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 Turken: The Naked Neck Chicken Breed
Few chickens turn heads quite like the Turken With its bare, featherless neck and one of the most misunderstood names in the poultry world, this breed sparks plenty of questions and more than a few double takes Also known as the Naked Neck chicken, the Turken is a hardy, productive, and surprisingly friendly bird that has earned a devoted following among backyard keepers Whether you find it charming or comical, there is a lot to love about this unusual chicken Here is everything you need to know about the Turken, starting with the question everyone asks first
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 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,
Jersey Giant Chickens: Big, Mellow Backyard Birds
If you want a backyard bird that turns heads and stays calm while doing it, the Jersey Giant chicken is hard to beat True to the name, this is one of the largest chicken breeds in the world, yet Jersey Giants are famous for being gentle, easygoing, and wonderfully easy to handle They lay big brown eggs, shrug off cold winters, and settle into a small flock without the drama you get from flightier breeds Whether you are drawn to their size, their mellow personality, or their rich history, the Jersey Giant has a lot going for it
All About the Black Copper Marans Breed: Eggs, Traits, and Care
If you want a calm, beautiful hen that lays some of the darkest eggs in the poultry world, the Black Copper Marans deserves a spot on your shortlist This French breed has earned a loyal following among backyard keepers for its glossy black feathers, gentle personality, and famously rich chocolate-brown eggs Marans eggs are so prized that the French-trained chef Julia Child is often said to have favored them in her own kitchen Whether you raise chickens for the egg basket, the beauty, or both, the Black Copper Marans has a lot to offer
All About the Mystic Onyx Breed: A Striking Addition to Any Backyard Flock
If you have been searching for a chicken that turns heads the moment visitors walk up to your run, the Mystic Onyx breed belongs on your shortlist Developed by Hoover’s Hatchery in recent years, this bird pairs glossy dark feathers with the rare trait of black skin It was originally created as a meat bird, but its good looks and friendly nature have helped it take backyard flocks by storm Below, we will walk through everything you need to know before you bring a few Mystic Onyx chickens home
All About the Barred Plymouth Rock Breed
If you are dreaming up your first backyard flock, the Barred Plymouth Rock deserves a spot near the top of your list This classic American breed is gentle, productive, and so easygoing that it practically raises your confidence as a chicken keeper right along with the flock With their striking black and white striped feathers and sweet, people-loving personalities, Barred Rocks have earned a loyal following among homesteaders and hobbyists alike They are the kind of bird that turns a casual interest in chickens into a full blown love affair