Chicken Breed Guide

Compare breeds by egg production, temperament, and climate suitability

Australorp

Large (6-8 lbs)

World record egg layers. Beautiful black plumage with green sheen.

Eggs/Year
~250
Egg Color
Brown
Temperament:
Calm, Gentle
Climate:
Heat & Cold Tolerant
Broodiness:
Low
👑

Brahma

Very Large (10-12 lbs)

The 'King of Chickens'. Massive, gentle birds with feathered feet.

Eggs/Year
~150
Egg Color
Brown
Temperament:
Gentle Giant
Climate:
Cold Hardy
Broodiness:
Moderate
🥚

Easter Egger

Medium (5-6 lbs)

Not a true breed but loved for their colorful eggs. Each bird lays a unique shade.

Eggs/Year
~200
Egg Color
Blue/Green
Temperament:
Friendly, Curious
Climate:
Cold Hardy
Broodiness:
Low

Leghorn

Medium (4-6 lbs)

Champion egg layers, producing large white eggs. More active and independent.

Eggs/Year
~300
Egg Color
White
Temperament:
Active, Flighty
Climate:
Heat Tolerant
Broodiness:
Very Low
🟡

Orpington

Large (8-10 lbs)

The teddy bears of the chicken world. Extremely docile and great pets.

Eggs/Year
~180
Egg Color
Brown
Temperament:
Very Gentle
Climate:
Cold Hardy
Broodiness:
High
🪨

Plymouth Rock

Large (7-8 lbs)

Great dual-purpose breed. Calm, friendly, and good with children.

Eggs/Year
~200
Egg Color
Brown
Temperament:
Docile, Friendly
Climate:
Cold Hardy
Broodiness:
Moderate
🔴

Rhode Island Red

Large (6-8 lbs)

America's most popular backyard breed. Excellent layers, hardy, and friendly.

Eggs/Year
~250
Egg Color
Brown
Temperament:
Friendly, Hardy
Climate:
Cold & Heat Tolerant
Broodiness:
Low
☁️

Silkie

Bantam (2-3 lbs)

Fluffy, friendly, and make excellent mothers. Great pets but modest layers.

Eggs/Year
~100
Egg Color
Cream
Temperament:
Very Docile
Climate:
Needs Protection
Broodiness:
Very High
🟤

Sussex

Large (7-9 lbs)

Alert, curious birds that are great foragers. Beautiful speckled varieties.

Eggs/Year
~250
Egg Color
Cream/Light Brown
Temperament:
Curious, Friendly
Climate:
Cold Hardy
Broodiness:
Moderate
💎

Wyandotte

Large (6-8 lbs)

Stunning laced feather patterns. Rose comb makes them frostbite resistant.

Eggs/Year
~200
Egg Color
Brown
Temperament:
Docile, Aloof
Climate:
Very Cold Hardy
Broodiness:
Moderate