Sophie Bennett
There are hundreds of chicken breeds, each known for a primary use, such as egg production or meat production. Breeds are the product of crossing two or more existing breeds and their offspring for some number of generations to produce a chicken with a distinct set of genetic characteristics or traits. On the other hand, a variety is a subdivision of a breed, differentiated by characteristics including plumage colour and pattern, comb type, and the presence of beards or muffs. For example, the Wyandotte breed is available in many colours, including White, Buff, Columbian, and Silver Laced, and each of these constitutes a separate variety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of breed | The product of crossing two or more existing breeds and their offspring for some number of generations to produce a chicken with a distinct set of genetic characteristics or traits that will, when mated, produce predictable offspring that will have the same set of genetic traits as both parents. |
| Definition of variety | A subdivision of a breed with differentiating characteristics including plumage colour and pattern, comb type, and the presence of beards or muffs. |
| Number of breeds and varieties | There are hundreds of chicken breeds and it would be impossible to discuss all of them. |
| Examples | The Wyandotte breed has varieties including Columbian, Silver Laced, Golden Laced, and Buff. Bantams are another example of a breed with bantam chickens being about one-fifth to one-quarter the size of the standard breed. |
| Hybrid | A hybrid is any cross between two or more breeds. Hybrids do not reliably pass on their features to their offspring but are highly valued for their producing abilities. |
| Designer breed | A designer breed is not recognised by the American Poultry Association (APA) and does not breed true. |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken breeds vs varieties
Chicken breeds and varieties are numerous and diverse, and it can be challenging to navigate the differences between them. The concept of chicken breeds emerged during the Victorian era's purebred animal craze, with breeders aiming to create individual strains within a breed or variety. This trend led to the development of distinct breeds through selective breeding, emphasising specific traits for particular purposes.
A chicken "breed" is an established group of individuals with consistent physical features, such as body shape, skin colour, number of toes, or feathered legs. When these individuals mate, they produce offspring that exhibit the same characteristics. For example, the Wyandotte breed encompasses several varieties, including Columbian, Silver Laced, and Golden Laced, each distinguished by unique feather colours and patterns. The Wyandotte breed, as a whole, maintains a distinct shape that unifies these different varieties.
Chicken "varieties," on the other hand, represent subdivisions within a breed. These varieties differ in characteristics like plumage colour and pattern, comb type, and the presence of beards or muffs. For instance, the White Leghorn is a variety within the broader breed of Leghorn chickens. While Leghorns are known for their high-strung nature and exceptional egg-laying abilities, the White Leghorn variety is specifically selected for its white egg-laying trait.
It is important to note that not all varieties are recognised as official breeds. Authorities like the American Poultry Association (APA) determine which genetic traits constitute an official breed. Some varieties, like the Favaucanas and Carolina Blues, are considered crosses, custom crosses, or designer breeds, lacking recognition as distinct breeds.
Additionally, bantam chickens, or miniatures, represent another layer of variety within breeds. These pint-sized chickens are about half the size of standard breeds, and some breeds, like Cochins and Silkies, offer both bantam and standard size varieties. Bantams are popular among urban dwellers due to their small size, diverse characteristics, and appeal as pets.
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Chicken hybrids
The creation of chicken hybrids began in the 1950s, with the aim of producing chickens with specific characteristics such as egg numbers, feed conversion, broad breasts, fast maturity, and body weight. Hybrids are often used by backyard chicken keepers and are ideal for beginners as they are usually vaccinated, tame, and cheaper than pure breeds. For example, a Point of Lay hybrid may cost between £10 and £15, compared to £25-£35 for a pure breed hen.
There are several benefits to using hybrids. Firstly, they are generally very fit and healthy due to the diversity of their parents' bloodlines. Secondly, sex linkage allows the sex of the chicks to be determined at one day old, which is useful for producing laying hens as it reduces rearing costs. Finally, hybrids may exhibit "Hybrid Vigor", where the offspring are superior to their parents in some way, such as being able to lay a greater number of eggs.
Hybrids do not breed true, so the original stock must be crossed again to create more hybrids. When crossing two breeds that lay brown eggs, the offspring will also lay brown eggs, but the shade may vary. Similarly, crossing a brown egg-laying rooster with a hen that lays blue or green eggs will result in chicks that lay green eggs.
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Bantam chickens
One notable bantam breed is the Sebright, known for its black lacing with either a gold or silver base colour. Sebrights have clean legs with slate blue skin and dark horn-coloured beaks. They lay very small, tinted eggs but are not known for their egg-laying productivity. Instead, they are primarily kept for ornamental and exhibition purposes.
Another popular bantam breed is the Mille Fleur D'Uccle, recognised for its mahogany feathers with speckles that become more beautiful with each moult. These bantams have friendly and docile temperaments, making them excellent pet chickens, especially for novice chicken keepers and children.
Other bantam varieties include the Blue Breasted Red Old English Bantams, Black-Tailed Buff Japanese Bantams, and Black-Tailed White Japanese Bantams, the latter being the most popular among the Japanese Bantams.
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Laying hen varieties
Chicken breeds are the product of crossing two or more breeds and their offspring over several generations. This process aims to produce chickens with distinct genetic traits, ensuring that offspring have the same characteristics as their parents. On the other hand, hybrids are crosses between two or more breeds, resulting in more vigorous birds. While all chickens lay eggs, some breeds are specifically selected and used primarily for egg production. These are typically lightweight birds whose hens rarely go broody.
When choosing laying hens, it is essential to consider factors beyond the number of eggs, such as temperament, foraging abilities, and feed requirements. For example, some breeds known for their egg-laying capabilities may exhibit aggressive behaviour. Additionally, chickens need 12-16 hours of daylight to lay eggs, and genetics also plays a role in their productivity.
- Plymouth Barred Rocks: These birds are well-rounded, docile, and easy to handle. They lay large brown eggs and perform well in both hot and cold climates.
- Marans: Originating from France, Marans come in different varieties and lay approximately 225 dark brown eggs annually. They are medium-sized and winter-hardy.
- Olive Egger: This breed lays beautiful olive-green eggs and is known for its friendly personality and consistency in egg-laying.
- Calico Princess: Calico Princess chickens have vibrant deep red feathers with light flecks, adding a gorgeous feather landscape to the flock. They are friendly and prolific layers, producing around 290 brown eggs per year.
- Lavender Ameraucanas: Known for their unique moonlight-like plumage and thick beards, these chickens lay vibrant blue or green eggs. They thrive in cold climates due to their extra-insulating hackle feathers and are reliable layers, producing up to five eggs per week.
- Blue Silkie Bantam: This bantam breed is gentle and affectionate, known for its soft, fluffy feathers that feel like fur. They come in various colours and are excellent family pets.
- Lavender Orpingtons: These rare chickens have striking light blue plumage and a gentle nature, making them perfect for families.
- Dark Brahma: With beautiful black and silver plumage, Dark Brahmas are cold-hardy and renowned for their winter egg-laying abilities. They are also excellent mothers and suitable for meat production due to their large size.
- Swedish Flower Hen: This breed offers a burst of colour with its vibrant plumage, adding a unique touch to any coop.
- Cream Legbar: The Cream Legbar is famous for laying beautiful blue eggs and has a friendly personality.
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Poultry standards
Chicken taxonomy does not conform to the same rules as biological taxonomy. A "breed" is the product of crossing two or more existing breeds and their offspring for a number of generations. This is done to produce chickens with a distinct set of genetic characteristics or traits that will, when a rooster and hen with this same set of traits mate, produce predictable offspring that will have the same set of genetic traits as both parents.
A "hybrid" chicken is any cross between two or more "breeds" or "varieties". Hybrids do not reliably pass on their features to their offspring but are highly valued for their producing abilities. There are a few hybrid strains that are common in the poultry world, especially on large poultry farms.
A "variety" is a subdivision of a breed. The differentiating characteristics include plumage colour and pattern, comb type, and the presence of beards or muffs. For example, the Wyandotte breed is available in many colours – White, Buff, Columbian, and Silver Laced – and in each, the physical shape and features are the same, but the feather colour and pattern differ, which constitutes each as a separate variety.
The national poultry association for each country decides which set of reproducible genetic traits constitutes an official "breed". In the USA, these are the APA (large fowl) and the ABA (Bantams). However, there are breeds recognised by poultry organisations in Europe that are not yet recognised in the USA.
Bantam chickens are the miniatures of the poultry world. They are usually one-fifth to one-quarter the size of the standard breed, but they are expected to exhibit all of the standard breed's characteristics. A true bantam has no large counterpart and is naturally small. Bantams are purebreds raised for exhibition and hobby.
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Frequently asked questions
A chicken breed is a group of chickens with similar physical features, such as body shape, skin colour, number of toes, and feathered or non-feathered legs. When mated, they produce offspring that have the same characteristics.
A variety is a subdivision of a breed. Varieties have differentiating characteristics, including plumage colour and pattern, comb type, and the presence of beards or muffs. For example, the Wyandotte breed has Columbian, Silver Laced, and Golden Laced varieties.
A hybrid chicken is any cross between two or more existing breeds. Hybrids do not reliably pass on their features to their offspring but are highly valued for their producing abilities.
Designer chicken breeds, such as Favaucanas, are not recognised by poultry associations like the American Poultry Association (APA). They are considered crosses of two other recognised breeds.
