Chicken Breeds Guide

Chicken Breed Origins

Explore chicken breeds from different parts of the world and discover their rich heritage

Australia

Australorp

A reliable and productive breed known for their excellent egg laying capabilities.

Austria/Slovenia

Altsteirer

An ancient European breed known for its hardiness.

Belgium

Brakel

A hardy Belgian breed known for their alert nature and foraging abilities.

Barbu d'Uccle

A charming ornamental bantam known for their friendly personality.

Campine

A unique breed where males display hen-feathering.

Britain

Cream Legbar

An autosexing breed known for their beautiful sky-blue eggs.

Chile

Araucana

A rare breed famous for their blue eggs and unique appearance.

China

Pekin Bantam

A fluffy, friendly bantam known for being excellent mothers.

Cochin

A gentle giant known for their profuse feathering and broody nature.

Silkie

A beloved breed known for their silk-like plumage and gentle nature.

Langshan

A tall, elegant breed known for laying dark brown eggs.

Cuba

Cubalaya

A distinctive breed with flowing tails and heat tolerance.

Egypt

Egyptian Fayoumi

An ancient Egyptian breed known for disease resistance.

England

Orpington

A gentle giant known for being excellent pets and reliable egg layers.

Cornish

A muscular breed known for excellent meat production and dual-purpose qualities.

Norfolk Grey

A hardy, free-ranging breed with good meat qualities.

Redcap

A historical egg-laying breed with good meat qualities.

France

Bresse

Known as the 'King of Chickens', famous for exceptional meat quality and flavor.

Crevecoeur

An ancient French breed with a unique V-shaped comb and distinctive crest.

Germany

Bielefelder

An autosexing breed known for large eggs and friendly disposition.

Global (Frizzle gene)

Frizzle

A unique breed with curled feathers, creating a distinctive appearance.

Hybrid

Easter Egger

A hybrid chicken known for laying eggs in various colors.

India

Malay

One of the tallest chicken breeds with an ancient lineage.

Italy

Leghorn

The most prolific layer of white eggs, known for feed efficiency.

Ancona

A rustic Mediterranean breed known for their active foraging abilities.

Java

Ayam Cemani

An entirely black chicken, including meat, bones, and organs.

Malaysia

Serama

The world's smallest chicken breed, perfect as friendly pets.

Netherlands

Dutch Bantam

A true bantam breed known for their hardy nature and good laying ability.

Brabanter

A rare crested breed known for their small comb and cold hardiness.

Polish

A striking ornamental breed known for their spectacular crest.

Spain

Andalusian

An elegant breed with distinctive slate-blue plumage.

Switzerland

Appenzeller

An ornamental breed known for their distinctive crest and active foraging.

UK

Brussbar

A rare autosexing breed from the United Kingdom.

United States

Cornish Cross

The industry standard for meat production, known for rapid growth and excellent meat quality.

Jersey Giant

The largest purebred chicken breed, excellent for meat production with slower, more natural growth.

USA

Buckeye

A hardy dual-purpose breed with a calm disposition.

Ameraucana

A unique breed known for laying beautiful blue eggs.

California Grey

A dual-purpose American breed with good production qualities.

Understanding Breed Origins

The origin of a chicken breed can tell us a lot about its characteristics and purpose. Different regions developed breeds to suit their specific needs:

  • Asian breeds often feature unique appearances and were bred for ornamental purposes
  • European breeds typically excel in egg or meat production
  • American breeds were often developed as dual-purpose birds
  • Mediterranean breeds are known for their excellent egg-laying abilities