Claire Thompson
Chickens are the most widely domesticated fowl in the world, with hundreds of breeds existing today. The first poultry standard, the British Poultry Standard, was written in 1865 to ensure uniformity among a handful of breeds. Since then, chickens have been bred according to predetermined breed standards set by governing organisations. Chickens are bred for a variety of purposes, including egg-laying, meat production, and ornamental purposes. Some breeds are also used for cockfighting, although this has been outlawed in the developed world. Today, there are four poultry standards that are used as official references by judges at poultry shows.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Breeds | There are hundreds of chicken breeds in existence. The British Poultry Standards recognise 93 pure breeds. |
| Primary Use | Egg-laying, meat production, ornamental purposes, dual-purpose |
| Distinguishing Features | Size, plumage colour, comb type, skin colour, number of toes, amount of feathering, egg colour, place of origin |
| Types | Bantam, large fowl, hard feather, soft feather, hybrid, purebred |
| Governing Organisations | British Poultry Standard, Standard of Perfection, Australian Poultry Standard, American Bantam Association |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicken breeds are determined by geographical factors and desired characteristics
- Chickens are bred for meat, eggs, or ornamental purposes
- Purebred chickens breed true, while hybrid hens are the result of different matings
- Bantam chickens are miniature versions of larger breeds
- Cockfighting has been outlawed, so game fowl are now exhibited in shows
Chicken breeds are determined by geographical factors and desired characteristics
Chickens have been domesticated for thousands of years, and over this time, geographical factors and desired characteristics have influenced the development of distinct breeds. There are hundreds of chicken breeds, and they are primarily descended from the wild red jungle fowl of India. The process of selective breeding has led to the emergence of regional types with unique physical and behavioural traits that are passed on to subsequent generations.
Geographical isolation has played a significant role in shaping chicken breeds. The original bantam chicken breed, for instance, originated in Indonesia and is known as Ayam Kate. Over time, bantam chickens have been bred to create various miniature counterparts of standard breeds, retaining all the characteristics of their larger versions but at a fraction of the size.
Desired characteristics have also been a driving force in chicken breed determination. In the 21st century, chickens are often bred according to predetermined standards set by governing organisations. These standards focus on specific traits such as size, plumage colour, comb type, skin colour, number of toes, amount of feathering, egg colour, and place of origin. Additionally, chickens may be bred for specific primary uses, such as egg production, meat production, or ornamental purposes.
The characteristics of different chicken breeds can vary significantly. For example, some breeds like Dominiques are known for bearing confinement well, while others like Leghorns may go broody more often than expected. Chickens also exhibit a range of personalities, with some being docile towards humans but aggressive towards other chickens, and vice versa.
Breeders and farmers have also influenced chicken breeds to meet commercial requirements. Dual-purpose breeds, for instance, are commonly used on farms and homesteads for both meat and egg production. The rise of poultry fancy, or the competitive exhibition of poultry as a hobby, has also impacted chicken breed development, with certain breeds being selected for ornamental or exhibition purposes.
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Chickens are bred for meat, eggs, or ornamental purposes
Chickens are one of the most common domesticated animals globally, with hundreds of distinct breeds. They are primarily bred for their meat, eggs, or ornamental value.
Chickens bred for meat are often subject to intense selective breeding, leading to abnormally fast growth rates. This practice is common in the poultry industry to maximise profits, despite the adverse effects on the birds' welfare. These chickens grow so rapidly that their muscles and organs struggle to keep up, resulting in various health issues and suffering. Many meat-bred chickens experience chronic pain and lameness due to their accelerated growth, with some unable to walk or even stand. The New Zealand meat industry has been criticised for its use of these fast-growing breeds, which has brought to light the hidden suffering of chickens bred for meat.
On the other hand, some chicken breeds are primarily selected for egg production. These are typically lightweight birds whose hens do not frequently go broody. While some breeds are specialised for egg production, many farms use dual-purpose breeds that are suitable for both meat and egg production. These dual-purpose breeds are adaptable utility birds that can be found in barnyards worldwide.
Ornamental chicken breeds are also common and are chosen for their unique and striking appearances. Breeds like Silkies, Brahmas, Ameraucana, Cochin, Polish, and Frizzle are known for their distinct looks and are often reared for exhibition purposes. Silkies, for example, are sought after for their fluffy feathers, which are said to feel like silk. They also have black skin, blue earlobes, and a docile temperament. Brahmas, on the other hand, are relatively large, with dense plumage and feathered legs. They are generally friendly and calm, making them popular ornamental choices.
In the 21st century, chicken breeding is often guided by predetermined standards set by governing organisations. The British Poultry Standard, for instance, is one of the oldest and still widely used today. These standards help maintain specific characteristics within breeds and enable competitive exhibitions of poultry as a hobby, influencing the development of new breeds.
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Purebred chickens breed true, while hybrid hens are the result of different matings
There are hundreds of chicken breeds in existence, with distinct physical and behavioural traits. Purebred chickens, also known as straightbreds, breed true, meaning their offspring will look like their parents and have uniform bloodlines. Purebred chickens are bred within their own lineage to maintain consistent traits over generations. Purebred chickens are recognised by poultry associations and bred to meet standards set by organisations such as the Poultry Club of Great Britain. The British Poultry Standards recognise 93 pure chicken breeds, classified by size, feathering, origin, and rarity.
On the other hand, hybrid hens are a result of different matings between different breeds or specialised strains within a breed. They are crossbred birds, created by crossing two or more pure breeds to produce offspring with specific, desirable traits. Hybrid hens are mainly used in the commercial production of eggs or meat. They are highly valued for their producing abilities, with many types producing between 250 and 320 eggs per year. However, hybrids do not breed true, and the only way to get more chickens like them is by crossing the same specialised parent breeders.
Purebred chickens are often bred to maintain specific traits such as appearance, temperament, and productivity. They often have unique feather patterns, colours, and body shapes, making them popular in poultry shows and among enthusiasts. Purebred chickens may be bred for egg-laying, meat production, or ornamental purposes, with some considered dual-purpose.
Hybrid chickens, on the other hand, are usually bred primarily for productivity and practicality, making them ideal for those focused on egg production and ease of care. They tend to be more vigorous and productive for egg-laying than their parents. Additionally, hybrids are often bred for a calm, approachable temperament, making them suitable for beginners and families.
It is important to note that the distinction between purebred and hybrid chickens can be complicated. Some pure breeds may have started as hybrids, and not all pure breeds have the same bloodlines. Additionally, the term "purebred" may refer to primary breeds with a foundation of original genetics or secondary breeds that lack this foundation.
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Bantam chickens are miniature versions of larger breeds
There are hundreds of chicken breeds globally, and bantam chickens are among the most popular. Bantams are miniature versions of regular chickens, typically about one-quarter to one-fifth the size of their standard counterparts. They are not just smaller but also come in two varieties: true bantams, which have no large counterparts, and miniaturized versions of standard breeds.
The original bantam chicken, the Ayam Kate, is native to Indonesia and is the ancestor of all bantam breeds. Bantam chickens are beloved for their small size, friendly personalities, and the beautiful variety of colours and patterns they display. Despite their compact stature, bantams have big personalities and can be just as productive and rewarding as their larger cousins. They are also efficient, requiring less space and consuming less feed than larger chickens.
Bantam hens lay small but tasty and nutritious eggs, usually about half the size of a standard chicken egg. Depending on the breed, bantam hens can lay between 50 and 200 eggs per year. The colour of the eggs varies depending on the breed, ranging from white to brown and even tinted or blue. While bantam chickens can live with regular chickens, their smaller size means they can be bullied, so providing ample space and monitoring their interactions are essential for maintaining flock harmony.
Bantam chickens are further categorized into three types: true bantams, miniature bantams, and developed bantams, with some bantam breeds overlapping between these groups. True bantams, such as the Sebright and American Game bantam, have no large-fowl counterpart and are valued for their unique characteristics. Miniature bantams, like the Silkie, have a large-fowl counterpart but are not true miniatures as their features are proportionally larger. Developed bantam breeds, including the Bearded d'Anvers and Nankin, are created through selective breeding for a specific appearance or function.
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Cockfighting has been outlawed, so game fowl are now exhibited in shows
There are hundreds of chicken breeds in existence, and they are frequently bred according to predetermined breed standards set down by governing organizations. The first of these standards was the British Poultry Standard, which is still in publication today. Other standards include the Standard of Perfection, the Australian Poultry Standard, and the standard of the American Bantam Association, which deals exclusively with bantam fowl.
Cockfighting has been outlawed in the developed world, so game fowl are now exhibited in shows. The breeders of game birds turned to exhibiting their birds in competitions, with relatively large prize money adding to the breeders' competitiveness. The first poultry standard appeared in 1865, including only a handful of breeds to maintain uniformity. Later that year, the first significant poultry show was held at London Zoo. As exhibiting became more popular, many breeds were imported from abroad and standardized at the turn of the century.
Gamefowl breeders, suppliers, and enthusiasts can now attend shows such as the World Gamefowl Expo, which was founded in 2011 and is the longest-running event of its kind. The United Gamefowl Breeders Association also provides a comprehensive library of books, guides, and videos for members to access expert advice on all aspects of gamefowl care, breeding, and management.
The British Poultry Standards recognize 93 pure chicken breeds, classified by size, feathering, origin, and rarity. The ancestor of domesticated breeds is the Red Junglefowl, which appears in many variations today thanks to poultry fanciers and small-scale farmers. Hard feather breeds, which are typically tighter in their feathering, are historically game varieties or cockfighting birds. Soft feather chicken breeds, on the other hand, are fluffier.
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Frequently asked questions
There are hundreds of chicken breeds in existence, varying in colour, pattern, size and primary use.
Chickens are bred for their meat and eggs, as well as ornamental purposes.
There are two sizes of chicken breeds: Large Fowl and Bantam (miniature). Not all breeds have a bantam counterpart, and some bantams do not have a large version.
There are Hard Feather and Soft Feather breeds. Hard feather chickens have tighter feathering and were historically used for cockfighting. Soft feather chickens are fluffier.
There are currently four poultry standards used as references for judges and breeders. These are the British Poultry Standard, the Australian Poultry Standard, the Standard of Perfection, and the standard of the American Bantam Association.
