Breeds and types of chickens

I don’t know how many chicken breeds there are in the world, but the American Poultry Association recognizes over 100 different breeds.  There are a lot of ways to categorize the breeds of chickens, but one way I find most helpful is based on their function.

 By my categorization, there are three types of chickens: those which are best at laying eggs; those which are best at producing meat; and dual-purpose chickens which are not the best egg-layers, and not the best meat-producers, but moderately good at both functions.

As with many small chicken producers, I have chosen to raise only dual-purpose breeds.  There is little waste in raising dual-purpose chickens since hens past their prime for egg-laying and extra roosters can be harvested for their meat.  In addition to focusing on dual-purpose chickens, I also prefer those which are considered hardy (disease resistant) and which are good foragers (forage for a high percentage of their food needs as opposed to needing chicken food).

One last criterion I use for selecting chickens has to do with recognized heritage breeds.  A heritage breed is one that was used by our forebearers (in the 1700’s, 1800’s, or 1900’s), but is now in danger of becoming extinct because of modern poultry production facilities. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has a wealth of information about heritage chicken breeds and other livestock.  

So while my chickens are all dual-purpose, I currently have 5 different breeds: Wyandottes, Delawares, New Hampshires, Dominiques, and Aracuanas. All these breeds are listed by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.  The first four breeds I mentioned lay brown eggs; the Aracuanas lay greenish blue eggs.  I would love to have some Chanteclers, which are close to becoming extinct, but have not been able to find any.

Next week…Where do chickens come from?