Whether you are just starting out or thinking of adding another breed to your flock, we’re putting together a comprehensive list of chicken breeds available in the US. If a particular breed looks interesting, click on the name to go to our full article on that breed. And check back often as we add more breeds!
If you know you want a chicken of a specific color, page down to find our lists of breeds that are available in different colors.
Table of Contents
Ameraucana Chickens
An Ameraucana chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that is known for its blue or green colored eggs. It is a relatively new breed, having only been developed in the United States in the 1970s.
Ameraucana chickens are medium-sized birds with a pea comb and a muff and beard of feathers around their face. They come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, buff, silver, and white. Ameraucana chickens are popular among backyard chicken keepers because of their colorful eggs and friendly personalities.
Araucana Chickens
An Araucana chicken is another breed of domestic chicken that is closely related to the Ameraucana chicken. They are known for their distinctive ear tufts, which are feathers that grow from small tufts of skin near their ears. Araucana chickens also lay blue or green colored eggs, which are a result of a genetic mutation that affects the color of the eggshell.
Araucana chickens originated in Chile and were first imported to the United States in the 1920s. They come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, buff, silver, and white. Araucana chickens are also popular among backyard chicken keepers because of their unique appearance and colorful eggs.
Australorp Chickens
An Australorp chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that is known for its excellent egg-laying abilities. It was developed in Australia in the early 1900s by breeding Black Orpington chickens with Rhode Island Reds and other breeds.
Australorp chickens are medium-sized birds with shiny black feathers that have a greenish-purple sheen. They have red combs and wattles and lay large brown eggs. Australorps are known for their docile and friendly personalities, which makes them popular among backyard chicken keepers.
Bantam Chickens
Bantam chickens are small breeds of domestic chickens that are about one-third to one-half the size of standard chicken breeds. They are often kept as pets because of their small size, colorful plumage, and friendly personalities.
Bantams come in a variety of breeds, each with its own unique characteristics in terms of appearance, behavior, and egg-laying abilities. Some of the most popular bantam breeds include the Silkie, the Sebright, the Cochin, and the Dutch Bantam. Bantam chickens are also used for exhibition purposes, where they are judged based on their breed standards.
While they may not produce as many eggs or as much meat as standard-sized chickens, bantams are still a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers who have limited space or who simply want a smaller, more manageable flock.
Bantam Cochin
A Bantam Cochin is a breed of domestic chicken that is a smaller version of the standard Cochin chicken. They have a distinctive appearance, with fluffy feathers that cover their legs and feet, a small comb, and a round, plump body.
Bantam Cochins come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, buff, and white. They are primarily raised for exhibition purposes and as pets, as they are known for their good temperament and unique appearance. Bantam Cochins are not commonly raised for meat or egg production because of their small size and lower egg-laying abilities.
Brahma Chickens
The Brahma chicken is a large breed of domestic chicken that was developed in the United States from birds imported from China. It is known for its large size, feathered shanks and toes, and docile personality.
Brahma chickens are one of the largest breeds of chicken, with roosters weighing up to 12 pounds and hens weighing up to 9 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a pea comb, a small head, and a broad, deep body.
Brahma chickens come in a variety of colors, including light, dark, and buff. They are often used for meat production because of their large size and flavorful meat, but they are also popular among backyard chicken keepers because of their friendly personalities and unique appearance.
Bresse Chickens
The Bresse chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in the Bresse region of France. It is considered one of the best tasting and most flavorful breeds of chicken in the world. Bresse chickens are known for their white feathers, blue legs, and red combs. They are usually raised for meat, as their meat is highly prized by chefs and food enthusiasts.
Bresse chickens are also known for their slow growth and their unique diet, which includes a mix of grains, milk, and insects. The traditional method of raising Bresse chickens involves giving them free range access to pasture, where they can forage for food and exercise. Due to their popularity and high demand, Bresse chickens are now raised in other parts of the world, including the United States, but they must meet strict standards to be considered true Bresse chickens.
Buckeye Chickens
The Buckeye chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that was developed in the United States in the late 19th century by a woman named Nettie Metcalf. It is named after the state of Ohio, where it was first bred. Buckeye chickens are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are raised for both meat and egg production. They are known for their hardiness, adaptability, and good temperament.
Buckeye chickens have a distinctive appearance, with dark reddish-brown plumage, a pea comb, and yellow legs. They are a medium-sized breed, with roosters weighing up to 9 pounds and hens weighing up to 6 pounds. Buckeye chickens are also known for their egg-laying abilities, producing large brown eggs. They are a rare breed, with only a few thousand birds in existence, but they are popular among backyard chicken keepers who are looking for a hardy, dual-purpose breed that is easy to care for.
Cochin Chickens
The Cochin chicken is a large breed of domestic chicken that originated in China. It was first imported to the United States in the mid-19th century and quickly became popular for its size and docile personality.
Cochins are known for their fluffy, soft feathers, which cover their legs and feet, giving them a unique appearance. They have a round, plump body, a small head, and a single comb.
Cochins come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, buff, and white. They are primarily used for meat production but are also popular among backyard chicken keepers because of their friendly personalities and unique appearance. Cochins are also good mothers and are often used to hatch and raise other chicken breeds.
Cornish Cross
The Cornish Cross chicken is a hybrid breed of domestic chicken that is specifically bred for meat production. It is a cross between a Cornish chicken and a White Plymouth Rock chicken. Cornish Cross chickens are known for their fast growth rate and high meat yield, which makes them a popular choice among commercial poultry producers. They have a large, muscular body and a broad breast, which makes them ideal for meat production.
Cornish Cross chickens are not commonly raised for egg production, as their egg-laying abilities are not as good as other breeds. They are also not as hardy as other breeds, and they require careful management to prevent health problems that can arise from their rapid growth rate. Cornish Cross chickens are not typically used for exhibition purposes, as they are bred primarily for their meat production qualities.
Crevecoeur Chickens
The Crevecoeur chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in France and was named after the town of Crevecoeur in Normandy. It is a rare breed that is known for its distinctive appearance and good egg-laying abilities. Crevecoeur chickens have a black plumage with a greenish sheen, a V-shaped comb, and a crest of feathers on their head. They are a medium-sized breed, with roosters weighing up to 8 pounds and hens weighing up to 6 pounds.
Crevecoeur chickens are primarily raised for egg production, as they are known for laying large white eggs. They are also popular among backyard chicken keepers because of their unique appearance and good temperament. However, due to their rarity, they can be difficult to find and may be more expensive than other chicken breeds.
Delaware Chickens
The Delaware chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that was developed in the United States in the 1940s. It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it is raised for both meat and egg production. Delaware chickens are known for their good temperament, hardiness, and excellent egg-laying abilities. They have a distinctive appearance, with white feathers, black tail and neck feathers, and a red comb and wattles.
Delaware chickens are medium-sized, with roosters weighing up to 8 pounds and hens weighing up to 6 pounds. They were originally bred as a meat bird but were replaced by the modern Cornish cross. Delaware chickens are popular among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers because of their dual-purpose attributes.
Dominique Chickens
The Dominique chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of chicken in the United States. It originated in the northeastern United States in the early 18th century and was named after a French colony in the Caribbean. Dominique chickens are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are raised for both meat and egg production. They are known for their hardiness, good temperament, and excellent egg-laying abilities.
Dominique chickens have black and white barred feathers, a rose comb, and red wattles and earlobes. They are a medium-sized breed, with roosters weighing up to 8 pounds and hens weighing up to 6 pounds.
Dorking Chickens
The Dorking chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that is believed to be one of the oldest breeds of chicken in the world. It originated in the town of Dorking in Surrey, England, and was first mentioned in historical records in the 16th century. Dorking chickens are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are raised for both meat and egg production. They are known for their excellent meat quality, good egg-laying abilities, and distinctive appearance.
Dorking chickens have a rectangular body shape, a small head, and five toes instead of the usual four. They also have a large, red comb and wattles. Dorking chickens come in a variety of colors, including white, silver, red, and dark. They are a large breed, with roosters weighing up to 10 pounds and hens weighing up to 8 pounds.
Easter Egger
An Easter Egger chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that is not recognized as an official breed by the American Poultry Association. Instead, it is a hybrid breed that is created by crossing different breeds of chickens, such as Ameraucanas, Araucanas, and other breeds that lay blue or green eggs.
Easter Egger chickens are known for their unique and colorful eggs, which can range in color from blue and green to pink and brown. They have a variety of feather colors and patterns, which can make them an attractive addition to a backyard flock.
Easter Eggers are popular among backyard chicken keepers because of their good temperament, hardiness, and egg-laying abilities. They are also a good choice for those who want to add some color and variety to their egg basket.
Faverolles Chickens
The Faverolles chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in France in the late 19th century. It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it is raised for both meat and egg production. Faverolles chickens are known for their good temperament, hardiness, and excellent egg-laying abilities.
They have a distinctive appearance, with a beard and muff of feathers around their face, feathered feet, and a small V-shaped comb. Faverolles chickens come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, buff, and salmon. They are a medium-sized breed, with roosters weighing up to 9 pounds and hens weighing up to 7 pounds. They are also known for their meat, which is flavorful and tender.
Golden Comet
The Golden Comet chicken is a hybrid breed of domestic chicken that was developed by crossing Rhode Island Red and White Leghorn chickens. It is a sex-linked breed, meaning male and female chicks can be easily identified by their feather color at hatching.
Golden Comet chickens are primarily raised for egg production, as they are known for their excellent egg-laying abilities. They have a friendly and docile temperament, which makes them a popular choice among backyard chicken keepers. Golden Comet chickens have golden or reddish-brown feathers and white tail feathers.
They are a lightweight breed, with roosters weighing up to 8 pounds and hens weighing up to 6 pounds. Golden Comet chickens are a popular choice for those who want a hardy, easy-to-raise chicken that is good for egg production.
Jersey Giants
The Jersey Giant chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that was developed in the United States in the late 19th century. It is a large breed, known for being one of the largest breeds of chicken in the world. Jersey Giant chickens are primarily raised for meat production, but they are also good egg layers.
They have a single comb and yellow legs. They are only available in black, white, and blue colors. Jersey Giant chickens are a heavy breed, with roosters weighing up to 13 pounds and hens weighing up to 10 pounds. They are also known for their calm and friendly temperament, which makes them popular among backyard chicken keepers. Because of their size, Jersey Giant chickens require more space and food than other chicken breeds, but they are still a popular choice for those who want a large, hardy bird that is good for meat production.
Lakenvelder Chickens
The Lakenvelder chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in the Netherlands in the 19th century. It is a small breed, known for its distinctive black and white striped feathers and good egg-laying abilities. Lakenvelder chickens have a small, V-shaped comb, white earlobes, and blue-gray legs.
They are a lightweight breed, with roosters weighing up to 6 pounds and hens weighing up to 4 pounds. Lakenvelder chickens are primarily raised for egg production, as they are known for laying large white eggs. However, they are a rare breed and can be difficult to find, especially in the United States.
Leghorn Chickens
The Leghorn chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in Italy and was first imported to the United States in the early 19th century. It is a lightweight breed, known for its good egg-laying abilities and high energy levels. Leghorn chickens have a distinctive appearance, with white feathers, a single comb, and red wattles and earlobes.
They are a small breed, with roosters weighing up to 6 pounds and hens weighing up to 4 pounds. Leghorn chickens are primarily raised for egg production, as they are known for laying large white eggs.
They are also popular among backyard chicken keepers because of their good temperament, high energy levels, and ability to forage for food. Leghorn chickens are often used in commercial egg production because of their high egg-laying productivity.
Little Chickens
For those with limited space or looking for a more manageable flock, little breeds of chickens can be an excellent choice. Here are 12 small breeds of chicken that are popular among backyard chicken keepers.
Marans Chickens
The Marans chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in France. It is named after the town of Marans in southwestern France, where it was first bred. Marans chickens are known for their dark brown eggs, which are among the darkest of any chicken breed.
They are a medium-sized breed, with roosters weighing up to 8 pounds and hens weighing up to 6 pounds. Marans chickens have a single comb and feathered legs and feet. They come in a variety of colors, including black copper, blue copper, and splash.
Marans chickens are primarily raised for egg production, as they are known for laying large, dark brown eggs. Marans chickens are rare but becoming more popular in the United States and other countries.
Naked Neck Chicken
The Naked Neck chicken, also known as the Transylvanian Naked Neck or the Turken, is a breed of domestic chicken that is known for its distinctive appearance. They are not a chicken-turkey hybrid as some people mistakenly assume when they see the nickname Turken.
Naked Neck chickens have a unique genetic trait that causes them to have little to no feathers on their necks and upper backs, which gives them a “naked” appearance. They have a small, V-shaped comb, red wattles and earlobes, and yellow legs.
Naked Neck chickens are a medium-sized breed, with roosters weighing up to 8 pounds and hens weighing up to 6 pounds. They are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are raised for both meat and egg production. Naked Neck chickens are hardy and adaptable, and they are popular among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers because of their unique appearance and good temperament.
New Hampshire Chickens
The New Hampshire chicken was developed in the United States in the early 20th century. It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it is raised for both meat and egg production. They have chestnut-red feathers and a single comb.
New Hampshire chickens are a medium-sized breed, with roosters weighing up to 8.5 pounds and hens weighing up to 6.5 pounds. They are popular among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers because of their good temperament, hardiness, and versatility as excellent egg layers and meat birds.
Orpington Chickens
The Orpington chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that was developed in the United Kingdom in the late 19th century. It is a large, heavy breed, known for its fluffy feathers, good meat quality, and calm temperament.
Orpington chickens have a round, plump body, a small head, and a single comb. They come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, buff, and white. Orpingtons are dual-purpose chickens.
They are a popular breed among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers because of their good temperament, hardiness, and versatility. They graduated from the Conservation Priority List because of their growing popularity over the past decade.
Plymouth Rock Chickens
The Plymouth Rock chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that was developed in the United States in the 19th century. It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it is raised for both meat and egg production. Plymouth Rock chickens are known for their good temperament, hardiness, and excellent egg-laying abilities.
They have a single comb, red wattles, and earlobes. They are available in seven colors, with the most popular being the barred rock, which has black and white bars on the feathers.
Plymouth Rock chickens are medium-sized, with roosters weighing up to 9 pounds and hens weighing up to 7 pounds. The barred rocks are especially popular among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers because of their good temperament, hardiness, and versatility.
Polish Chicken
The Polish chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that is known for the crest of feathers on its head, which gives them a distinctive look. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, silver, and gold.
Polish chickens are a lightweight breed, with roosters weighing up to 6 pounds and hens weighing up to 4 pounds. They are primarily raised for exhibition purposes and as pets, as they are known for their good temperament and unique appearance.
This breed is not commonly raised for meat or egg production because of its small size and lower egg production. However, they are a popular choice among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers who are interested in raising chickens for exhibition or as pets.
Rhode Island Reds
The Rhode Island Red chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it is raised for both meat and egg production. Rhode Island Red chickens are known for their hardiness, adaptability, and excellent egg-laying abilities. They have dark red feathers, a single comb, and red wattles and earlobes.
Rhode Island Red chickens are a medium-sized breed, with roosters weighing up to 8.5 pounds and hens weighing up to 6.5 pounds. They are popular among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers because of their hardiness and versatility. The roosters are known as sometimes being more aggressive than other breeds, so this is not usually a good choice for families with small children.
Sapphire Gem
The Sapphire Gem chicken is a relatively new breed of domestic chicken that was developed in the United States by combining genetics from several different breeds, including the Legbar, Leghorn, and Australorp.
Sapphire Gem chickens are known for their unique and striking appearance, with feathers that are a combination of blue, gray, and white. They have a small, V-shaped comb, red wattles and earlobes, and yellow legs.
Sapphire Gem chickens are a lightweight breed, with roosters weighing up to 6 pounds and hens weighing up to 4 pounds. They are primarily raised for egg production, as they are known for laying large, blue eggs. They are becoming increasingly popular among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers because of their good temperament, hardiness, and excellent egg-laying abilities.
Sebright Chickens
The Sebright chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that was developed in the United Kingdom in the early 19th century. It is a bantam breed, meaning it is smaller than most other chicken breeds, and is primarily raised for exhibition purposes.
Unlike most bantam breeds, which are simply miniaturized versions of a standard breed, the Sebright was developed as a bantam breed and has no larger counterpart.
Sebright chickens have laced feathers, a rose comb, and a short, upright tail. They come in two color varieties: gold and silver. Sebright chickens are a lightweight breed, with roosters weighing up to 22 ounces and hens weighing up to 20 ounces.
They are known for their good temperament but are not commonly raised for meat or egg production because of their small size. Sebright chickens are popular among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers who are interested in raising bantam chickens for exhibition purposes.
Silkie Chickens
The Silkie chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that is known for its distinctive appearance and good temperament. Silkie chickens have fluffy, soft feathers that feel like silk, which gives them their name. They also have black skin, blue earlobes, and five toes instead of the usual four.
Silkie chickens come in a variety of colors, including black, white, blue, and buff. They are a lightweight breed, with roosters weighing up to 4 pounds and hens weighing up to 3 pounds.
Silkie chickens are primarily raised for exhibition purposes and as pets, as they are known for their good temperament and unique appearance. They are not commonly raised for meat or egg production because of their small size and lower egg-laying abilities. Silkie chickens are popular among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers who are interested in raising chickens for exhibition or as pets.
Sussex Chickens
The Sussex chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it is raised for both meat and egg production. Sussex chickens are known for their good temperament, hardiness, and excellent egg-laying abilities.
They come in eight colors, but the Speckled Sussex, which is red with white speckles is one of the most common, as well as the one that is white with black feathers on the neck and tail (pictured above). Sussex chickens are a medium to large-sized breed, with roosters weighing up to 9 pounds and hens weighing up to 7 pounds.
Welsummer Chickens
The Welsummer chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in the Netherlands. It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it is raised for both meat and egg production. Welsummer chickens are known for their good temperament, hardiness, and excellent egg-laying abilities.
They have dark brown feathers and black and white speckles on their neck and wings. Welsummer chickens are a medium-sized breed, with roosters weighing up to 8 pounds and hens weighing up to 6 pounds. They are popular among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers because of their dark, terracotta-colored eggs.
Wyandotte Chickens
The Wyandotte chicken is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in the United States in the 19th century. It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it is raised for both meat and egg production.
Wyandotte chickens are known for their good temperament, hardiness, and excellent egg-laying abilities. They have a rose comb, yellow legs, and come in solid colors and laced feather patterns. Colors include black, blue, buff, or silver. Wyandotte chickens are a medium-sized breed, with roosters weighing up to 9 pounds and hens weighing up to 6.5 pounds.
Black Chicken Breeds
If you love the look of black chickens whose feathers are often an iridescent green in the sunlight, we’ve listed more than 15 black chicken breeds in this article.
Black and White Chicken Breeds
If your chickens are free range, check out these breeds. The best color for evading predators is the barred black and white pattern. Other black and white patterns follow closely.
White Chicken Breeds
If you are raising chickens for meat, white chickens have the cleanest-looking carcass because you can’t see white pin feathers that break off under the skin during plucking. However, if your chickens are free range, you should stay away from solid white chickens as they are a blinking beacon for predators.
Blue Chicken Breeds
Eager to introduce some azure allure to your flock? Look no further than blue chickens. Sporting a striking appearance, their feathers span a spectrum from the gentlest pale, powdery blue to the depths of a dark, slate gray. Get to know 17 of these stunning chicken breeds in this article.
Brown Chicken Breeds
If you want to add some brown chickens to your flock, we’ve listed 15 of them in this article.
Red Chicken Breeds
Ready to add some red chickens to your farm? Check out this article about 12 red chicken breeds to see which one might be right for your flock.
Yellow Chicken Breeds
If you want to add lighter and brighter colors to your chicken yard, consider some yellow or buff chickens. Check out this article about 12 yellow chicken breeds with their own unique characteristics and traits.
Chickens That Lay Blue Eggs
In this article, we will explore some of the different breeds of blue egg-laying chickens, including their unique characteristics and egg-laying habits. Whether you are looking for a colorful addition to your egg carton or simply want to try something new, here are a few breeds of chickens that lay blue eggs.
Chicken Breeds That Lay 200+ Eggs Annually
For those who are interested in raising chickens for maximum egg production, it is important to choose a breed that is known for laying a high number of eggs per year. In this article, we will describe 15 breeds of chickens that lay 200 eggs or more per year.
