You’ve decided to keep some chickens. 

            Maybe you fancy a regular supply of fresh eggs, or would like the family to have some interesting and useful pets. 

            You might live in the country with plenty of space, or be a town dweller with a small back garden. 

            With so many varieties of chickens available, there will be one to suit your requirements. The only problem is choosing!

 

These were originally developed as commercial layers. Several varieties have now become popular as back-garden hens, being generally robust, friendly birds, with outstanding laying capabilities.   

            Examples of hybrid layers: Black Rock, Bovans Nera, Speckledy

These are the traditional chickens, recognised by the Poultry Club of Great Britain, www.poultryclub.org. Their colourings and characteristics are set out in the breed standards. 

            Pure breeds are more expensive to buy than hybrids, and are less productive. However, they are often very attractive, and it is possible to breed from them.

            The ‘light breeds’ are considered the best layers. Some of these can be nervous or flighty. They mostly lay white eggs.

            Examples of light breeds: Leghorn, Ancona, Minorca

            The ‘heavy breeds’ tend to be calmer.  Some are good layers of brown or tinted eggs.   These hens are more likely to ‘go broody,’ when they will stop laying, and try to incubate their eggs.

Many of the large breeds are available in smaller versions. There are also ‘true bantams’ with no large equivalent, some of which can be very determinedly broody.  Bantam eggs are small, but often well-flavoured.       

 

Although all types are capable of laying eggs, there is a wide variation in productivity. Hybrids are usually the most regular and reliable layers.   

 

Pure breeds often have beautifully coloured plumage, and can become a real talking point. The heavy breeds are generally more friendly and easier to tame, than the flightier light breeds. 

            Some chickens have unusual and eye-catching features, such as feathered feet and legs, crests or beards, but this extra feathering may need some additional care.

            For small children, many of the bantam varieties will make good pets.

 

Traditional dual-purpose chickens will mostly be found amongst the heavy breeds.  

 

You will need good quality pure breeds to start producing birds for showing.  

 

The space available will also affect your choice. Some breeds dislike being confined (Appenzeller, Hamburgh), so would be unsuitable for a chicken ark, but could find much of their own food if allowed freedom to forage. 

            Very large chickens (Brahma, Cochin) need enough room to exercise, but usually prefer a sedate lifestyle.

            If space is very limited, a couple of small bantams may be suitable.   

 

Having decided what sort of chickens you would like, take time to look at the breeds available locally. Individual characteristics can vary - you may find a friendly Leghorn or a flighty Sussex. Even so, by taking into account the usual qualities of the breeds, as well as your requirements, you should be able to make an informed choice.