Searching for the best backyard chicken breeds for your coop? From the friendly Barred Rock and the fluffy Orpington to the colorful Ameraucana and the dual-purpose Delaware Broiler, the right poultry breeds can transform your backyard into an egg-laying paradise. Adding the sleek Australorp, gentle Brahma, striking Marans, and charming Cochin will create a lot of color in your egg basket.
Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting, understanding the unique qualities of each breed will ensure you have a successful flock.
1. Barred Rock
The Barred Rock, or Plymouth Rock, earns its spot at the top of my list of best backyard chicken breeds for numerous reasons. This was the first breed of chickens I ever had so I’ll always have a soft spot for them.
With their striking black and white striped feathers, Barred Rocks are not only beautiful but also incredibly hardy.
Known for their friendly and docile nature, they make fantastic additions to any backyard flock.
Barred Rocks are consistent egg layers, producing brown eggs with a rich flavor. They are known for their reliability in laying throughout the year.
But what truly sets them apart is their versatility – whether it’s cold winters or scorching summers like we have here in the Deep South, Barred Rocks handle it like champs.
This breed is number one on my list because they are so low maintenance. They’re hardy, aware of predators, lay consistently, easy to find from most hatcheries, and friendly.
The only con of owning Barred Rocks is I’ve personally found that my barred rocks eat more than my other breeds making them more expensive to own.
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2. Orpington
The Orpington, available in a variety of colors such as buff, black, blue, and white, is a heavyweight contender in the backyard chicken scene. These large, fluffy birds are not just eye-catching; they’re also known for their gentle and calm demeanor. Our Buff Orpingtons are a favorite with my kids. They don’t mind being picked up and cuddled, which our family loves to do.
Orpingtons are excellent layers, producing eggs with a rich, brown hue. Their size and temperament make them ideal for families, and their broody nature can turn them into great mothers if you decide to grow your flock. They’re a great sustainable breed.
Orpingtons are very fluffy, so heat can be a problem for them. They need a shady, cool spot to cool off in the summers. However, their thick feathers make them great for cooler climates.
3. Ameraucana
When it comes to adding a touch of color to your egg basket, the Ameraucana takes center stage. These quirky birds lay large eggs in shades of blue and green, bringing a vibrant twist to your daily egg collection.
Ameraucanas are not just about the pretty blues, they’re also known for their hardiness and friendliness. They’re definitely the most hardy of the blue egg-laying chickens.
Ameraucanas don’t like being in a confined coop. They prefer to have plenty of space, or free-range when possible. While, they’re a great backyard chicken, they really need a little extra space than a small coop may allow.
With fluffy cheeks, they’ll stand out in any flock, making them a favorite among backyard chicken keepers.
4. Delaware Broiler
I added the Delaware Broiler to the list of best backyard chicken breeds because they are a great dual-purpose breed that excels in both meat and egg production. These birds grow rapidly, achieving a substantial size, making them perfect candidates for raising your own meat.
Despite their meaty attributes, Delaware Broilers don’t compromise on egg production. My Delawares compete with the Barred Rocks for egg production.
They’re also perfect for a more urban homestead where backyard space is limited. Unlike the conventional Cornish Rock Cross, these birds don’t require as much food and retain their natural chicken personalities. They’re the perfect dual-purpose breed for smaller homesteads.
These birds are large, so they do require a lot of space. They wouldn’t be great for a smaller coop. They’re also white, which means they may be easily spotted by predators.
With their classic appearance and easygoing nature, they effortlessly blend into any backyard setting.
5. Australorp
Australorps are best known for their egg-laying capabilities, which is why they have well-deserved spot on my list. Their sleek, black feathers give them a polished appearance, while their friendly and easygoing personality makes them a joy to have in the backyard.
They’re related to the Orphintons which means they are friendly and docile. They’re great for families with children.
Their black color also makes them less susceptible to aerial predators. They could also potentially be mistaken for a crow, which will help to deter hawks.
The best part is they consistently produce a high volume of eggs, making them a favorite if you need a high-production layer without the flightiness of the Leghorn.
They do grow slowly, so they aren’t the best for meat production. However they do tolerate colder climates.
As a small farm that profits from egg production, I absolutely love this breed.
6. Brahma
Known as the gentle giants of the chicken world, Brahmas are impressive in both size and appearance. With their distinctive feathered feet and calm demeanor, they add a touch of elegance to any backyard flock.
Despite their large size, Brahmas are incredibly docile and friendly, making them another great option for families and beginners. Their tolerance to cold weather makes them an excellent choice for backyards in colder climates.
Even though they are great for cold climates, they also adapt well to warmer climates. My Brahma’s tend to lay more in the fall. This is nice since many of my other breeds stop laying during this time.
Brahmas eat more than the average chickens, so they are a little more expensive to own. Their thick feathers also make them more susceptible to mites. It’s best to keep a close eye on them.
I love their soft feathering and gentle nature. They’re a joy to have in a backyard flock.
7. Marans
Marans are great for those who appreciate a bit of variety in their eggbasket. These birds lay gorgeous dark chocolate-colored eggs, adding a unique element to your collection.
Marans come in various colors. I own French Black Copper Marans and they are a beautiful sliky black with capper feathers on their necks. The Black Copper Maran Hen also has feathered feet which makes for a stately looking chicken.
Their feathered feet makes them more susceptible to scaly leg mites. Keep a close eye on them to make sure they healthy.
Their consistent egg-laying abilities and distinctive appearance make them stand out among backyard flocks.
8. Cochin
Let’s not forget these cuties. With their feathered feet and round appearance, Cochins bring a touch of whimsy to your backyard.
Known for their gentle and friendly personalities, they are particularly they’re great for families and those new to chicken keeping.
Cochins also make excellent mothers. They’re an excellent choice if you’re wanting a more sustainable flock. My Cochins are rockstar mothers raising two rounds of chicks each yearly.
Their thick feathering and feathered feed mean they are more susceptible to mites. They need special care and attention to stay healthy.
9. Polish
Polish chickens made my list because they are the quirky celebs of the chicken world. Beyond their wild ‘hairdos’, these birds have some cool traits. Did you know they come in various color variations like white-crested black, golden, and silver?
Their personalities match their unique looks—they’re friendly, curious, and surprisingly adaptable to different weather conditions. Even though they’re not the top egg producers, their eggs are still totally worth it! And here’s a fun fact: those crests aren’t just stylish—they can sometimes obstruct their vision, giving them this hilariously ‘spacey’ look. But hey, that just adds to their charm.
They’re also a smaller breed, so they don’t require as much food or space as some of the other breeds. I absolutely love watching my Polish chicken scratch around the barnyard. This breed is sure to bring a smile to your face.
FAQs
Which chicken breed is the best egg layer?
Australorps and Leghorns are known for their exceptional egg-laying abilities, consistently producing a high volume of eggs.
What’s the best chicken for beginners?
Orpingtons and Cochins are known for their friendly personalities, making them great choices for beginning chicken keepers.
Which chicken breed is the most cold-hardy?
Breeds like Brahmas and Barred Rocks have a tolerance to cold weather, making them great or colder climates.
What breed of chicken is good for a small backyard?
Bantam breeds, like Bantam Cochins or Bantam Silkies, are smaller in size and well-suited for smaller backyards.
Chicken Coop Must-Haves
Automatic Chicken Door -It has a photocell that opens the door at dawn. It saves so much time!
Bulk Feeder -Feeds the flock for several days.
Golf Netting– Great for keeping the run covered.
Vegetable Hanging Feeder -Helps keep everyone entertained.
Final Thoughts On The Best Backyard Chicken Breeds
Whether you opt for the consistent egg-layers like Australorps and Ameraucanas, the gentle giants such as Brahmas and Cochins, or the classic favorites like Barred Rocks and Orpingtons, each breed brings its unique charm to your flock. By considering factors like temperament, egg production, climate needs, and space requirements, you’re sure to have a happy flock. So, whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting your backyard chicken journey, these delightful breeds are sure to bring you so much joy.
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Hey.i like the breeds you mentioned above.how can i get the breed that lay green and the chocolate colered eggs?im in kenya
Green egg layers are less common and I’m honestly not sure about what green egg laying breeds you have available to you in Kenya. Araucana will lay blue or blue-green eggs, and a Maran will lay dark chocolate colored eggs.
Why do the chickens go so crazy over driedworms.
They love to scratch around for insects. Dried worms are a great protein source for them, so they enjoy getting them.
The Road island reds seems to be missing. I keep at least 3 in my flock as defenders for those that have a more docile nature.
Yes! I have RIR in my flock and they are great layers and hardy! I didn’t include them because they aren’t very friendly with us and can bully the smaller chickens. They definitely need their space.
I definitely do not like those island reds. They are mean and I had to eliminate one as it was attacking my child in the face and still has scares today. Never will I own a chicken if that breed again or one that has any breed from that chicken ever. We are farmers and it wasn’t my first rodeo with these chickens. There is a lot of good chickens out there that are never mention. My favorite is golden comet which you don’t hear much about. Love them and are docile and great egg layers and very good around people. I’ve been chickening for 40 plus years and they are my favorite ❤️!
I don’t have any Golden Comets, but they sound awesome!
you didn’t even mention isa Brown’s as a good back yard chicken?
I have Isa Browns in my flock and I love them! I had several factors that I considered before making the list and they just didn’t make it to the top.
Question last year. I bought some chicks, Last year they laid like crazy. I had to donate 24 dozen to the food bank. Then I bought 2 Bard rocks and 2 orphan Which were the top 2 on your list I don’t know, for some reason. My Hens are not laying. Out of nine, I’m lucky to get four, maybe 5 eggs a day.
The new ones is the first year, and the other ones are from last year. Do you have any idea why they’re not laying? I’m giving Non-gmo layer in a 5 grain scratch and it’s not working.
Chickens will generally lay well through their first winter which is why you had a lot of eggs last year. If I had to guess, the ones that are still actively laying are the new ones. The older girls will take a break while the days are shorter. It’s a natural part of their reproductive cycles. You should see an increase in your eggs (depending on where you live) by early March. As the days get longer, your girls will lay more.
The golden comet is indeed an awesome chicken, we have 10 and placed second in our very large county 4h competition, one of the biggest in our state. They lay ao consistently do well with most temps and our very kind. I think they could be crossed between rir and something else. Unfortunately their egg life is shorter then some, round 4 yrs I’ve heard. We have the barred rocks and Wyandottes too. Olive Eggers and Easter Eggers lay green I think.
Barred Rocks are my favorites!