Researching the best chicken breed, just like anything else that is new, can become extremely overwhelming.
There are so many chicken breeds out there that have pros AND cons. Sometimes you end up with a chicken breed with more cons just because you simply liked the way the breed looked. I have to say my dear friend, do not make that mistake if this is your first time with chickens.
Here is the thing, as small as these little land dinosaurs are, they still have to eat….and you are the one that has to pay for that feed. On our farm, we are not about shoveling out money for animals that do not produce anything in return. So, when thinking about getting chickens, think about what it is that you want from them.
Chickens are like the gateway drug into having livestock.
They are just the absolute coolest animals to have on the farm. Chickens are the epitome of a homestead, so let’s help you choose the best breed for you and your family.
We are going to discuss 3 chicken breeds.
These 3 breeds are breeds we have had either personal experience with or have close friends that do. Let’s dive in.
Rhode Island Red Chicken Breed:
Rhode Island Reds hold a dear spot in our souls. They were the first breed we sought out after when we decided to sneak them into our backyard back when we lived in the city.
Brief Overview:
Reds are a fantastic dual-purpose heritage breed. A heritage breed is a breed that has been around for generations. They tend to be hardy, being able to withstand weather conditions from below zero to 100 degrees. Heritage breeds are also considered genetically stable breeds that have the ability to exist in its natural elements without too much intervention.
Meat:
Dual-purpose means that they not only produce a high quantity of eggs but you could also harvest them for meat soon after their egg production slows down. Some birds, once they reach a certain age, are not worth harvesting for meat. The meat tends to become tough and not effective when trying to get the most back from your chicken. While they are a dual-purpose breed, their meat is typically used for more stews and soups than, let’s say, a roasted chicken.
Egg Production:
Reds lay anywhere between 180-220 light brown medium size eggs per year. Four Rhode Island Red hens can sustain a family of four with eggs production with no problem. Egg production could happen as early as 16 weeks but typically will begin between 18-20 weeks.
Weight/Size:
Rhode Islands can weigh anywhere from 5-7 pounds.
Temperament:
They have one of the calmest temperaments. They can be a bit loud in the morning but tend to calm down after laying time is over.
Overall, these breeds are a fantastic choice when it comes to your first time having chickens.
Buff Orpington Chicken Breed:
Brief Overview:
Oh the buffs….they are such a beautifully simple looking chicken. They are a blonde colored large chicken breed. Buffs are also a dual-purpose heritage breed. They were introduced to the world by William Cook in 1866. Cook cross bred Minorca, Lanshan and Plymouth Rock.
Meat:
Buffs can be considered a great meat bird. If that is your main goal they could be ready as soon as 22 weeks to process. The meat at 22 weeks could be used in the kitchen like you would store bought chicken. If processing once the egg production decreases, usually within 2-3 years, then the meat would be better used in stews and soups.
Egg Production:
This breed is a fast growing breed that is a fantastic layer, laying from 200-280 eggs per year. They lay large brown eggs.
Weight/Size:
Buffs are considered a large heavy breed, weighing up to 8 pounds at maturity. Bantams, which is just a smaller sized bird of any breed, can weigh up to 4 pounds.
Temperament:
This breed is known to be a docile breed. This would be a perfect first time chicken ESPECIALLY for those living in the city who do not want to disturb their neighbors. While roosters will always naturally crow, especially if their ladies are in danger, this breed is a very quiet breed. The hens have a very calm, quiet demeanor and are very friendly. We have two roos and have yet to hear them crow.
Buff hens are also considered wonderful mothers. They lean heavier on the side of the broody meaning they will try to sit on their eggs to make them hatch.
3. Isa Browns Chicken Breed:
Brief Overview:
ISA Browns are not a heritage breed like the first two we discuss but rather a hybrid breed. This breed was created in a laboratory called Institute de Sélection Animale in France back in 1978, hence the name ISA. This breed is a bit of a unicorn, no one really knows the secret to their genetic makeup. But many have made their own predictions and say they are a cross breed that share Rhode Island Red and White Leghorn characteristics.
They tend to look similar to a Rhode Island Red however, they have a white undertone of feathers.
Meat:
While any breed of chicken can be processed and eaten, there are some breeds that just are not made for it. ISA Browns being one of them. Could you throw them in a pot and make soup? Absolutely! Can you fry them up and make fried chicken…I don’t think you’ll want to.
Egg Production:
This is why you want this breed…for the eggs. ISA Browns lay up to 300 eggs per year starting as young as 18 weeks while heritage breeds will wait until about 24-26 weeks. This breed will lay large brown colored eggs.
Weight/Size:
This breed is considered a medium size breed weighing up to 5 pounds.
Temperament:
ISA Browns are considered very docile and loving. They also tend to have a quiet demeanor making them perfect for backyard chickens. Isa Brown hens tend to not be so broody making them not the ideal mother for setting her own eggs. To get this breed straight from the institute head on over here. We have not purchased from here but you could potentially find a parent pair.
There are way more breeds we’d like to share with you but for the sake of your noodle taking in information, we thought we’d stop at 3. Next week we are going to explore another 3 breeds, Cinnamon Queens, Silkies and Easter Eggers so stay tuned! Also, if you already have yourself some chickens check out our post on how to use their egg shells in the garden!
Until next time,
Dig on my friend,
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