Sophie Bennett
Raising chickens has become a popular trend, with many people keeping chickens as pets or for their eggs. However, some chicken owners may not understand the different breeds or types of chickens they own. Chickens can generally be categorized by their size, either bantam or standard, with bantams being miniature chickens that are about one-quarter the size of standard chickens. Other characteristics to look out for when identifying a chicken breed include the comb (the fleshy growth at the top of the chicken's head), temperament, and egg size. Some common chicken breeds include Brahmas, Buckeyes, Dorkings, and Bielefelders. Additionally, crossbreeding has resulted in hybrid strains that are commonly found on large poultry farms.
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What You'll Learn
Check the chicken's size: bantam or standard
Chickens generally come in two sizes: bantam and standard. Bantam chickens are about one-quarter to one-fifth the size of standard chickens, weighing no more than 2 pounds. In contrast, standard-sized chickens weigh about 5.5 pounds.
Bantam chickens are often chosen for urban settings with smaller yards because they require less space than standard-sized chickens. They are also easier to handle due to their smaller size. For example, the Cluck House chicken coop can accommodate three bantam chickens instead of the standard two, and the Taj Mahal coop can hold six to seven bantams, whereas the standard number is five.
Some chicken breeds only come in the bantam size, and these are referred to as true bantams. On the other hand, a standard chicken is typically a large-sized chicken, and it may have a formal description established by organizations like the APA.
Despite their size difference, bantam and standard chickens have similar dietary needs. The proper poultry feed formulation for bantams is essentially the same as for standard-sized chickens, although crumble or mash may be preferred over pellets.
Bantam chickens are essentially miniature versions of regular chicken breeds, and they are known for their charming and cute appearance. They are a great choice for beginners keeping chickens for the first time.
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Observe the comb: shape and size vary by breed
Chicken combs are the distinctive, often red, fleshy growths on a chicken's head. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the classic single comb to the unique walnut or rose combs. Combs are important in determining a chicken's social status within the flock, with larger combs, especially single combs, often signalling dominance in roosters.
The single comb is the classic look that comes to mind for most people when picturing a chicken. It is a straight, upright ridge that starts at the beak and runs back over the head, dotted with evenly spaced points. Breeds with this type of comb include the Leghorn, Rhode Island Reds, and Plymouth Rock.
The rose comb, on the other hand, is flatter and broader with a bumpy surface. This type of comb is characteristic of breeds that have adapted to colder climates, such as the Wyandotte and Dominique. These combs stay close to the head, reducing the risk of frostbite in cold weather.
The pea comb is another option, which is small and compact with three low ridges. This comb is typical in breeds like the Ameraucana, Easter Egger, and Brahma, which originate from cooler regions.
Some of the more unusual comb types, such as the buttercup and V-shaped comb, are often specific to rare or ornamental breeds. The V-shaped comb, for example, is usually associated with crested breeds like the Houdan and Polish, as well as the La Flèche, a rare French breed.
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Egg size: smaller hens lay smaller eggs
Chickens come in two general sizes: bantam and standard. Bantam chickens are miniature, being about one-quarter the size of standard chickens. Due to their smaller size, bantam chickens lay smaller eggs, typically in the peewee to small weight range. For example, the Chinese Silkie is a smaller breed of chicken that lays small eggs.
Ornamental standard-sized breeds, such as the Polish and Sultan breeds, also tend to lay smaller eggs. Additionally, the skeletal size of a hen influences the size of the eggs it lays. Hens with bigger and longer bones tend to become larger and lay bigger eggs.
The age at which a hen starts laying eggs also affects egg size. Generally, the younger a hen is when it starts producing eggs, the smaller its eggs will be during its first year. Lighting programs can influence when a hen starts laying eggs. By providing 10 hours or less of light per day until the hen is 19 weeks old, you can delay the start of egg production.
Furthermore, factors that limit a hen's feed consumption, such as crowding, heat stress, or inadequate water supply, can result in smaller eggs. Stress caused by sudden warmer weather can also lead to a temporary reduction in egg size. It is worth noting that the first few eggs laid by a pullet (a young female chick) tend to be smaller, gradually increasing in size as the bird matures.
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Temperament: some breeds are known for gentle behaviour
Chicken breeds have been shaped by hundreds, even thousands of years of selection by poultry keepers worldwide. Initially, all breeds originated from the wild Jungle Fowl of Southeast Asia. In the past, many breeds were bred to be aggressive for cockfighting, and it can be challenging to breed this trait out without losing some other characteristics. Therefore, it is essential to consider a breed's temperament and whether one can manage aggressive birds, especially if there are young children around.
Some chicken breeds are known for their gentle temperament. For instance, the Buff Brahma is a gentle giant with buff feathers and black accents. These calm, large birds are slow to mature but excellent winter egg producers. They are well-suited for cold climates and make excellent pets. Another gentle breed is the Blue Silkie Bantam, a rare bantam with soft, fluffy feathers that feel like fur. Silkies are affectionate, tame, and devoted mothers, making them excellent pets. They are also easily bullied by other birds. The Buff Orpington Bantam is another small, friendly chicken with a gentle temperament and cold-weather resilience. They are excellent layers and adaptable, making them a great addition to any flock.
The Speckled Sussex is a heritage breed known for its calm temperament, excellent foraging skills, and striking speckled plumage. They thrive in various environments and make wonderful pets. Similarly, the Black-Tailed White Japanese Bantam is a petite, elegant breed from Japan that is easy to care for and thrives in small spaces, making it ideal as a pet or show bird. The Porcelain d'Uccle Bantam is another gentle bantam breed with a full beard and feathered legs. They are known for their show-quality looks and gentle temperament.
In addition to the breeds mentioned above, the Black Laced Gold Wyandotte, originating in Wisconsin in the 1880s, is prized for its striking black-laced golden feathers and gentle temperament. The Jubilee Orpington Chicken, developed in 1897 to honour Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, is also known for its friendly disposition and unique feather pattern. Lastly, the Brabanter, a Dutch breed originating between Belgium and the Netherlands, is calm and intelligent, better suited for colder climates.
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Physical characteristics: colour, top knots, cheek poufs
Chickens have a unique appearance, and distinct breeds have been created through selective breeding to emphasise certain traits.
Colour
The colour of a chicken's feathers is a key physical characteristic that can help identify the breed. For example, the Black Sex Link breed is also called the Black Rock in the UK. Similarly, the colour of a chicken's feathers can be used to determine its ancestry. For instance, if both parents have black feathers, their offspring will be black as well. However, if both parents are heterozygous (having black feathers but carrying the red feather gene), some of their offspring will be red.
Top Knots and Cheek Poufs
Some chicken breeds, like the Polish chicken, are known for their elaborate top knots or crests. These crests are inherited traits, and chickens with crests also have misshapen skulls with a large knob or vault sticking up from the top, often filled with holes. This results in an unusual "hourglass"-shaped brain. While crested chickens can be vulnerable to brain injuries due to their fragile skulls, some individuals, like Jennifer, a white crested black Polish hen, have lived long lives.
In addition to top knots, some chicken breeds have distinctive cheek poufs or muffs, which give them a cute, chubby-cheeked appearance. These breeds are well-suited for cold climates and are often friendly and tame, making good pets.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to examine the size of the chicken. Chickens are generally either bantam (miniature) or standard. Bantam chickens are about a quarter of the size of standard chickens. You can also look at the comb of the chicken, which is the fleshy growth on the top of its head. Different breeds have different types of combs, and the male comb is larger than the female comb.
The comb of the chicken can help distinguish its sex, as the male comb is larger. Some breeds, like the Bielefelder, are autosexing, meaning males and females can be identified immediately upon hatching. For example, females have a chipmunk stripe on their backs, while males have a yellow spot on their heads. The colour of a chick when it hatches can also be linked to its sex, as is the case with Red Stars and Black Stars.
Chicks are harder to identify than adult chickens, but some characteristics to check for are top knots of feathers (e.g. Polish, Spitzhauben, Houden, or Silkie breeds) and cheek poufs (e.g. Easter Egger chicks). You can also look at the number of toes, as some breeds like Silkies, Sultans, Faverolles, Dorkings, and Houdens have an extra toe.
