The Best Chicken Breeds for Farming

Top Types of Chickens for Breeding

Here is an overview of the best types of chickens raised primarily for their meat:

Cornish Chicken (Cornish Cross): This breed is highly regarded by both commercial meat producers and backyard chicken enthusiasts due to its numerous advantages. Cornish chickens are renowned for their rapid growth, reaching an impressive weight of approximately 5.4 kg within just 6-8 weeks. Their meat is known for its exceptional flavor, coupled with broad breasts, large thighs, and robust legs.
Bresse Chicken: A large breed distinguished by its globally acclaimed flavorful meat. Bresse chickens come in various colors, including white, black, gray, and blue. The only downside is their high price; however, this is often offset by their low feed costs.
Freedom Rangers: Developed specifically to produce healthy, pesticide-free meat, Freedom Rangers grow at a slower pace compared to other meat breeds. Despite this, many people prefer their taste. They typically feature red feathers with black spots or stripes, although variations in bronze and gray shades are also available.
Jersey Giant: As one of the largest chicken breeds, Jersey Giants average between 5-5.9 kg. They were developed in the United States from the Java, Orpington, and Langshan breeds to cater to the demand for heavy birds. Their characteristics include:
- Slow growth rate compared to other meat chickens.
- Calm demeanor, though males can be aggressive.
- Available in three colors: blue, white, and black.
- Dependency on large brown-shelled eggs, where production can yield one egg per day.

The following details highlight the best types of chickens raised for egg production:

Ameraucana: A large breed with a variety of colors, including combinations of black and brown feathers, and spots of black and white. Ameraucanas are commonly referred to as Easter Eggers due to their hens laying green or blue eggs every 2-3 days.
Dominique: Known for their friendly and gentle nature, Dominique chickens lay medium to large-sized brown eggs every 3-4 days, with the potential for more frequent production during the longer days of summer.
White Leghorn: Regarded as one of the best egg-laying breeds, White Leghorns produce one large egg daily. This breed was developed from various small lineage strains in Tuscany, Italy.
Rhode Island Red: A large breed with red plumage complemented by some black feathers. Their hens lay large brown eggs every 1-2 days and are known for their easy handling. This breed is the official state bird of Rhode Island, developed during the 19th century.

The following are some of the best types of chickens raised for both meat and egg production:

Buckeye: Featuring mahogany-red feathers, this breed prefers cooler climates, exhibits strong adaptability, disease resistance, and can lay up to 200 eggs annually.
Chantecler: Known for their friendly disposition and early maturity, Chantecler hens can also produce up to 200 eggs per year.
Egyptian Fayoumi: Suited for warmer climates, this breed lays distinctive-flavored eggs and can produce approximately 150 eggs annually. They are fast-growing, disease-resistant, and have a mild temperament.
Orpington: Available in various colors, including white, black, blue, and yellow with an orange hue, Orpingtons have a wide body and short back. They produce around 200 brown-shelled eggs each year and are known for their tender and flavorful meat. While they are easy to handle and suited for cooler climates, they have a slower growth rate.
Sussex: Originating from England, Sussex chickens have been used in the development of many commercial chicken breeds for over a century. They produce brown-shelled eggs and come in red, brown, silver, and orange-yellow colors, with distinct patterns possible.
Naked Neck: This breed is characterized by its featherless neck and lower density of feathers elsewhere on its body. Naked Necks thrive in both cold and hot climates, exhibit high disease resistance, and produce up to 170 eggs annually, with exceptionally flavorful meat.

Three main types of chickens can be raised:

Broilers: Also known as meat chickens, these birds are specifically raised for their meat, typically reaching weights of 1.8-2.3 kg within just five weeks.
Egg-laying Chickens: These chickens are primarily bred for their eggs.
Dual-purpose Chickens: These breeds are raised to take advantage of both their meat and egg production.