Chicken Breeds Ultimate Guide

The Java chicken breed is a historic and versatile dual purpose breed originating in the United States in the mid 19th century. Known for their striking appearance with black plumage and bright red combs, Javas are robust, excellent foragers, and boast good egg laying abilities as well as fine meat quality. These friendly and active birds are a great choice for backyard poultry enthusiasts looking for a heritage breed that excels in both egg production and meat yield.

The Jersey Giant is a renowned breed of chicken that stands out for its impressive size, with roosters weighing up to 13 pounds and hens reaching 10 pounds. Known for their gentle demeanor and excellent meat production, Jersey Giants are a popular choice among poultry enthusiasts. Originating in the United States in the late 19th century, these birds boast shiny black feathers and a sturdy build, making them a valuable addition to any backyard flock looking for a dual purpose breed that excels in both meat and egg production.

Ko Shamo chickens are a small, gamefowl breed known for their upright posture, fierce demeanor, and striking appearance. Originating in Japan, they have a compact, muscular build with distinctive long, narrow tails carried high. Ko Shamos come in a variety of colors and patterns, with both sexes typically displaying similar physical characteristics. Renowned for their resilience and adaptability, these birds are popular among poultry enthusiasts for their unique traits and stunning presence in the flock.

La Bresse Gauloise chickens are a French breed known for their fine meat quality and striking appearance. They have a unique combination of white feathers and bright red combs, making them easily recognizable. These birds are known for their rapid growth, resulting in flavorful, tender meat. La Bresse Gauloise chickens thrive in free range environments and are prized by chefs for their superior taste and texture. Their heritage status highlights their importance in preserving traditional poultry breeds.

La Fleche chickens are a distinct French breed known for their striking appearance, with a distinctive V shaped comb, black plumage, and feathered feet. These dual purpose birds are prized for their flavorful meat and are known for their robust health and active disposition. La Fleche chickens are excellent foragers and thrive in free range environments, making them a popular choice for sustainable farming practices and backyard poultry enthusiasts. Their unique appearance and hardy nature make them a valuable addition to any flock.

The Lakenvelder chicken breed is known for its striking appearance with a striking black and white color pattern. Originating from the Netherlands, these chickens are admired for their elegant and graceful stature. They are dual purpose birds, valued for their high quality eggs and flavorful meat. Lakenvelders are active foragers and do well in free range settings. With a friendly and docile temperament, they make excellent additions to backyard flocks. Truly, the Lakenvelder is a breed that combines beauty, utility, and charm.

The Lamon chicken breed is a rare Italian breed known for its striking appearance, characterized by a unique combination of black feathers with golden or red accents. These chickens are prized for their friendly and docile nature, making them excellent pets for families. Lamon chickens are dual-purpose birds, valued for their high egg productivity and flavorful meat. With their stunning plumage and gentle demeanor, Lamon chickens are a delightful addition to any backyard flock.

The Langshan is a striking breed of chicken known for its tall and elegant appearance, with glossy black feathers that shimmer in the sunlight. Originating from China, Langshans are well regarded for their calm and friendly temperament, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks. These birds are excellent layers of large brown eggs and are also valued for their flavorful meat. Langshans do well in free range environments and are adaptable to various climates, making them a versatile and attractive breed for poultry enthusiasts.

The Legbar chicken breed is known for its striking appearance, charming personality, and exceptional egg laying abilities. Originating in Britain, Legbars are prized for their blue or green eggs and distinctive crest on top of their heads. These friendly and active birds also come in various color varieties, including Cream, Gold, and Silver Legbars. With their efficient foraging habits and docile nature, Legbars make delightful additions to any backyard flock, delighting both novice and experienced poultrykeepers alike.

As an expert in the leghorn chicken breed, I can tell you that leghorns are known for their prolific egg laying abilities and distinctive white feathers. Originally bred in Italy, leghorns are popular for their hardiness, high energy levels, and excellent foraging skills. They are a smaller sized bird, with a friendly and active disposition, making them a favorite among backyard chicken keepers for their dependable egg production and lively presence in the flock.

The Lohmann Brown chicken breed is a popular choice among farmers for its exceptional egg laying capabilities and mild temperament. Originating in Germany, this hybrid breed is known for its efficient feed conversion, robust health, and consistent production of large brown eggs. Their friendly demeanor makes them easy to handle and ideal for backyard flocks. With proper care and nutrition, Lohmann Brown chickens can lay an impressive number of eggs throughout their productive lives.

The Malay chicken breed is a striking and rare breed known for its tall, upright stature and graceful appearance. Originating from Malaysia, these chickens are highly prized for their elegant carriage and beautiful plumage. With a docile temperament and natural foraging abilities, Malays are excellent free range birds. Though they are slow to mature and not known for high egg production, their unique characteristics and historical significance make them a valuable addition to any poultry enthusiast's flock.