So, you know you WANT chickens, how do know which one to pick? Homesteading is all about versatility and self-sustainability, and chickens are no exception. You don’t want to have to have meat chickens and egg layers; that’s double the space and double the feed. You need chickens who are both in the same little package. There are so many breeds out there it can be difficult, at best, to figure out which breed fits your particular needs. Hopefully, by the end of this article you should have a better grasp of what some more common breeds will offer you.
It’s just not a homestead without chickens! Some may disagree, but to me they go hand in hand. They are just a staple, and embody everything about the homestead life in their little feathery packages. What other animal or plant can you think of that is easy to care for and supplies you with so much year round? I can’t think of one!
When we first bought our property there was no question we were getting chickens. We knew we wanted chickens that were excellent egg layers, and good sitters, but they had to be able to be used for meat as well, AND, since we’re in Western New York, cold tolerant. Our chicken criteria really aren’t as hard to fulfill as I had thought. Over the years, thanks to hungry critters, we have had personal experience with each of the breeds on this list.
Plymouth Rocks
First thing everyone thinks of when you mention Plymouth Rocks is black and white barred birds, but, in fact, Plymouth Rocks come in a variety of colors other than the barred variety such as buff, blue, columbian, partridge, silver-penciled and white. These birds have been popular since they originated in the United States during the mid-1800’s. They begin to lay around 5 to 6 months old and lay roughly 200 large brown eggs per year. A male doesn’t become reproductive age until 8 months. Rocks are winter hardy, but egg production will slightly decrease during the cold months. They are relatively heavy birds, hens can weigh up to 7 ½ pounds and roosters tipping the scales at 9 ½ pounds. Rocks tend to be docile and friendly, but can get energetic, if not given enough room, leading to some aggression. If raising chicks are in your future, these guys can get pretty broody and will sit well.
Wyandotte
These birds are so, so, SO pretty again coming in almost all the different colors of the chicken rainbow- black, blue, buff, Columbian, silver laced, golden laced, partridge, and silver penciled. These are awesome chickens for the rural farm, but not so much for an urban setting. They tend to be a louder chicken, and do better free range but will tolerate a larger confined area. These guys are also usually docile and friendly, but with strong personalities and can be a little aloof. They are a little smaller than the Rocks but still a decent sized meat bird weighing in between 5 ½ to 8 ½ pounds. Hens will begin laying, only slightly, earlier than Rocks at about 18 weeks and will eventually produce up to 200 medium to large, light brown eggs, and are very cold tolerant. Wyandottes are great if you’re looking to hatch chicks, they have a strong brood drive and make excellent mothers. If you’re just looking for a more broody breed to add to and existing flock these girls are an alternative to silkies. These are a great breed for new chicken keepers as they are very easy keepers and self-sufficient.
Australorp
Australorps are, by far, my absolute favorite homestead chicken breed. Not only are they absolutely beautiful, with their black iridescent plumage, but they meet and exceed all of my criteria. This breed originated in Austria during the mid 20th century. They are incredible egg laying machines! Currently the egg laying record is 364 eggs in one year and belongs to an Australorp. They start laying around 6 months old and average laying 300 light tan to dark brown eggs a year. Sometimes, the eggs can be speckled with tan or white. These birds can live up to 10 years, and, unlike other breeds, egg production doesn’t dramatically decrease with age. Don’t know what to do with all those eggs? HATCH, HATCH, HATCH! Australorps aren’t the most broody breed, but they will go broody and when they do, they are GREAT mother hens. They don’t shirk on the meat side of the spectrum either. Hens can weigh in between 6 ½ to 8 pounds, dwarfed by the males 8 ½ to 10 pounds. They do prefer to free range and tend to become obese in confinement, so they may not be the best for the urban farmer. Even though they are huge chickens, this breed is known for being sweet and very friendly, making them great pets, and good for the homesteader who has small children.
Orpingtons
Orpingtons are a common breed to see at shows. They come in black, blue, buff and even splash. These guys are, pretty much, right on par with Plymouth Rocks and Wyandottes in egg production, laying up to 200 medium-large brown eggs a year, and the Australorp in size, weighing 7 to 10 ½ pounds. What sets the Orpington apart is their disposition. These guys are EXTREMELY personable making wonderful pets and additions to homesteads with young kids. Also, known for their broodiness this breed makes AMAZING sitters and I’m pretty sure is where the term “mother hen” came from. Like silkies, Orpington hens will sit on any eggs.
Rhode Island Reds
The Rhode Island Red is the breed EVERYONE seems to recommend to beginners. They are prolific layers, averaging 250-300 extra large brown eggs a year. Like all the other breeds on this list, they are winter hardy and make good meat birds, weighing 7-10 pounds. The problem with RIR’s is in their popularity. They are known to be an easy keeper with calm, docile, even friendly dispositions. The increased demand has lead to over breeding and unfortunately, this once sweet breed has become aggressive. In fact, I have NEVER, EVER, EVER had the joy of encountering a nice Rhody.
We started years ago with Rhode Island Reds. Having never had chickens before I wanted a breed that was forgiving and easy to raise. After researching for a while it was almost unanimous that Rhodies are just what you start with. NEVER AGAIN. They are touted as a calm, docile breed, but years of over production breeding have created some very aggressive chickens. You see, in any animal, if we just breed without taking temperament into consideration, the breeds we love for their temperaments will no longer have that desired temperament. That is what has happened to the Rhode Island Red.
All the above breeds are discussed in context of standard sizes, but bantams are available in most breeds for those who don’t have the space or just want smaller birds. Any one of these chicken breeds in either size will make any homesteader a happy chicken keeper. They will keep your bellies full and your heart warm.