Powder Blue or “army” green eggs Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Whiting True Blue are polite and respectful birds Ready to Lay Eggs: begin laying at 20 weeks Do Whiting True Blue become Broody: No, Not very likely How long do Whiting True Blue live: Lifespan, 5 to 10 years. |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, cold-hardy Class: Midum Fowl Best for: Whiting True Blue really interesting about there eggs is that they are blue all the way through |
WHITE STAR HYBRID
| Used for: Meat Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 330 per year |
| Egg Color: White Egg Size: Large |
| Temperament: Very inquisitive, intelligent hens Ready to Lay Eggs: 17 weeks Do White Star Hybrid become Broody: Not broody Lifespan of White Star Hybrid: 2-3 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes, not especially cold-hardy Class Medium Fowl Best for: Wattle becoming a problem due to frostbite. So warm area. White star is the smallest of the hybrid layers but, lays the biggest eggs |
Wyandotte
| Used for: Meat Eggs Yearly Egg Production: 175-250 eggs |
| Egg Color:Brown Egg Size: Medium |
| Temperament: Calm and Easy Going Ready to Lay Eggs: 20 weeks Do Wyandotte become Broody: Yes, Have strong broody tendencies Lifespan of Wyandotte: 6-12 years |
| Winter Egg layers: Yes Class: Large Fowl Best for: cold-hard |
Yokohama
| Used for: Exhibition / Ornamental Yearly Egg Production: 80 – 100 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: Cream / Lightly tinted Egg Size: Small |
| Temperament: docile nature, these Yokohama chickens make particularly good pets, Ready to Lay Eggs: 26+ weeks Do Yokohama become Broody: Yes broody after about 12-14 eggs laid. Lifespan of Yokohama: 6 to 8 years |
| Winter Egg layers: No Class: Smaller Bantam Fowl Best for: Warm Area, The Yokohama do not fare well in the cold. These Yokohama chickens are not suited to free-ranging due to their being bred for show |