20 Best Chicken Breeds for Beginners

Are you thinking about getting chickens for your backyard homestead? If so, you may be wondering which chicken breeds are the best for beginners. 

There are many different chicken breeds out there, and each one has its unique characteristics. 

This article will discuss 20 of the best chicken breeds for beginners.

Chickens Are Great for Homesteading Beginners

Chickens are a great addition to any homestead. They provide fresh eggs, meat, and fertilizer. Chickens are also relatively easy to take care of and don’t require a lot of space.

Here are some factors to consider before choosing a breed:

Climate: Chickens can tolerate various climates, but some breeds are better suited for certain climates than others.

Egg Laying: If you’re looking for chickens that lay many eggs, certain breeds are known for their high egg production.

Dual Purpose: Some chicken breeds can be used for egg production and meat.

Pet Qualities: Some people prefer chickens that are friendly and docile.

Here are some of the best chicken breeds for beginners:

Rhode Island Red

Rhode Island Reds originated in the United States and are one of the most popular chicken breeds in the world. They are known for their red plumage and can lay up to 250 eggs per year. The Rhode Island Red is a popular choice for beginners because it is hardy, has good egg layers, and is relatively easy to take care of.

Australorp

The Australorp is another popular choice for beginners. They are an Australian breed that was developed in the early 1900s. Australorps are known for their black plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 medium brown eggs per year.

Buff Orpington

The Buff Orpington is a British breed developed in the late 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Buff Orpingtons are known for their brown plumage and friendly, docile nature. They can lay up to 150 large brown eggs per year.

Leghorns

Leghorns are an Italian breed that was developed in the early 1800s. They are known for their white plumage and their high egg production. Leghorns can lay up to 280 brown eggs per year.

Barred Plymouth Rock

The Barred Plymouth Rock is an American breed developed in the early 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Barred Plymouth Rocks are known for their barred plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.

Jersey Giant

The Jersey Giant is an American breed developed in the late 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Jersey Giants are the largest chicken breed and can weigh up to 15 pounds.

Easter Egger

The Easter Egger is a hybrid breed developed in the United States. They are known for their mottled plumage and their ability to lay eggs of different colors. Easter Eggers can lay up to 200 eggs per year.

Sussex

The Sussex is a British breed that was developed in the early 1900s. Sussex chickens are known for their light brown plumage and their ability to lay up to 250 eggs per year. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat.

Silkie

The Silkie is a Chinese breed that was developed over 2000 years ago. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Silkies are known for their silky plumage and their docile, friendly nature. They can lay up to 150 eggs per year.

Cochin

The Cochin is a Chinese breed that was developed over 2000 years ago. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Cochins are known for their large size and their feathered feet. They can lay up to 150 eggs per year.

Barnevelder

The Barnevelder is a Dutch breed that was developed in the late 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Barnevelders are known for their dark brown plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.

Brahma:

The Brahma is a Chinese breed that was developed over 2000 years ago. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Brahmas are known for their large size and their feathered feet. They can lay up to 150 eggs per year.

Wyandotte

The Wyandotte is an American breed that was developed in the late 1800s. Wyandottes are known for their silver plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat.

Plymouth Rock

The Plymouth Rock is an American breed developed in the early 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Plymouth Rocks are known for their barred plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire is an American breed developed in the early 1900s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. New Hampshires are known for their red plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.

Maran

The Maran is a French breed that was developed in the early 1900s. They are known for their dark brown plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.

Faverolles

The Faverolles is a French breed that was developed in the late 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Faverolles are known for their mottled plumage and their friendly, docile nature. They can lay up to 150 eggs per year.

Dorking

The Dorking is a British breed that was developed in the early 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Dorkings are known for their five toes and their ability to lay up to 250 eggs per year.

Buckeye

The Buckeye is an American breed that was developed in the late 1800s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Buckeyes are known for their red plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.

Delaware

The Delaware is an American breed that was developed in the early 1900s. They are a dual-purpose breed used for egg production and meat. Delawares are known for their white plumage and their ability to lay up to 200 eggs per year.

A Chicken Breed for Everyone

There is a perfect breed for every homesteader with so many options available. These are just a few of the many chicken breeds available to homesteaders. 

When choosing a breed, it is essential to consider your climate, your purpose for raising chickens (eggs or meat), and your personal preferences.