What are the 3 Basic Types of Chickens
Are you ready to learn about the fascinating world of chicken breeds?
There are many different types of chickens, each with their own unique characteristics and traits.
So let’s explore the three basic types of chickens, as well as some popular backyard breeds in Australia, common chicken breeds and their characteristics, new breeds on the market, and even different names for chicken breeds!
Introduction to Chicken Breeds
Chickens are one of the most beloved pets and livestock animals around the world.
They are known for their delicious eggs and meat, but also make great companions due to their friendly personalities.
There are hundreds of different chicken breeds, each with its own distinctive appearance, behavior, and purpose.
Some chickens are bred specifically for egg laying, while others are raised for their meat or show qualities.
Backyard Chickens: The Most Popular Breeds in Australia
If you’re looking to start your own backyard flock, there are several popular breeds that do well in Australian conditions.
These include the Australorp, which is a large, hardy bird that lays brown eggs; the Rhode Island Red, which is a good layer of medium-sized red eggs; and the Leghorn, which is a small, white bird that lays lots of small, white eggs.
Other popular breeds for backyard flocks include the:
- Plymouth Rock
- Sussex
- Orpington
Common Chicken Breeds and Their Characteristics
There are many other chicken breeds out there, each with its own unique characteristics.
For example, the Brahma is a large, heavily feathered bird that makes an excellent guardian for smaller birds.
The Cochin is a fluffy, friendly bird that is often kept as a pet rather than for its egg or meat production.
The Delaware is a dual-purpose breed that is known for its gentle temperament and good mothering abilities.
And the Jersey Giant is a massive bird that can grow up to 12 pounds and lays extra-large eggs.
See also Creating a Happy Hen House: Tips for Providing the Best Environment for Your Chickens
When it comes to classifying chicken breeds, there are generally considered to be three basic types:
- heavy
- light
- bantam
Heavy breeds – are larger birds that are typically used for meat production, such as the Cornish Cross and the Broadbreasted White.
Light breeds – are smaller birds that are better suited for egg laying, such as the Leghorn and the Ancona.
Bantams – are miniature chickens that are often kept as pets or shown at poultry shows, such as the Silkie and the Polish.
Choosing the Best Chicken Breed for Your Needs
So how do you choose the best chicken breed for your needs?
It depends on what you want from your chickens. If you’re interested in raising chickens for meat, then you may want to consider heavier breeds like the Cornish Cross or the Freedom Ranger.
If you’re more interested in egg laying, then lighter breeds like the Leghorn or the Rhode Island Red might be a better choice.
And if you just want companionship, then bantam breeds like the Silkie or the Dutch Belted could be perfect for you.
The Most Common Backyard Chicken Breed
In Australia, the most common backyard chicken breed is the ISA Brown, which is a hybrid developed specifically for commercial egg production.
While not as ornate as some purebred chicken breeds, the ISA Brown is a reliable layer of tasty, nutritious eggs.
New Breeds of Chickens on the Market
As interest in backyard chicken keeping continues to grow, so too does the number of new chicken breeds being developed.
Some of the latest additions to the poultry world include the Ameraucana, which lays blue eggs; the Easter Egger, which is a mix of various chicken breeds and also lays colored eggs; and the Welsummer, which is a striking black-and-white bird that lays dark brown eggs.
See also Creating an Enriching Environment: DIY Toys for Boredom-Busting Chickens
Different Names of Chicken Breeds
One interesting aspect of chicken breeding is the variety of names given to different breeds. For example, the same breed can go by different names depending on where it’s from or who’s selling it.
The Black Australorp, for instance, is sometimes called the “Australian Orpington” or simply the “Orpington.”
Similarly, the Barred Plymouth Rock can also be referred to as the “Barred Rocks” or the “Plymouth Barred Rocks.”
Bantam Breed Types
Another fun aspect of chicken breeds is the wide range of bantam varieties available.
Bantams are miniature chickens that come in all sorts of colors and patterns, making them ideal for showing or keeping as pets.
Some popular bantam breeds include the Sebright, which has a distinctive upright comb; the Serama, which is tiny but fiercely protective of its territory; and the Houdan, which has a unique crested head.
Large Chicken Breed Types
On the opposite end of the size spectrum are large chicken breeds, which are often used for meat production.
Some examples of large breeds include the Jersey Giant, which can reach weights of up to 12 pounds; the Dorking, which has a distinctive rose comb; and the Brahma, which is known for its thick plumage and calm demeanor.
Medium-Sized Chicken Breed Types
Finally, there are plenty of medium-sized chicken breeds that fall somewhere between the petite bantams and the hefty giants.
Examples of these breeds include the Buff Orpington, which has a golden-yellow coloration; the Dominique, which is known for its black-and-white markings; and the Wyandotte, which comes in a variety of colors including gold, silver, and buff.
There are countless fascinating aspects of chicken breeds to discover. Whether you’re interested in starting your own backyard flock or simply learning more about these amazing creatures, there’s something for everyone when it comes to chicken breeds.