The 3 Basic Types of Chickens and Their Uses

Chickens are one of the most popular pets and livestock animals in households around the world.

There are many different breeds of chickens, each with their own unique characteristics and uses.

In this blog post, we will explore the three basic types of chickens and their uses, as well as some common backyard chicken breeds in Australia, the most popular chicken breed, and what is the best chicken breed for you.

We will also discuss new breeds of chickens, different names of chicken breeds, bantam breed types, large chicken breed types, and medium-sized chicken breed types.

Introduction to Chicken Breeds

There are hundreds of different breeds of chickens, each with their own distinctive physical features, personalities, and uses.

Some chickens are raised primarily for meat production, while others are kept for egg laying or as pets.

The three basic types of chickens include heavy breeds, light breeds, and bantams.

Heavy breeds are larger birds that are typically used for meat production, while light breeds are smaller and often used for eggs.

Bantams are miniature chickens that can be kept as pets or for show.

The Three Basic Types of Chickens

Heavy breeds: These chickens are large and robust, with a lot of muscle mass.

They are usually slower growing than other breeds but produce more meat per bird.

Examples of heavy breeds include Brahma, Cochin, and Jersey Giants.

Light breeds: These chickens are smaller and faster growing than heavy breeds. They are often used for egg production due to their high productivity.

Examples of light breeds include Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Plymouth Rocks.

Bantams: These tiny chickens are small versions of standard breeds, often weighing less than 2 pounds. They make great pets and can even be shown at poultry shows.

Examples of bantam breeds include Silkies, Polish, and Old English Game.
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Backyard Chicken Breeds

If you’re looking for chickens to keep in your backyard, there are several options available. Some popular backyard chicken breeds in Australia include Australorps, Isa Browns, and Orpingtons.

These breeds are all good layers, producing plenty of tasty eggs.

Other popular backyard breeds include Leghorns, which are known for their slender build and white feathers, and Araucanas, which lay blue eggs.

Common Chicken Breeds in Australia

Australia has its fair share of unique chicken breeds, including the Australian Langshan, which was developed specifically for meat production, and the Australorp, which is a dual-purpose breed that lays lots of brown eggs.

Another popular breed in Australia is the Black Australorp, which is similar to the Australorp but has black plumage instead of brown.

The Most Popular Chicken Breed

The most popular chicken breed in the world is likely the White Leghorn, which originated in Italy and is now found throughout the globe.

This breed is highly productive, laying upwards of 300 eggs per year. However, they aren’t particularly friendly and don’t make great pets.

What is the Best Chicken Breed for You?

Choosing the right chicken breed depends on your goals and preferences.

If you want a pet, consider getting a bantam or a friendly breed like Buff Orpington or Australorp. For egg production, look into hybrid breeds such as ISA Brown or Hyline Brown.

And if you’re interested in raising chickens for meat, try out heavier breeds like Cornish Cross or Freedom Rangers.

New Breeds of Chickens

As time goes by, new breeds of chickens continue to emerge.

Some recent additions include the Ameraucana, which lays green eggs, and the Easter Egger, which looks similar to an Ameraucana but doesn’t meet breed standards.

See also Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Raising Silkie Chickens
Both of these breeds have become increasingly popular among backyard chicken enthusiasts.

Different Names of Chicken Breeds

One interesting aspect of chicken breeding is how differently breeds can be named depending on where you live. For example, the same breed might go by different names in different countries.

Additionally, some breeds may have multiple names within the same country. It’s always fun to learn about the various monikers given to our fine feathered friends!

Bantam Breed Types

Bantams come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from petite silky chickens to fluffy Polish breeds.

Some popular bantam breeds include Silkies, which have long flowing feathers and are great for showing, and Polish, which have a topknot of feathers on their heads and are known for being friendly and curious.

Large Chicken Breed Types

If you’re looking for a big, meaty chicken, there are plenty of options available.
Large breeds include Brahmas, which are docile and make excellent mothers, and Jersey Giants, which are renowned for their size and strength.

Other large breeds include Orloffs, which were originally developed in Russia, and Dorkings, which have five toes instead of the usual four.

Medium-Sized Chicken Breed Types

For those who want something a bit bigger than a bantam but not quite as massive as a Jersey Giant, there are plenty of mid-sized breeds to choose from.

Some examples include Barred Rock, which are hardy and reliable layers, and Delaware, which are known for their gentle temperament.