Beautiful Chicken Breeds - Top 5 for Your Backyard

This summer has been very chickened-themed at our farm. Micah spent the last number of weeks building a brand new chicken coop – that we’re ready to unveil soon! And we have been slowly expanding our flock. One thing both Micah and I have been finding a lot of pleasure in lately is picking unusual or new to us chicken breeds. It is so fun to be getting eggs of different colors and also to watch as our backyard flock gets more and more colorful. After a bunch of research, here are the top 5 chicken breeds that I find the most beautiful for your backyard – and some extras!

Why bother with having different breeds of chickens?

Having a diverse array of chicken breeds in your backyard can be a fantastic idea for several compelling reasons. Here’s why:

Egg Variety

Different chicken breeds lay eggs of varying sizes, colors, and flavors. By keeping a mix of breeds, you can enjoy a delightful assortment of eggs. Whether you prefer large brown eggs, small blue-green ones, or something in between, a diverse flock ensures a colorful and flavorful breakfast.

Biodiversity

Promoting biodiversity is not just for larger ecosystems. In your own backyard, having various chicken breeds contributes to genetic diversity. This diversity can help the overall resilience of your flock, making them more resistant to diseases and environmental changes.

Unique Personalities

Each breed has its distinct personality traits. Some are friendly and docile, while others are more adventurous and independent. By having different breeds, you get to experience a broader range of chicken behaviors, making your backyard more entertaining and educational.

Adaptability

Different chicken breeds are better suited to specific climates and conditions. By diversifying your flock, you can select breeds that thrive in your local environment. This can lead to healthier, happier chickens that are more productive and easier to care for.

Heritage Preservation

Keeping a variety of chicken breeds helps preserve rare and heritage breeds that may be at risk of extinction. By raising these breeds, you contribute to their survival and the preservation of their unique genetic traits.

Aesthetics

Chickens come in a stunning array of colors, patterns, and feather types. A diverse flock can turn your backyard into a visual delight, like a living, breathing work of art. Different breeds can also make for beautiful photo opportunities.

Education

If you have children or are passionate about learning, having multiple chicken breeds can serve as an excellent educational tool. You can study and observe the distinct characteristics, behaviors, and egg-laying patterns of each breed, fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Community Engagement

Your diverse flock can become a conversation starter in your community. Neighbors and friends might be intrigued by the variety of chickens you raise, sparking discussions about backyard farming, sustainability, and the joys of keeping chickens.

Top 5 Most Beautiful Chicken Breeds for Your Backyard Flock

1. Silkie Chicken

Silkie chickens are one of the cutest chicken breeds when it comes to looks. They look so cute and fluffy and have such distinct personalities!

Fluffy Appearance: Silkies are instantly recognizable by their soft, downy feathers that lack the barbicels found in typical chicken feathers. This gives them a silky and fluffy appearance, much like a plush toy.
Distinctive Colors: Silkies come in various colors, including white, black, blue, gray, and buff. Their skin, bones, and even meat are dark bluish-black, setting them apart from other chicken breeds.
Crested Heads: Silkies have a distinctive crest of feathers on their heads, which gives them a somewhat comical and endearing appearance. Their small, round heads often sport a pair of blue earlobes.
Docile and Friendly: Silkies are have a friendly and gentle temperament. They are often a favorite choice for families, as they are generally calm and tolerant of handling. A silkie makes a great pet chicken and an excellent companion for children.
Broody Nature: Silkies have strong brooding instincts. They are excellent mothers and are great surrogate mothers for hatching and raising chicks from other breeds.
Limited Egg Production: While Silkies do lay eggs, they are not prolific layers compared to some other breeds. Their small eggs have cream-colored shells and a slightly lower egg production rate. However, their eggs have a very sweet and delicate flavor.
Cold and Heat Tolerant: Silkies are surprisingly hardy birds, capable of tolerating both hot and cold climates. Their fluffy feathers provide insulation in the cold, and their dark skin helps dissipate heat in the summer.

2. Brahma Chickens

Brahma chickens, often referred to as “King of Chickens,” are a majestic and impressive breed that stands out in the world of poultry. Here’s a brief overview of these remarkable birds:

Size and Appearance: Brahma chickens are large and have a striking appearance. They are among the largest chicken breeds, with hens weighing around 8-10 pounds and roosters reaching 12-14 pounds. Their plumage is thick and beautifully patterned, typically in shades of light or dark gray, black, or buff.
Distinctive Features: Their most notable trait is their feathered legs and feet, which look like fluffy “boots” of feathers. They also have a small, pea-sized comb and a pronounced, upright stance.
Friendly Temperament: Brahmas have a calm and gentle nature. They are docile birds, making them excellent choices for families and backyard flocks. Their easygoing disposition often makes them easy to handle and they make great pets.
Egg Production: While not the most prolific layers, Brahma hens lay a respectable number of large brown eggs. They may produce around 150-200 eggs per year, making them a reasonable choice for those seeking both eggs and companionship.
Cold-Hardy: Brahmas are exceptionally cold-hardy birds, thanks to their dense feathers, which provide insulation during chilly winters. Their adaptability to cold climates makes them a favorite in regions with harsh winters.
Historical Significance: This breed has a rich history, originating in the United States in the mid-1800s. Brahmas are believed to have been developed from large Asian breeds imported to the United States, and they quickly gained popularity for their impressive size and striking appearance.

We had a number of those hatch from our last incubator round and I’m so excited to see them grow and start laying!

3. Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rock chickens, often simply called “Plymouth Rocks,” are one of the most popular chicken breeds. I love their speckled appearance, and that they are such prolific egg layers.

Historical Roots: Plymouth Rock chickens have a rich history in the United States, dating back to the mid-1800s. They were developed in New England by crossing several breeds, including Dominiques, Black Javas, and Cochins, to create a robust and productive bird.
Distinctive Appearance: These chickens have a distinctive appearance with their barred black-and-white plumage, although there are other color varieties such as the Buff Plymouth Rock. Plymouth Rocks have single combs and bright red wattles and earlobes, adding to their classic barnyard look.
Temperament: Plymouth Rock chickens have a friendly and easygoing temperament. They are docile, calm, and adaptable, making them excellent choices for backyard flocks and families with children.
Egg Production: One of the key reasons for the popularity of Plymouth Rocks is their egg-laying prowess. These hens are consistent layers of large brown eggs, producing around 200 to 280 eggs per year. Their reliable egg production makes them a favorite on small farms.
Dual-Purpose Bird: In addition to their egg-laying capabilities, Plymouth Rocks have a high meat quality. Their well-rounded bodies and fine-textured flesh make them excellent dual-purpose birds, providing both eggs and meat for the table.
Cold-Hardy: Plymouth Rocks are great at withstanding colder climates. Their hardy nature, combined with their adaptable temperament, makes them suitable for various environmental conditions.
Low Maintenance: These chickens are relatively low-maintenance and resilient. They are not overly demanding in terms of care and are generally healthy and hardy birds.

4. Polish Chickens

I could not even believe this was a real chicken breed when I first saw the photos! Polish chickens, with their distinctive and often humorous appearance, are a fascinating and entertaining addition to any poultry flock.

Unmistakable Crest: Polish chickens are instantly recognizable by their impressive crest of feathers atop their heads, which can sometimes obscure their vision. This crest comes in various colors and gives them a distinctively whimsical appearance.
Feather Varieties: In addition to their crests, Polish chickens can have a variety of feather types, including bearded and non-bearded varieties. The combination of crest and beard creates a particularly striking look.
Colors and Varieties: Polish chickens come in a range of colors, including white, black, silver, gold, and many more. Each color variety adds to the breed’s charm and appeal.
Friendly and Docile: Despite their comical appearance, Polish chickens are known for their gentle and friendly temperament. They often become beloved pets and can be quite sociable with their human caretakers.
Egg Production: While not among the top egg-laying breeds, Polish hens do lay a respectable number of small to medium-sized white eggs. On average, they may produce around 150 to 200 eggs per year.
Challenges with Vision: Due to their crest, Polish chickens can sometimes have impaired vision, which can make them more vulnerable to predators. Care should be taken to provide a safe and secure environment for them.
Historical Roots: The origin of Polish chickens is somewhat obscure, but they have a long history dating back several centuries in Europe. They have been bred for their unique appearance and have become a distinctive and cherished breed.

5. Easter Eggers

Easter Eggers, often known as “Araucana-Americanas,” are a delightful and popular breed of chicken known for their colorful and distinctive eggs. We recently got 5 hens that are a variation of the Easter Egger breed. They just started laying and it’s so delightful to have different color eggs in our egg basket every day!

Egg Colors: Easter Eggers are best known for the unique and vibrant eggs they lay. The colors of their eggs can range from shades of blue and green to even pink or brown. These striking egg colors make them a favorite among backyard poultry keepers looking to add some diversity to their egg basket.
Hybrid Origins: Easter Eggers are not a standardized breed recognized by poultry associations but are instead a mix of various chicken breeds, often including Ameraucanas and Araucanas. Their colorful eggs are a result of genetic variations, and as a result, they come in a wide array of colors, patterns, and sizes.
Varied Appearance: Easter Eggers exhibit a wide range of appearances. Their plumage can be diverse, with variations in color and patterns. They may have muffs and beards (feather tufts on the face), giving them an endearing and distinctive look.
Temperament: Easter Eggers are generally known for their friendly and docile nature, making them excellent choices for families and backyard enthusiasts. They are often sociable and enjoy human interaction.
Egg Production: While not the most prolific layers among chicken breeds, Easter Eggers do lay a reasonable number of eggs. Hens typically produce around 150 to 200 eggs per year, making them a practical choice for those interested in both colorful eggs and engaging chickens.
Adaptability: Easter Eggers are adaptable to various climates and environments. They tend to be hardy birds, capable of withstanding both hot and cold weather conditions.

Other beautiful breeds to add to your backyard

Phoenix Chickens

Phoenix chickens are a captivating and unique breed, celebrated for their stunning and exotic appearance. Here’s a brief overview of these elegant birds:

Regal Appearance: Phoenix chickens are instantly recognizable for their long tails, that can extend well over a foot in length. This elegant and ornate tail gives them a regal and almost mythical appearance.
Origins in Japan: The Phoenix chicken breed has its roots in Japan, where it’s known as “Onagadori.” These birds were originally bred for their extraordinary tail feathers, which have a legendary place in Japanese culture and art.
Tail Feather Maintenance: Maintaining the beauty of their long tail feathers requires dedicated care. Owners often take special measures to protect and support the tail, including tail coops and grooming.
Color Varieties: Phoenix chickens come in a variety of colors, including black, white, silver, and golden. Each color variety adds to their allure and charm.
Friendly Temperament: Despite their striking appearance, Phoenix chickens are known for their friendly and docile nature. They can be quite sociable and are often raised for ornamental purposes and poultry exhibitions.
Limited Egg Production: While they may lay eggs, egg production is not a primary focus for Phoenix chickens. Their small to medium-sized eggs are typically light brown, and hens may lay around 150 to 200 eggs per year.
Long Lifespan: Phoenix chickens have a reputation for their longevity, often living longer than many other chicken breeds. Their impressive lifespan allows owners to enjoy their captivating beauty for years.

Buff Orpingtons Chickens

Buff Orpingtons are a beloved and popular breed of chicken known for their charming personality, beautiful appearance, and practicality. Here’s a brief overview of these delightful birds:

Golden Plumage: Buff Orpingtons are named for their gorgeous golden-buff plumage, which radiates warmth and elegance. Their feathers are soft and fluffy, making them look like plush, cuddly chickens.
Friendly and Docile: These chickens have a reputation for their friendly and calm temperament. They are known to be gentle and sociable, making them excellent choices for families, beginners, and backyard enthusiasts.
Cold-Hardy: Buff Orpingtons are well-suited to colder climates. Their dense plumage provides excellent insulation, helping them stay comfortable even in chilly weather.
Good Egg Layers: While not among the most prolific egg layers, Buff Orpington hens are respectable in terms of egg production. They typically lay large brown eggs, averaging around 180 to 200 eggs per year.
Dual-Purpose Breed: Buff Orpingtons are considered dual-purpose birds, meaning they are valued for both their egg-laying abilities and meat quality. Their plump bodies and tender meat make them a practical choice for those seeking to raise chickens for the table.
Broody Nature: Buff Orpington hens are known for their strong broody instincts. They often make excellent mothers and are reliable when it comes to incubating and caring for chicks.
Historical Significance: The Buff Orpington breed has a storied history, originating in England in the late 1800s. They quickly gained popularity for their attributes, becoming one of the most cherished and recognized breeds worldwide.

Rhode Island Red Chickens

Rhode Island Red chickens, often simply called “RIRs,” are an iconic and dependable breed. Here’s a brief overview of these well-regarded birds:

Rich History: Rhode Island Reds have a historical lineage dating back to the mid-1800s in the United States, particularly in the state of Rhode Island. They were developed for their exceptional egg-laying capabilities and robust nature.
Distinctive Appearance: These chickens have a deep, mahogany-red plumage, which ranges from dark to lighter shades. They have single combs, red wattles, and yellow legs, giving them a classic and traditional barnyard look.
Egg-Laying Superstars: Rhode Island Reds are exceptional egg-layers. Hens consistently produce large, brown eggs, averaging around 200 to 300 eggs per year. Their reliable egg production makes them a favorite among those seeking a steady supply of fresh eggs.
Dual-Purpose Birds: In addition to their egg-laying abilities, Rhode Island Reds are dual-purpose birds. They have a well-rounded body and fine meat quality, making them suitable for both egg and meat production.
Hardiness: These chickens are hardy and adaptable to various climates and environments. They are resilient and able to thrive in different conditions.
Friendly Temperament: Rhode Island Reds have a reputation for their friendly and docile nature. They are often sociable and can be quite easy to handle, making them suitable for families and backyard enthusiasts.
Conservation: The Rhode Island Red breed has been recognized by conservation organizations due to its historical significance and contributions to sustainable agriculture. Efforts have been made to preserve and protect this breed.
Low Maintenance: These chickens are relatively low-maintenance and generally healthy. They are not overly demanding in terms of care and are very reliable.

Olive Eggers

Olive Eggers are a unique and captivating breed of chicken known for laying eggs with an extraordinary color – shades of olive or sage green. Here’s a brief overview of these intriguing birds:

Egg Color: The defining feature of Olive Eggers is the color of their eggs. They lay eggs with shells in various shades of green, thanks to a specific genetic combination. The color can range from light pastel greens to deeper olive hues, adding a beautiful and novel twist to the traditional egg basket.
Hybrid Origins: Olive Eggers are not a standardized breed but are instead hybrids. They are typically created by crossing a chicken breed with a blue egg gene (such as Ameraucana or Araucana) and a breed known for its brown egg-laying capabilities (like a Rhode Island Red or Marans). This cross results in offspring that inherit the blue egg gene but lay eggs with a greenish tint due to the brown egg layer’s influence.
Varied Appearance: Olive Eggers come in various plumage colors and patterns, depending on the parent breeds used in the cross. As a result, they can have a diverse and attractive appearance.
Friendly and Productive: Just like their parent breeds, Olive Eggers often inherit friendly and sociable personalities. They are generally easygoing and can be great additions to a backyard flock.
Egg Production: While not known for prolific egg production, Olive Eggers lay a reasonable number of eggs each year. The novelty of their unique egg color often adds to their appeal, making them a popular choice among backyard poultry enthusiasts.
Egg Quality: Beyond their intriguing color, Olive Egger eggs are valued for their excellent taste and quality. The yolks tend to be rich and flavorful, making them a favorite for culinary enthusiasts and those who appreciate farm-fresh eggs.