5 Tips for Chicken Breed Selection

by Kathy Shea Mormino, The Chicken Chick

When assembling a new flock of chickens, the enormous array of breeds available to choose from can be intimidating, but it’s important to make an informed decision in order to avoid disappointment for the chicken keeper as well as unnecessary challenges for the chickens. Some breeds do not fare well in certain climates, some are not a good choice for young children, some produce fewer eggs than others, etc. So, where to begin? Below are some of the basic factors to consider in selecting an egg-laying breed. After the basics are established, the field of  suitable breeds becomes much smaller and making choices becomes a much less daunting undertaking.

 1. Climate

Some breeds cope better with cold and snow than others, (referred to as cold hardy) and some fare better in very warm climates (referred to as heat tolerant). As a general rule, heavier heavier breeds such as Cochins and Marans, fare better in colder climates than lighter breeds, such as Egyptian Fayoumis, which withstand the heat much better than heavy breeds. This is not to say that a heavy breed cannot live in a warm climate and a light breed cannot live in a cold climate, but seasonal accommodations would need to be made for birds better suited for a different climate. 

2. Temperament

While each chicken is an individual with its own unique personality, generalizations can be made about breeds in much the same way as in dog breeds.  If a household has small children where a docile, friendly dog is preferred, a feisty Chihuahua is likely not the best choice; likewise, a Hamburg would not be a good choice of breed of chicken in that case. Chickens are often characterized as being docile, flighty, calm, friendly and bearing confinement well or not.

3. Egg Production Rate

The rate of production can also be generalized by breed. Some breeds are known for being prolific egg layers, producing 4 or more eggs per week, (Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes, Hamburgs) while others lay less frequently (eg: Silkies and Seabrights). If a family of eight relies upon the eggs collected from the backyard flock, Silkies are likely not the right choice. My Silkie didn't start laying eggs until she was 14 months old and averages five eggs per month. (she's an extreme example, however)

4. Egg Color

Each chicken produces a different egg color based upon genetics.  For some people, a colorful array of eggs is an important factor in breed selection, others, not so much. There are blue, green, dark chocolate brown, white and every hue in between to choose from. My neighbor insists on having a white egg-laying breed in her flock for the sole purpose of coloring eggs at Easter, while I prefer breeds that will produce fabulously colored eggs every day.

5. Broodiness

Some breeds are predisposed to hatching eggs more frequently than others. If a high rate of egg production is important, a broody breed such as Silkie or Cochin is not a good choice. If one wishes to have hens hatch and raise chicks, broodiness is very important and either Silkies or Cochins are excellent choices.

Monica, a Black Cochin Frizzle, is a breed known for being broody. 

The Breed I Need
After the five primary considerations are taken into account, the selection process is fun and easy. When I chose my first dozen girls, I used the Breed Selector Tool at My Pet Chicken. Answering a few questions produces a photo gallery and detailed description of the breeds that fit those specifications. It doesn't get any easier than that!

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The WINNER of  a Brinsea  EcoGlow 20 Brooder, the SAFE alternative to Dangerous Heat Lamps in the 3/10/13 giveaway is....Tammy Olejniczak! Congratulations Tammy!

This post was shared with The Homestead Barn Hop

backyard chickens, breed selection, breeds, Chickens