America 250 Series, Part 3: Barred Plymouth Rock

Close your eyes and picture a chicken Odds are you just pictured this one The black-and-white striped hen scratching around the barnyard is the Barred Plymouth Rock, and for the better part of a century it was the most common chicken in America Week three of our America 250 series belongs to the bird that became the picture of the American backyard

Top 3 Takeaways

  • It’s the chicken everyone pictures The barred black-and-white hen is the storybook American farm chicken, and it was one of the most popular breeds in the country for

All About the Wyandotte Chicken Breed

Thinking about adding a few Wyandotte chickens to your backyard flock? These gorgeous birds are famous for their striking laced feathers, their cold-hardy nature, and their dependable brown eggs They’re a favorite among homesteaders and first-time keepers alike, and for good reason But like any chicken, every Wyandotte has its own personality, and some may surprise you with a bit of attitude If you want a bird that looks beautiful in the yard, handles harsh winters, and still fills the egg basket, the Wyandotte chicken breed belongs on your short list

All About the Black Australorp Chicken Breed

When most people picture a backyard flock, breeds like Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, Leghorns, and Rhode Island Reds usually come to mind first But there’s one bird that deserves a spot near the top of every keeper’s list: the Black Australorp Famous around the world for its remarkable laying ability, easygoing personality, and glossy black feathers, the Black Australorp chicken breed has quietly earned a loyal following among first-time owners and seasoned homesteaders alike If you want a chicken that fills the egg basket and enjoys your company, this is a breed worth knowing

All About the Bielefelder Chicken Breed: A Complete Guide

Every so often a chicken comes along that checks nearly every box, and the Bielefelder chicken breed is exactly that kind of bird With its gorgeous feathering, gentle personality, and dependable brown eggs, this German-bred beauty has quietly become a favorite among backyard keepers across the United States It is the sort of breed you spot once in a hatchery catalog and immediately add to your wish list If you are curious whether the Bielefelder belongs in your coop, our full Bielefelder breed page and the guide below will tell you everything you need to know

Wyandotte Chickens: A Complete Guide to America’s Cold-Hardy Beauty

Few backyard breeds turn heads quite like Wyandotte chickens With their richly laced feathers, rounded bodies, and easygoing confidence, these birds have earned a loyal following among flock keepers across the country Wyandottes are one of the earliest chicken breeds developed in the United States, and they have been gracing farms and backyards for well over 100 years Whether you want a steady supply of eggs, a hardy bird for cold winters, or simply a stunning addition to a mixed flock, the Wyandotte delivers on every front

All About the Black Australorp: A Gentle, Record-Setting Layer

If you want a backyard hen that is as sweet-natured as she is productive, the Black Australorp belongs at the top of your list This glossy black beauty is one of the best brown egg layers in the world, gentle enough for children to handle and tough enough to thrive in nearly any climate The breed even set an egg-laying record that still impresses chicken keepers a century later Whether you are after a full egg basket, a friendly pet, or both, the Black Australorp delivers on every front Here is everything you need to know about this remarkable

All About the Sapphire Splash Chicken: Color, Eggs, and Temperament

Today’s breed is one many backyard keepers have never heard of, and that is a shame, because the Sapphire Splash is a beauty With its cool blue-grey plumage scattered with darker freckles, this striking hen is a cousin of the better-known Sapphire Gem and one of the friendliest chickens you can add to a flock The Sapphire Splash combines good looks, dependable egg laying, and a famously sweet temperament, which makes it a wonderful choice for families and first-time keepers alike If you want a bird that is as charming in personality as it is in color, this one

All About the Dominique Breed: America’s Oldest Chicken

At first glance, you might mistake a Dominique for a Barred Rock The two breeds share the same handsome black and white barred feathers, and telling them apart takes a close look The secret is in the comb The Dominique chicken is one of America’s most historic breeds, a calm, hardy heritage bird that has been part of American farms since colonial days Beautiful, friendly, and dependable in the nest box, the Dominique earns its place in any backyard flock Whether you are drawn to its rich history, its gentle nature, or its steady supply of brown eggs, this

All About the Rhode Island Red Chicken: Eggs, Traits, and Care

Most of us grew up with the story of the Little Red Hen and her lesson that hard work pays off It is a fitting introduction to the Rhode Island Red chicken, one of the most hardworking and recognizable breeds in America Energetic, friendly, and famously productive, the Rhode Island Red has earned its place as a backyard favorite and a true icon of American poultry If you have ever seen a chicken pictured on a feed sack or a farm sign, there is a good chance it was a Rhode Island Red Whether you want a reliable layer,

Starlight Green Egger: The Hardy Green Egg Layer Your Flock Needs

If you are looking for a hardy, beautiful chicken that fills your egg basket with gorgeous green eggs, look no further than the Starlight Green Egger This exclusive hybrid is available only at Hoover’s Hatchery, and once you meet one, it is easy to see why backyard chicken keepers fall in love I have raised these hens for several years now, and I am convinced they will always have a place in my flock They are productive, stunning to look at, and absolute experts at foraging One of mine, a sweet hen named “Christmas,” has been a loyal flock