Breeds of chickens: descriptions of the 45 best types for home breeding, what are there and how to choose

Today, a large number of breeds of chickens are known. They differ in appearance, body weight, egg production parameters. There are also fighting and decorative breeds. To choose the best option, you should focus on its purpose. At the same time, there are meat, egg and meat and egg directions. To achieve good results in growing chickens, it is worth not only choosing the right variety, but also providing it with quality care.

Classification of chickens

Birds are classified according to different criteria. In appearance, they are:

• large;
• medium;
• dwarf;
• decorative.

Taking into account the plumage, the following species are distinguished:

• regular;
• fury-legged;
• hollow neck;
• crested.

Feathers differ in color as well. Males have more saturated shades, a long tail and neck. They are characterized by a pronounced crest.

By purpose, birds are divided into the following groups:

• egg;
• meat;
• meat and eggs.

Decorative rocks

These are the most beautiful individuals that have many features. They are grown for decorative purposes.

Bantams

These are Japanese pygmy birds. They are characterized by high activity and unpretentiousness in care. By color, birds are black, brown, pockmarked. They can hardly stand the cold. The bird lays 85-100 eggs.

Seebright

These are graceful dwarf chickens, which are characterized by a trusting disposition. They can fly and easily adapt to any conditions. The meat has excellent taste. A laying hen gives 100 eggs.

Paduan

This is a rare meat and egg breed. It is characterized by a long thick tuft, which forms a cap on the head. In this case, earrings and a comb are absent. Birds are characterized by a blue beak. Egg production - 120 pieces.

White Tufted Dutch Black

A white tuft is visible on the head, which contrasts with the dark plumage. Roosters reach 2.5 kilograms in weight, chickens weigh a little less - 2. Laying hens give 100-140 eggs.

Curly

This is an ornamental meat-and-egg variety that has raised feathers. This gives the bird a shaggy and disheveled appearance. Paws are also covered with feathers. Birds are characterized by a friendly nature. Annual egg production reaches 120 eggs.

Shabo

This is a meat-and-egg Japanese variety, characterized by short legs, long wings and a raised tail. The chicken is considered friendly and unpretentious. Egg production parameters reach 150 pieces.

Fighting cocks

This is an unusual category of birds that has a cocky personality. There are many fighting types.

Azil

This is the oldest breed, which includes many species. The weight of roosters reaches 2.5 kilograms, and chickens - 2. Egg laying parameters - 120 pieces.

Old English

For representatives of the breed is characterized by a bold and proud character. They are highly trainable. The rooster weighs about 800 grams, the chicken - 700 grams.

Belgian

This is an old variety that was bred in the seventeenth century. Roosters weigh about 5 kilograms, chickens - 4 kilograms.

Moscow view

This species is characterized by 2 directions - meat and fighting. Roosters reach 6 kilograms, chickens weigh 3 kilograms. Egg production - 120 pieces.

Meat breeds

Such birds are grown for tasty dietary meat. Therefore, they are very popular with farmers. Representatives of such breeds are characterized by a powerful body and loose feathers. They have a phlegmatic nature and tasty meat.

Cornish

Initially the breed was fighting. However, later it began to be grown as meat. A hen lays 90-130 eggs per year. The mass of females reaches 3 kilograms, males - 4. The meat tastes good.

Brahma

This is a powerful breed that has a calm disposition. She is unpretentious in care. Raising chickens is easy. Feathered legs are considered a feature of birds. They lay 160 eggs a year. The hen weighs 4 kilograms, the rooster is about 5.

Chickens tend to mature late. They have many types. Feathers have tasty meat, but it is a bit rough.

Cochinchins

This Chinese variety is characterized by impressive size. It is characterized by a strong body, a wide chest and a small head with a crest resembling a leaf. The weight of a chicken is 4 kilograms, a rooster - 5. A bird produces no more than 120 eggs a year.

Such chickens are unpretentious in care. They are considered hardy and are characterized by excellent appetite. Raising birds helps to get a lot of tasty meat.

Faverol

This type of bird was bred in France. Individuals are characterized by a massive body, low paws and a small tail. The mass of birds does not exceed 3 kilograms. The indisputable advantage is the ease of plucking the carcass.

Birds are strongly attached to the owner. They have a friendly nature and a powerful physique. The meat has a pleasant taste. Representatives of the breed tend to be overweight, so it is recommended to control their diet.

La Fleche

Chicken weight - 3-4 kilograms. It is characterized by gray feathers with a green tint. A distinctive feature is the V-shaped comb.

Meat-egg birds

These are versatile varieties that produce a lot of eggs and can be used as a source of eggs or meat.

Rhode Island

Birds are characterized by a reddish hue and a green tail. Birds begin laying at 7 months. Productivity - 220 pieces. An adult male weighs 3.9 kilograms, a female weighs 2.9.

New Hampshire

These chickens are considered a type of Rhode Island breed. The livestock is characterized by excellent survival. Chickens begin to lay eggs, starting from six months, and give 190 eggs. The weight of the laying hen is 2.6 kilograms, the weight of the rooster is 3.3.

Plymouthrock

This variety is characterized by an attractive exterior, large egg volume and excellent meat flavor. The bird is large. The rooster weighs 6 kilograms, the chicken - 3.6. A laying hen gives 180 eggs.

Jersey Giant

Such individuals are characterized by large size. With proper care, a rooster weighs 7-8 kilograms. Laying hens produce 180 eggs per year and weigh 4.5-5 kilograms.

Legbar

This variety is chosen by farmers who like unusual chickens. Legbar gives eggs with an original blue shell. Egg production parameters - 200-210 pieces. Males weigh up to 3.4 kilograms, females - up to 2.7.

Russian Crested

This is a common species that is characterized by a good immune system and stamina. The weight of chickens is 2.2 kilograms, of roosters - 3.5. Productivity exceeds 160 eggs.

Foxy Chick

This Hungarian variety is considered productive. The weight of a chicken reaches 4 kilograms, and a rooster - 7. The meat has a delicate taste and juiciness. It contains little fat. A laying hen can lay up to 250 eggs.

Wyandotte

This breed originated in North America in the nineteenth century. Today, more than 15 species of such birds are known, which differ in color. Egg production parameters - 170 pieces. Hens weigh up to 2.5 kilograms, roosters - 3.5.

Australorp

This ancient breed originated in Australia. Hens bring 150-180 eggs. Good productivity is maintained in winter. Weight of roosters - 4 kilograms, chickens - 2.9.

Maran

These birds are characterized by an elongated body and dense plumage. They give about 150 eggs. Laying hens reach 3 kilograms in weight, the weight of roosters exceeds 4 kilograms. The advantages are disease resistance and unpretentiousness.

Bress Galskaya

The main advantage of birds is considered to be rapid maturation. Bress Gali chickens are rapidly growing and gaining body weight. Also, the breed is characterized by high egg production. Laying hens produce up to 200 eggs per year.

Galan

This is a Russian bird species that has become less common. Chickens give 200 eggs. The weight of roosters reaches 4 kilograms, chickens weigh up to 3 kilograms. Individuals have black feathers with a green sheen.

Hungarian giant

This variety of chickens is among the top ten European breeds in terms of productivity. Chickens give up to 250 eggs. The weight of males reaches 7 kilograms. Chickens weigh 4 kilograms.

Borkovskaya Barvista

These birds are characterized by a powerful physique and a small head. Chickens lay from 4.5-5 months and bring up to 265 eggs. After 2 years, production declines, which should be taken into account to maintain the productivity of the flock.

The breed is characterized by high-quality meat. The bird is able to adapt to any weather conditions and has a docile nature. It is easy to breed at home. An indisputable advantage is a pronounced incubation instinct.

Tetra

Features of birds - a small head, a scarlet comb and a short neck. The hybrid has good productivity parameters. They produce up to 300 eggs per year, weighing 60-65 grams.

These chickens are characterized by quality eggs and meat. They have excellent immunity and good offspring survival. At the same time, birds consume a lot of feed during development.

Egg Breeds

Such breeds of chickens are raised to produce eggs. Today there are many varieties that are very popular with farmers.

Leggorn

This variety originated in Italy. Laying hens give 200-250 eggs. Roosters weigh up to 3 kilograms, chickens - up to 2.5. Birds are characterized by a small body, a wide back and a round chest. White feathers are considered the traditional option.

Russian White

They are characterized by a white shade of feathers. Birds have a wide and elongated body, developed wings, thickened neck. Layers bring 200-230 eggs per year. Females weigh 1.8 kilograms, males 2.5.

Italian partridge

This is one of the first birds of the egg direction. Excellent genetic characteristics provide excellent egg production parameters.

The bird is distinguished by good survival and pronounced adaptive abilities. The rooster weighs 2.5 kilograms, the chicken - 1.5. Egg laying parameters - 190-250.

Pushkinskaya

The birds are characterized by an elongated head and a typical variegated color. The powerful back is complemented by long wings. They bring about 220 eggs. A chicken weighs 2 kilograms, a rooster weighs 3.

Loman Brown

This is one of the most common egg breeds. Birds are unpretentious, but they give a lot of eggs. This figure reaches 310-320 pieces. Roosters weigh about 3 kilograms, chickens - 2.2.

Czech Gold

This breed has an unusual color, therefore it is considered decorative. In addition, it has excellent egg production. The hens start laying at 5-6 months of age. Annual egg production - 180 pieces.

Goloneck

Distinguishing these chickens is easy. A typical feature is the absence of feathers on the goiter and neck. There is a red cap of feathers on the back of the head. For a year, a chicken gives no more than 130-160 eggs.

Cross chickens

Today, modern bird hybrids are often used in poultry farming. Bird crosses are highly productive and have excellent early maturity.

Dominant

This is a popular meat and egg breed, which is characterized by a strong body and magnificent plumage. The dominant has a bright color and is unpretentious. Roosters weigh 3 kilograms, laying hens - 2.5. Egg production parameters reach 300 pieces.

Super Nick

This cross has unremarkable appearance. It is characterized by dense white feathers and a compact triangular body. The mass of the rooster is about 2 kilograms, the chicken weighs 1.6. A characteristic feature is considered high egg production. Laying hens are capable of producing 350 eggs per year.

Red Kuban

This is a large egg breed. Birds are characterized by a small head and a large leaf-shaped comb. For a bird, dense red or red feathers are standard. There are gray or black feathers on the tail and wings. Under adverse conditions, the bird produces at least 250 eggs per year. With a clear implementation of the recommendations, this parameter can be increased to 340 pieces.

Rare and expensive varieties

These breeds are rare due to their price. The uniqueness of chickens is due to the fact that they are on the verge of extinction. This is due to low productivity, difficulty in maintenance and whimsical.

Ameraucana

This is a rare breed of chicken that produces blue eggs and has delicious meat. Birds are active and need to be isolated. They are characterized by high egg production, which is 200 pieces.

Andalusian

This exotic breed of chickens is considered meat. Since the birds are rare, they are only raised for ornamental purposes. The mass of a rooster is 2.5 kilograms, of a chicken - 2. The annual parameters of egg production are 180 pieces.

Whoooooooo

This unique breed originated in China. She has a black color, including the crest. The weight of a rooster does not exceed 2 kilograms, chicken - 1.8. The eggs have an original green shell and a unique composition.

Sicilian Buttercup

The breed combines excellent decorative characteristics and an aggressive character. A distinctive feature is the red comb, resembling a bowl with teeth. Roosters weigh 2.5 kilograms, chickens weigh 2. They lay up to 150 eggs a year.

Choose laying hens by productivity

To choose domestic chickens, you should focus on the productivity of the breed. Feathers are meat and egg. Birds of the egg direction must have the required egg production parameters. These include the Leghorn breed, whose representatives produce up to 300 eggs per year.

Italy is considered the birthplace of birds. Breeders have been trying for many years to develop new breeds based on it, but they have not been able to increase the rate.

Which breed of chickens is better to refuse

Practically all modern chickens are capable of laying eggs. However, the question is their number and the need to care for birds. Experts advise to exclude the breeding of thoroughbred Minorok chickens. They are characterized by excellent egg production. Adults have a slender, elongated body and a small head, which is decorated with a red comb.

However, it should be borne in mind that the breed was created in Spain, and therefore it is considered thermophilic. In the south, such chickens can still be grown. At the same time, in the Moscow region, and even more so in Siberia, they will feel uncomfortable.

Today there are many productive breeds of chickens. Birds differ in appearance, performance indicators, orientation.To choose the best option, you should focus on tasks and preferences. To achieve good results in raising birds, they should be provided with proper care.

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