From egg-layers to ornamental chickens: a comprehensive guide to the many different chicken breeds
An overview of different types of chickens
There are many different chicken breeds. Just like with dog breeds, there are certain characteristics between the breeds. Some chicken breeds are more suitable for laying eggs, as they produce more regular, high-quality eggs.
eggs. Other chicken breeds lay fewer eggs but have a higher meat content and grow faster. We have listed the different types of chickens there are and which breeds they include here.
IMPORTANT!Chickens consume life energy while growing or laying eggs. Therefore, chickens that grow very large at an above-average rate or lay more than 1 egg per day are more susceptible to diseases and have a shorter life expectancy. Eggs that are too large can be harmful and even fatal for the hens. In order to avoid breeding pains, you should find out more about the breed you have chosen.
Laying hens:
Laying hens usually lay one egg every two days and therefore lay comparatively more frequently and with higher quality than others, but have a light and slender build. This means that these hens can use their energy specifically for egg production. They need less, but a special feed rich in calcium and protein to promote the quality of the eggs and the growth of the hens.
Other factors, such as age after the second year of life, also affect egg production. For example, they lay less in winter than in summer as the days are shorter. Artificial light can mitigate this effect. However, too long a period of exposure could disrupt the natural circadian rhythm and cause stress.
Optimal environmental conditions, such as a temperature between 10°C and 25°C or favorable air quality with the help of good ventilation, also have a positive effect on egg production and health.
Enough space and sufficient exercise improves the hen's condition and reduces the feeling of stress.
The wrong diet or a lack of hygiene can have a negative effect on health and lead to diseases, parasite infestation or stress, as a result of which the quality deteriorates and the frequency of egg production can decrease or even cease completely.
Breeds that belong to this category are for example the Leghornwhich are known for their exceptionally high egg production and regular laying of large, white eggs. The Rhode Island Red is a hardy breed with good brown egg production. The last example is the Australorpan Australian breed with high egg production and the ability to lay in cold weather.
Meat chickens:
Meat chickensalso known as broilers, are chicken breeds that are mainly bred for their meat quality. These chicken breeds are designed to grow fast and large. Compared to other chicken breeds, a considerable proportion of their body weight consists of meat and they reach the ideal slaughter weight earlier. Their meat quality is more tender and juicy, which is why they are preferred for consumption.
Again, these chickens lay significantly fewer eggs than laying hens. As a rule, they lay one egg every two to four days.
These chickens require special feed. They need a high-protein diet to promote growth and build muscle mass.
Protein-rich sources include soy, corn, wheat, fish or meat meal. Additional feed with a high energy density, such as corn, cereals and fats, as well as additional minerals and vitamins are used to support this. Feed additives such as enzymes or amino acids can improve digestion and feed efficiency.
The breed Cornish Cross is the most popular due to its fast growth rate and high meat yield. The breed is known for its good meat quality and robustness. Freedom Ranger breed, which is well suited to free-range farming. One of the largest chicken breeds, which is known for its meat quality but grows more slowly, is the Jersey Giant.
Ornamental chickens:
Ornamental chickens often serve as pets and natural pest controllers.
Their charming demeanor and friendly personality make them very popular. They often bring entertainment and joy to their owners and can be an asset to the garden or yard.
There are a variety of chicken breeds that are kept as ornamental poultry, including Silkies, Brahma, Polish, Serama, Silkie and many more. Each breed is distinguished by its own unique characteristics, be it their curly plumage, their beautiful and varied feathers or even the unusual and bright colors of the eggshells.
Many ornamental chicken breeders and keepers take part in poultry shows to showcase their chickens and exchange ideas with other breeders. These shows are often arranged by poultry clubs and provide an opportunity to showcase the variety of chicken breeds and award prizes to the best representatives of each breed.
A very popular breed is the silk hendue to its silky and soft plumage as well as its
friendly nature. The breed Brahma breeds beautiful and large chickens with a normal laying performance and is suitable for families and beginners due to its calm temperament. The Phoenix hen is one of the most beautiful chicken breeds and quickly becomes tame. They are robust and independent and lay around 160 eggs a year.
Dual-purpose chickens:
Dual-purpose chickens are breeds that are bred for both egg production and meat production. These chicken breeds often have a moderate egg production and a good meat yield, but are not specialized for a specific function. These chicken breeds have been developed through selective breeding for a combination of traits that are beneficial for both egg production and meat production. These include moderate egg production, healthy growth and an acceptable meat yield. This makes rearing more attractive for self-supporters or as a hobby, as you get both meat and sufficient eggs.
They are often characterized by their robustness and are usually more resistant to diseases and environmental stressors than highly specialized breeds.
Popular breeds include the Plymouth Rockwhich lay brown eggs and are very robust. The breed Sussex is a versatile chicken breed with good egg production and meat quality. Their plumage can have different colors and they lay brown eggs. The Wyandotte hen is a striking chicken breed with good egg production and meat quality. They have double feathering and their plumage also comes in different colors.
Hybrid chickens:
Hybrid chickens can belong to different types of chicken breeds, but they have been specifically bred for high egg production and rapid growth. They are the result of the deliberate crossing of different chicken breeds whose genetic make-up does not necessarily harmonize with each other. However, there are crossbreeds whose genetic make-up does not lead to the problems of torture breeding.
Hybrid chickens often lay more than 300 eggs in their first year, but this intensive performance means that their productivity drops sharply after a year and their lifespan is shortened. In addition, they are more susceptible to diseases due to the high stress on their organism.
Examples of hybrid hens are Lohmann Brown, ISA Brown and Hubbard.
Conclusion
Depending on individual needs, certain chicken breeds are more suitable than others. Dual-purpose chickens, which are not overly bred for performance, are well suited to self-sufficiency as they are less susceptible to disease, have a longer lifespan and can provide both eggs and meat.
For beginners or families, tame ornamental chickens with a friendly nature are a good choice. They produce eggs moderately and can also provide meat.
Specialized chicken breeds that are geared towards either egg laying or meat production are better suited for commercial purposes.