15 Chickens Backyard Breeds Ideas: Perfect for Your Urban or Suburban Garden
Raising chickens in your backyard can be a rewarding experience, offering fresh eggs, a fun hobby, and even a bit of entertainment. But choosing the right breed can make all the difference in how enjoyable and productive your chicken-keeping adventure will be. Whether you’re new to raising chickens or an experienced keeper looking to add to your flock, this list of 15 chicken breeds will help you find the perfect fit for your backyard.
From hearty layers to fluffy companions, each breed has unique characteristics that can match your space, lifestyle, and goals. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 different backyard chicken breeds, providing all the details you need to make an informed decision. So, whether you’re focusing on egg production, personality, or simply adding beauty to your backyard, you’re sure to find something here that piques your interest.
1. Rhode Island Red: The Hardy Classic
Rhode Island Reds are among the most popular backyard chicken breeds due to their resilience, productivity, and hardiness in various climates. Known for their ability to thrive in both cold and warm weather, they are a fantastic option for almost any region across the United States. These chickens are particularly praised for their impressive egg-laying capabilities, producing an abundance of large brown eggs throughout the year.
One of the standout features of Rhode Island Reds is their low-maintenance nature. They are friendly, calm, and tend to do well in flocks of varying sizes. Their strong survival instincts also make them highly independent, and they are less prone to diseases than some other breeds, making them a great choice for beginner chicken keepers.
While Rhode Island Reds are not as docile as some other breeds, they are relatively friendly, especially when raised in a flock with other gentle birds. They can be a bit territorial, so it’s important to introduce new chickens slowly to avoid conflict. Overall, they’re perfect for those who want a reliable egg producer that requires minimal attention.
2. Silkie: The Fluffy Friend
If you’re looking for a more unique and friendly breed, the Silkie chicken is a great option. With their soft, fluffy feathers that resemble fur more than typical feathers, Silkies are truly adorable. They have a distinct look, with feathered feet, a black or blue skin color, and a sweet, docile temperament that makes them one of the most popular breeds for families and urban chicken keepers.
Silkies are small in size, which makes them ideal for small backyards or urban settings. Despite their size, they are extremely friendly and enjoy being around people, making them excellent pets for children or those seeking a companionable chicken. They’re also fairly quiet, which is an added bonus for people living in suburban or city areas where noise may be a concern.
However, while Silkies are wonderful pets and very gentle, they are not the best egg producers. Their egg-laying abilities are modest at best, typically producing small white eggs sporadically. But for those seeking a calm and affectionate backyard chicken, the Silkie is an excellent choice.
3. Plymouth Rock: The Friendly Feathered Companion
The Plymouth Rock is another popular breed, known for its striking black-and-white striped plumage and calm personality. These chickens are often a favorite among beginners due to their friendly disposition and ease of handling. They are known to be very social and are usually eager to interact with humans, making them a great choice for families with children or anyone looking for a pet-like chicken.
In addition to their sociable nature, Plymouth Rocks are also good egg layers, producing medium to large brown eggs consistently. Their hardy nature means they can handle colder climates, making them a good all-year-round bird. They’re not as high-energy as some other breeds, making them a solid choice for those who prefer a more relaxed and easy-going chicken in their backyard.
Their calm demeanor and charming appearance make them a standout breed for those looking to add a beautiful and friendly bird to their flock.
4. Leghorn: The Egg-Laying Machine
Leghorns are among the most productive egg-laying chickens you can get, known for their prolific production of white eggs. While they are not the most ornamental breed, their excellent egg-laying capabilities make them a favorite among those who prioritize production over appearance. These chickens are active and tend to be excellent foragers, so they thrive when given plenty of outdoor space to roam.
Leghorns are known for being hardy in both hot and cold weather, though they are generally better suited for warmer climates. They are an independent and energetic breed, so they may not be the best choice for those who want low-maintenance chickens that will stay close to home. They are also known for being flighty, so it’s important to have a secure coop and yard to prevent them from escaping.
Despite their high energy and occasional aloofness, Leghorns are hardworking birds that can keep your egg basket full all year long. They make a fantastic choice for anyone serious about egg production.
5. Australorp: The Gentle Giant
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Australorps are a breed known for their calm, docile temperament and impressive egg production. They are particularly prized for their ability to lay a significant number of large brown eggs—often more than 300 per year. This makes them a top pick for chicken keepers who want reliable egg production without the need for a lot of hands-on care.
In addition to being excellent layers, Australorps are quite large, giving them a striking presence in the backyard. Their friendly nature and quiet demeanor make them great companions in flocks of all sizes, and they tend to get along well with other breeds. They are also highly adaptable, doing well in a range of climates, though they do best in moderate temperatures.
For those who enjoy a big, gentle bird with consistent egg production, the Australorp is an ideal breed to consider.
6. Easter Egger: The Colorful Egg Layer
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Easter Eggers are known for their vibrant and varied egg colors, which can range from blue to green, pink, and even lavender. These chickens are a perfect choice for those looking to add a bit of color and fun to their backyard while enjoying delicious and unique eggs. Their quirky personalities and diverse color range make them a hit with both experienced chicken keepers and beginners alike.
Easter Eggers are friendly and social chickens, often enjoying human interaction and the company of other chickens. They can be a bit more flighty compared to some of the other more docile breeds, so it’s important to ensure your coop and yard are secure. However, with the right environment, Easter Eggers can make excellent pets.
Though their egg production isn’t quite as high as some of the more prolific layers, Easter Eggers are still reliable enough to provide a steady supply of colorful eggs throughout the year. They’re a fantastic option for anyone looking to add a splash of color and fun to their backyard chicken flock.
7. Buff Orpington: The Golden Beauty
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Buff Orpingtons are known for their beautiful golden feathers, calm temperament, and impressive size. These large, friendly birds are fantastic all-purpose chickens, known for their ability to provide both meat and eggs. Their egg-laying capabilities are solid, producing medium to large brown eggs, often consistently throughout the year.
Beyond their productivity, Buff Orpingtons are incredibly friendly and docile, making them perfect for families, first-time chicken owners, or anyone looking for a calm, easy-to-handle breed. They are very social and get along well with other chickens, creating a harmonious atmosphere in the flock.
Though they are generally hardy, Buff Orpingtons do better in moderate climates, as they can struggle with heat due to their thick feathering. Overall, their gentle nature, beauty, and reliability make them an excellent choice for backyard chicken enthusiasts.
8. Brahma: The Majestic Giants
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Brahmas are one of the largest chicken breeds, often referred to as “the kings of the chicken yard” due to their imposing size and majestic appearance. They are gentle giants, known for their calm, docile nature, making them great companions in the backyard. Despite their size, Brahmas are relatively friendly and can be raised with other breeds in a mixed flock.
Brahmas are excellent for cold climates, as their large bodies and dense feathers help them stay warm during the winter months. They are moderate egg layers, producing large brown eggs with consistency. However, due to their size, Brahmas require more space to roam and might not be the best option for smaller backyards or urban settings.
Their friendly nature and impressive appearance make Brahmas a popular choice for those looking for a show-stopping chicken breed that’s both functional and gorgeous.
9. Wyandotte: The Hardy and Beautiful Layer
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Wyandottes are a popular breed for backyard flocks due to their beauty and productivity. They come in a variety of colors, including silver, gold, and blue, with stunning plumage that adds a touch of elegance to any chicken yard. These chickens are hardy and adaptable, able to handle both hot and cold weather conditions with ease.
In addition to their beauty, Wyandottes are consistent layers of medium to large brown eggs, providing a steady supply for your family. They are calm and friendly, but they can sometimes be a bit shy, especially around new people or animals. However, they do well in flocks and tend to get along with other breeds.
For those looking for a beautiful and hardy breed with reliable egg production, Wyandottes are an excellent choice.
10. Cochin: The Lovable Puffballs
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Cochins are some of the fluffiest and most adorable chickens you can add to your backyard flock. Known for their large size and abundant feathering, especially on their legs and feet, they almost look like little puffballs running around. Despite their size, Cochins have a gentle and calm temperament, making them excellent pets for families, particularly those with children.
Their docile nature and love of human interaction make them a favorite among backyard chicken keepers. While they are friendly and social, they are also a bit more laid-back than some other breeds, often preferring to remain in one area of the yard rather than roam and forage. Cochins are not the most prolific egg layers, producing only a moderate number of eggs annually, but they do lay medium-sized brown eggs that are perfect for personal use.
Cochins are also known to handle cold weather very well due to their dense feathering. This makes them a great option for those in cooler climates. However, their fluffy feathers can make them more prone to heat stress in warmer weather, so it’s essential to provide shade and a cool place for them during hot months.
Despite their relatively low egg production, Cochins are loved for their sweet nature, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking for a lovable and beautiful bird in their backyard.
11. Sussex: The Friendly Forager
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Sussex chickens are one of the most versatile and adaptable breeds, well-suited for a variety of climates and living conditions. Known for their friendly and curious nature, they are fantastic foragers, making them great additions to backyards where they can roam freely. They’ll happily scratch around your garden or yard, helping to control pests and weeds in a natural way.
Sussex chickens come in a variety of colors, from red to speckled to pure white, making them visually interesting as well as productive. They are reliable egg layers, producing large brown eggs consistently throughout the year. Their calm demeanor means they are also easy to handle and make good pets for families, especially those who want chickens that enjoy human interaction.
These chickens are hardy in both cold and warm climates, which makes them adaptable for various regions across the country. Their ability to forage is one of their strongest traits, and they thrive in free-range environments where they can search for food and explore.
If you want a breed that will provide reliable eggs, help in your garden, and be a friendly companion, Sussex chickens are an excellent choice for your backyard.
12. Marans: The Dark Egg Layers
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Marans chickens are best known for the dark, rich brown eggs they lay. Their eggs are a beautiful shade of deep chocolate, making them one of the most sought-after breeds for those who want to add variety and luxury to their egg collection. Beyond their stunning eggs, Marans are hardy birds with calm, friendly personalities that make them easy to handle.
While they are not as prolific as some other breeds in terms of egg production, Marans lay eggs consistently throughout the year, making them a reliable choice for those who appreciate the beauty of a dark egg. Their eggs are not only visually striking but are also considered to have a richer taste compared to the average brown egg, adding to their allure.
In terms of temperament, Marans are generally quiet and docile, which makes them great additions to smaller backyards. They get along well with other chickens and are calm enough to interact with people. However, they do require a bit of extra care in colder climates due to their more sensitive nature. If you’re looking to add unique eggs to your breakfast table and appreciate a more tranquil chicken to raise, Marans will be a fantastic choice.
13. Ameraucana: The Blue Egg Wonder
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Ameraucana chickens are well known for laying beautiful blue eggs that range in hue from light sky blue to darker shades of turquoise. These chickens have a unique, striking appearance with their “muff” (a tuft of feathers around the face) and “beard,” giving them a distinctive look that sets them apart from other breeds. Not only are they a joy to look at, but they are also friendly and easy to handle, making them ideal for backyard settings.
Ameraucanas are relatively hardy and adaptable, performing well in various climates across the United States. Their friendly and calm nature makes them a popular choice for families or urban chicken keepers. They enjoy human interaction, and many Ameraucanas will follow their keepers around like a loyal pet, making them both functional and delightful to have around.
Although they are not the most prolific layers compared to breeds like Leghorns, Ameraucanas provide a steady supply of medium-sized blue eggs. The unique color of their eggs adds a fun and colorful touch to your egg basket, making them a popular breed for those who love variety. For anyone looking for a chicken with a bit of flair and an unforgettable egg color, Ameraucanas are a perfect addition to your flock.
14. Hamburg: The Spirited and Elegant Choice
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Hamburg chickens are an elegant and spirited breed known for their striking looks and active nature. These small to medium-sized birds come in a variety of colors, including black, white, and silver, often with a glossy, iridescent sheen to their feathers. Hamburgs are energetic and love to roam, making them ideal for free-range environments where they can forage and explore.
Known for their excellent egg-laying capabilities, Hamburgs produce small to medium-sized white eggs consistently. They are not as heavy as other breeds, but their egg production makes them a valuable addition to any backyard flock. In addition to their productivity, Hamburgs are very hardy and can thrive in a variety of climates, from cold to warm.
Due to their spirited nature, Hamburgs may not be the best choice for those looking for a calm and docile chicken. They are more independent and enjoy their space, which can make them a bit flighty around people. However, their beauty, intelligence, and reliable egg production make them an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a unique and elegant breed to their flock.
15. Jersey Giant: The Gentle Giant of the Flock
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As their name suggests, Jersey Giants are one of the largest chicken breeds, with some roosters reaching over 13 pounds in weight. Despite their size, they are known for their friendly and calm nature, making them a gentle addition to any backyard. These birds are incredibly slow to mature, taking up to two years to reach full size, but they are worth the wait for those who appreciate large, docile chickens.
Jersey Giants are primarily kept for both egg production and meat, as they are one of the best dual-purpose breeds. They lay large brown eggs consistently, though not as many as some of the smaller, more active breeds. Their gentle demeanor and ability to get along with other chickens make them excellent flock members. They also handle both cold and hot weather well, which makes them adaptable to various climates.
Their large size means they need plenty of space to roam and thrive, so they are best suited for larger backyards or properties. For those who want a dependable, calm, and productive bird, the Jersey Giant is an excellent option.
Conclusion
Raising chickens in your backyard is not only a fun and fulfilling experience but also an opportunity to enjoy fresh, homegrown eggs and the simple pleasures of tending to your flock. With so many breeds to choose from, it’s important to select the right one for your needs, whether you’re looking for high egg production, friendly companions, or unique, colorful eggs.
The breeds we’ve covered here are among the best for backyard settings in the U.S., offering a variety of benefits such as consistent egg laying, beauty, and temperament. Whether you choose the hardy Rhode Island Red, the fluffy Silkie, or the striking Marans, each chicken brings its own special qualities to your backyard.
Ultimately, the right breed for you will depend on your priorities, whether that’s egg production, temperament, or even aesthetics. No matter which breed you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the joy and satisfaction that comes with raising chickens in your own backyard. So, get started, choose your breed, and welcome these feathered friends into your home!
