Chicken Breeds

Appears in
Kowbird: Amazing Chicken Recipes from Chef Matt Horn's Restaurant and Home Kitchen
Kowbird

By Matt Horn

Published 2024

  • About
Chickens are incredibly diverse, with about 1,600 breeds and varieties recognized by poultry associations worldwide. Here’s a list of some of the more popular and distinct chicken breeds:
LARGE FOWL BREEDS
Australorp Developed in Australia from Black Orpingtons, this breed has glossy black feathers with a green sheen, and a large red comb. These chickens are renowned for their record-breaking egg-laying capabilities, sometimes blue or bluish eggs, and calm demeanor.
Brahma Notable for their enormous size and feathered legs and toes, Brahmas are the calm and gentle giants of the chicken world. They’re winter-hardy and are kept for meat and eggs.
Cochin Recognized for their soft, fluffy appearance and feathered legs and toes, Cochins are kept more for ornamental reasons than for egg production. Their gentle, friendly nature makes them a favorite for those seeking pet chickens.
Leghorn A highly active and hardy breed, Leghorns are prolific layers, with the white variety being the most recognizable. They’re known for their slender build and upright tails.
Orpington Originating from Great Britain, Orpingtons, often called Buff Orpingtons, are large, fluffy birds known for their gentle temperament. They come in various colors and are appreciated for their meat and substantial egg production.
Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock) This breed, known for its characteristic black-and-white striped feathers, is a versatile bird often kept for its meat and egg-laying abilities. Its docile nature makes it a popular choice among poultry enthusiasts, although they can be bossy to other chickens.
Rhode Island Red These deep red–hued chickens are robust and hardy, often lauded for being excellent egg layers. They have a friendly disposition and adapt well to various living conditions.
Sussex Originating from England, Sussex chickens are versatile and come in various colors. With its beautiful, mottled feathers, the Speckled Sussex is particularly popular among poultry enthusiasts.
Wyandotte With their broad, rounded bodies and diverse color patterns, Wyandottes are not only attractive but also productive, reliable layers. They’re hardy and friendly, making them suitable for novice poultry keepers.
BANTAM BREEDS
Japanese Bantam Distinguished by their short legs and upright tails, they are lively, sociable birds, often kept for ornamental purposes.
Pekin Bantam These fluffy birds resemble the larger Cochin. They’re docile and make great pets or show birds.
Sebright These small, primarily ornamental, delicately laced birds are true bantams, meaning there’s no large counterpart. They’re active and have a confident nature.
Silkie Unique in appearance and temperament, Silkies are known for their soft, fur-like feathers, bluish-black skin, and calm demeanor. They’re often kept as ornamental or pet chickens.
GAME BREEDS
Modern Game With their tall stature and long legs, Modern Game birds are primarily ornamental, bred for poultry shows rather than utility purposes.
Old English Game Athletic and agile, these birds have a rich history linked to cockfighting (now illegal in many parts of the world, including the United States). They’re muscular, active, and come in a variety of colors. They are raised now primarily for their exotic appearance.
RARE AND HERITAGE BREEDS
Araucana Native to Chile, Araucanas are famous for laying blue eggs. They have a distinct appearance with tufted ears and a rumpless tail.
Croad Langshan Originating from China, these tall birds have a unique U-shaped back profile. They’re calm, dual-purpose birds known for their dark brown eggs.
Faverolle Native to France, Faverolles are recognizable by their beard, muffs, and feathered legs. They’re friendly, dual-purpose birds, often kept for meat and eggs.
Houdan Another French breed, Houdans have a feathered crest and an extra toe. They’re ornamental birds with a rich history linked to French cuisine.
EXOTIC AND ORNAMENTAL BREEDS
Phoenix Renowned for their exceptionally long tails, Phoenix chickens are ornamental birds often kept for poultry shows.
Polish Known for their striking feathered crests, Polish chickens are ornamental birds that add flair to any poultry flock.
Sumatra Native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, these birds are sleek with long, flowing tails and glossy black feathers. They’re more ornamental, with a wild nature.
DUAL PURPOSE
Cornish These broad-breasted birds are essential in the commercial meat industry, often crossed with other breeds to produce broilers.
New Hampshire Red Developed from Rhode Island Reds, these birds are bred primarily for meat production but are also decent egg layers.
UTILITY BREEDS
Broilers or Meat Chickens These are fast-growing chickens, with broad breasts and tender meat, specifically bred for food production.
Hybrid Layers Chickens like ISA Brown, Red Star, and Black Star are primarily developed for high egg production, combining the best traits from various breeds.