Claire Thompson
There are a multitude of chicken breeds, recognised by standards such as the British Poultry Standard, which was first written in 1865. Chickens are classified by size, feathering, origin, and rarity, and today there are two main sizes: bantam and large fowl. Bantam chickens are miniature versions of large fowl, though not all breeds have bantam versions. To identify a chicken's breed, it is important to look beyond feather colour and take in other details, such as the colour of their legs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Size | Bantam chickens are smaller than standard chickens. |
| Colour | Brown chickens may have stripes in their feathers and a line down their back and under their eyes. |
| Comb Type | There are 9 types of combs in purebred chickens. Dominique chickens have a rose comb, while barred rocks have a single comb. |
| Feathering | Hard feather breeds are typically game varieties, whereas soft feather breeds are more fluffy. |
| Origin | Marans originated in western France and were imported in the 1930s. |
| Egg Colour | Ameraucanas lay pale blue eggs, while Marans lay dark chocolate brown eggs. |
| Egg Production | Orpingtons lay about 200 eggs per year. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the chicken's feather colouration and other physical details
The colouration and physical characteristics of a chicken's feathers can provide important clues about its breed. For example, the original and most well-known variety of the Double-laced pattern breed has copper, black, and metallic green feathers. On the other hand, the Black Java breed is known for its brilliant beetle-green sheen, while the Jersey Giant breed has feathers that are not waterproof.
When identifying a chicken breed, it is also important to consider the structure and texture of the feathers. Hard feather breeds, such as Game varieties, have tighter feathering, while soft feather breeds are fluffier. Additionally, the presence of feathers on the legs or feet, known as "feather-footed" breeds, can be a distinguishing factor. For example, Brahmas, Cochins, and Silkies are feather-footed, while other breeds are "clean-legged".
The colour and pattern of a chicken's plumage can also be indicative of its breed. Some breeds, like the Bielefelder, have a distinct chipmunk stripe pattern on their backs, while others, like the Plymouth Rock, have black and white-striped plumage. Rare chicken breeds often boast unusual plumage, such as the Altsteirer breed, which may have distinctive feather colouring.
In addition to feather colour and pattern, other physical details can help identify a chicken's breed. For example, the Bielefelder breed has males that are lighter in colour with a yellow spot on their heads, while the females have the chipmunk stripe pattern. The size and shape of feathers can also vary, with some breeds having top knots, cheek poufs, or tiny head poufs, like the Appenzeller Spitzhauben, which has a tiny head pouf and slate blue legs.
Overall, examining the colouration and physical details of a chicken's feathers, as well as its body, can provide important clues about its breed. By considering the structure, texture, and unique characteristics of the feathers, along with the colour and pattern of the plumage, you can narrow down the possible breeds and make an informed identification.
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Identify the chicken's size
The British Poultry Standards recognise 93 pure chicken breeds, classified by size, feathering, origin, and rarity. There are two sizes of fowl: Large Fowl and Bantam. A bantam is a miniature version of large fowl. Not all breeds have a bantam version, and vice versa. A True Bantam is a breed of chicken that is only available in bantam size and has no large counterpart.
Large fowl chicken breeds include the Jersey Giant, which is a very cold-hardy breed that lays during winter but does not fare well in the heat. The Brahma chicken is also a large breed, known for its great size, strength, and vigour. Brahmas are hardy in winter climates and have calm and docile personalities.
Bantam chicken breeds include the Altsteirer, which is an ancient breed that may be thousands of years old. It is a dual-purpose breed of medium size, with hens laying 180-200 large white eggs per year. The Empordanesa chicken is another bantam breed, a Mediterranean egg breed that is well-suited for hot climates. They are small birds, weighing around 5-6 pounds for roosters and 4 pounds for hens.
Some chicken breeds come in both Large Fowl and Bantam sizes. For example, the Orpington breed is available in both sizes, with the Buff Orpington known for being very docile and a great choice for family pets. The Plymouth Rock breed was originally all of the Barred variety, but other colour varieties were developed later, including a bantam size.
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Observe the chicken's behaviour
Behaviour is an important aspect of identifying chicken breeds. Here are some ways to observe and understand chicken behaviour to determine their breed:
Social Behaviour
Observe how your chickens interact with each other and their surroundings. Some breeds are more social and curious, while others may be more reserved. For example, the Buff Orpington is known for its docile temperament and is a popular choice for families. On the other hand, some breeds like the Rhode Island Red are suitable for both beginner and expert small flock keepers. Understanding how your chickens behave in their environment can provide insights into their breed characteristics.
Roaming Habits
Take note of your chickens' roaming habits. Some breeds, like the Marans, are active and enjoy free-ranging. They are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities. In contrast, other breeds may prefer to stay closer to their coop or exhibit more cautious behaviour when exploring their surroundings. Understanding their roaming habits can give you clues about their breed tendencies.
Egg-Laying Behaviour
Observe the egg-laying behaviour of your chickens. Different breeds have varying egg-laying abilities and patterns. For instance, Brown layer breeds are renowned for their prolific egg-laying abilities, while Ameraucanas lay distinctive pale blue eggs. By paying attention to the number and characteristics of the eggs laid, you can gain insights into the breed of your chickens.
Comb and Feathers
Examining physical characteristics such as combs and feathers can help identify the breed and gender of your chickens. For example, roosters typically have larger and redder combs compared to hens. Additionally, some breeds have distinct feather patterns or colours that can aid in identification. However, keep in mind that feather colour can vary within a breed, as seen in Plymouth Rock chickens, which were originally barred but later developed into other colour varieties.
Noise Levels
Consider the noise levels and vocalizations of your chickens. Certain breeds, such as Old English Game Bantams, are known to be noisier than others. If you have neighbours nearby, choosing a quieter breed may be more considerate. Observing how vocal your chickens are and comparing their vocalizations to breed-specific characteristics can aid in identification.
By carefully observing the behaviour, social interactions, and physical characteristics of your chickens, you can gain valuable insights that will help you determine their breed. Combining these behavioural observations with other identifying factors, such as size, feathering, and origin, will further assist in accurately identifying the breed of your chickens.
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Research the breed's history
The history of chicken breeds is a fascinating topic, and researching the origins and development of your chicken's breed can provide valuable insights into its characteristics and traits. Here are some tips to guide you through the process of researching the history of your chicken's breed:
Understand the Domestication History
Chicken domestication has a long history, dating back thousands of years. It is widely accepted that the primary wild ancestor of domesticated chickens is the Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus), native to Southeast Asia and Oceana. Domestication of this species is estimated to have occurred 7,000-10,000 years ago. Over time, hybridization with other junglefowl species, such as the Grey Junglefowl (Gallus sonnaratii), contributed to the genetic makeup of modern chickens.
Explore Breed Standards and Classifications
Chicken breeds have been classified based on various criteria, including size, feathering, origin, and rarity. The British Poultry Standards, for example, recognize 93 pure chicken breeds. Additionally, organizations like the American Poultry Association have published standards, such as the Standard of Excellence and the American Standard of Perfection, outlining breed characteristics and providing descriptions of various breeds. These standards offer valuable resources for identifying and understanding different chicken breeds.
Investigate Historical Context
Different chicken breeds have developed and gained popularity in specific historical contexts. For example, cockfighting, a now-outlawed sport, influenced the breeding of game fowl or game varieties. After the outlaw of cockfighting in 1849, breeders turned to exhibiting their birds in competitions, which further shaped breeding practices. Understanding the historical context surrounding your chicken's breed can offer insights into its intended purpose and characteristics.
Study Geographical Origins
Chicken breeds often have strong geographical connections. For instance, the Jaehorn breed is indigenous to Norway, while the Andalusian breed is native to Spain. The Friesan breed, on the other hand, originates from the northern coast of the Netherlands. Researching the geographical origins of your chicken's breed can provide clues about its unique characteristics and adaptations to specific environments.
Examine Breed Development and Purpose
Chicken breeds have been developed and selected for various purposes, including egg production, meat production, show and exhibition, and dual-purpose utility. For example, Plymouth Rock chickens, historically popular in the United States, were valued for their hardiness, docility, and excellent brown egg production. Understanding the intended purpose of your chicken's breed can help you make informed decisions about its care and management.
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Compare egg colour and shape
The colour and shape of a chicken egg can provide clues about the breed of the chicken that laid it. While many are familiar with the typical white and brown eggs, chicken eggs can come in a variety of colours, including shades of blue, green, and dark brown. These colours are influenced by the breed of the hen, with each breed laying a slightly different colour egg.
For example, Easter Eggers, which are technically a mixed breed, can lay blue, green, pink, peach, brown, cream, or white eggs. They are only bred for egg colour, not appearance, so Easter Egger chicks can have different feather colours and appearances. On the other hand, Whiting True Blues lay powder blue eggs, while Black Copper Marans lay dark green speckled eggs.
Additionally, the shape of chicken eggs can vary, with some having a more pronounced pointed end, which is less common in other bird species. The egg white, or albumen, can also differ in clarity and thickness, with fresh chicken eggs often having a firmer and clearer egg white, while older eggs may appear more watery and less cohesive.
It's important to note that the colour of chicken eggs can also be influenced by factors such as the hen's diet and health, and the presence of tint genes that deposit a brown overlay colour on the shell. Therefore, while egg colour and shape can provide some clues about the breed of the chicken, it may not always be an exact indicator, and other factors such as the hen's genetics and breeding history may need to be considered as well.
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Frequently asked questions
There are thousands of chicken breeds, so it can be challenging to identify your chicken's breed. First, look at the comb type and colour. Each breed is consistent with its comb type, although there may be slight variations between individual chickens. Next, observe the colours, shapes, and sizes of your chicken, including its feather markings, feet or leg markings, and overall size. Finally, take a clear picture of your chicken from the side, including its comb, saddle area, and feet, and use it to compare with pictures of known breeds.
Some common chicken breeds include Rhode Island Red, Production Red, Black Australorp, Buff Orpington, Golden Sex Link, Dominique, Silver Laced Wyandotte, White Plymouth Rock, Cuckoo Marans, Barred Rock, Red Dorking, Brahmas, Cochins, and Silkies.
Observe the chick's feet, specifically whether they are feather-footed or clean-legged. Look for markings on their feathers, legs, or feet, and take note of their size. After three weeks, it will be easier to identify their breed as they will start to get their adult colouring.
Chicken breeds can be classified based on their purpose, such as egg-laying or meat production. Laying breeds are usually small-bodied and mature quickly, while meat chicken breeds are typically large-bodied and mature faster to reduce feed expenses.
