Henderson's Chicken Breed Chart

An Alphabetical List of More than 60 Chicken Breeds
With Comparative Information

Tips: Raising Chicks with a Mother Hen & Sexing Chicks

NOTES:
1) We have had personal experience with only a couple dozen of the breeds and varieties on this list. The birds from our flock, past or present, are those listed with illustrations and "Our Birds" comments.
2) Sage Hen Farm is not a hatchery. The information is provided for educational purposes only.
3) Alas, there is no print or poster version of this chart.
4) Although it has been modified greatly over the years, this chart has been on the web for more than ten years.

Ameraucana
FS PB club

Black, Blue, Blue-wheaten, Brown-red, Buff, Silver, Wheaten, & White

Easter Eggers are common. Standard Ameraucanas are rare.
80%/12% (EEs/pure)
Unchanged since 2003

Standard:
5.5 lb/2.5 kg
Bantam:
1.6 lb/0.75 kg

APA (1984):
Large: All Other Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

South American. May or may not be genetically related to the Araucana. One theory is that Ameraucanas were developed by crossing Aracaunas with other breeds. The more current, more accepted theory is that a different breed from Chile, the Quechua, was the parent stock from which the Ameraucanas were developed. Standardized & accepted into APA in 1984.

Note: whatever name they use, most hatcheries do not sell standard Ameraucanas, but sell Easter Eggers -- chickens that may lay blue, green, or other colored eggs, but do not conform to standard. Not a problem for backyard flocks.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; mostly calm, non-aggressive

Our Birds [mostly mongrel Easter Eggers]: a few have been among the most curious & most easily handled birds we have owned. Others have been calm, non-aggressive, but stand-offish. None of ours has gone broody. We wouldn't have a flock without them.

The chipmunky blue-egger.

average to above average

Ancona
FS AL PP

Black mottled, only

APA (1898):
Large: Mediterranean Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Light

Developed in Italy in mid-19th century probably from leghorns sporting mottled feathers. Once rivaled the Leghorn in Europe, but never caught on in North America.

white to
light cream

Almost a Leghorn, with black mottling.

below average

Andalusian
FS AL PP

Blue (Black and Splash [White] used for breeding, but not recognized)

Developed in Spain & England in mid-19th century. Studied by Gregor Mendel in experiments in genetics & heredity.
Blue color does not breed true. Black & Splash (White) are necessary for breeding.

chalk to creamy white

semi-adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; active, flighty, noisy, avoids human contact

Our Birds: ours, received as adults, never fit in well with the rest of the flock & were nervous all the time. Our one cock crowed louder than any other we've ever had. We've been hesitant to try them again, but we might, since they are such beautiful birds.

The original blue.

Appenzeller or Appenzell
FS PP club

Spitzhauben (Pointed Hood)
&
Barthuhner (Bearded)

APA: Not recognized
PC: Soft Feather Light

Developed in Switzerland centuries ago. The name is thought to derive from the lace bonnets of the Appenzeller region.

white

The national breed of Switzerland.

average

Araucana or Rumpless Araucana
FS PP PB club

Black, White, Black Breasted Red, Blue, Buff, Silver

APA (1976):
Large: All Other Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Light, Rare

According to the latest theory, developed in Chile from a cross between the Collonca and the Queteros, two of several different blue egg-laying chicken breeds and introduced to North American in 1921. Likely that some "mongrelization" occurred before standardization. Standards differ from country to country, indicating that some different crosses and parent stock may have been involved in the development of the breed.

Note: no large North American hatchery, that I am aware of, sells Araucanas. Instead, whatever name they use, they are selling Easter Eggers -- chickens that may lay blue, green, or other colored eggs. For true Aracaunas, try some of the smaller farms and breeders.

The rumpless, tufted blue-egger.

below average

Aseel or Asil
FS AL PP PB

Black, White, Duckwing, Red Spangled, Pyle, others

APA:
Large: All Other
PC: Hard Feather Heavy

Developed in India more than 2000 years ago, perhaps even 3500 years ago. Thought to be the breed from which the Cornish was primarily developed.

productive over short season

Ancient Indian athlete.

below average

Australorp or
Black Australorp
FS AL PP club

Black, only (standard); also blue & white

APA (1929):
Large: English Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Developed in 20th century in Australia, primarily from the Orpington. Gained notoriety when one hen in the 1920s laid a record 364 eggs in 365 days. In earlier "contests," a team of six Australorps averaged 309.5 eggs in a year. That individual performance has never been matched by subsequent Australorps. Not recommended if high egg production is your sole goal for getting chickens.

brown

white skin,
dark shanks

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile; more easily handled

Our Birds: confession: we have both Black Orpingtons and Australorps, and I can't tell them apart. They are docile, but haven't been close to what some call "friendly."

The purported egg-laying champ from Oz

average

Barnevelder
FS PP

Double-laced, Blue-laced, White, Black, others

APA (2001):
Large: Continental
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Developed in late 19th century and early 20th century in Holland for dark egg laying. Developed from an older local variety that may date as early as the 12th century. In recent history, some strains have been bred for show and others for the darkness of their eggs.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile

Our Birds: ours fit in well with the flock, but shied away with human contact. Ours laid reddish brown eggs, but most were not especially dark. None currently in our flock, we will likely try them again.

Famous for large dark brown eggs.

average to above average

Belgian D'Anver, or Antwerp Belgian, Barbu d'Anvers
FS PP

Quail, Porcelain, Black, Blue, Buff, Cuckoo, Mille Fleur, White, Mottled, and more

APA (1949):
Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: True Bantam

Developed in Anver region of Belgium many decades ago. Rumpless versions are called De Grubbe. Breed is often referred to simply as the Quail bantam, after the most popular variety.

The bearded bantam.

tiny

Belgian D'Uccle or Barbu d'Uccle
FS PP club

Mille Fleur, Porcelain, Black, Buff, White, Blue Mottled, Splash, Golden Neck, others

APA (1914):
Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: True Bantam / Rare

First bred in Uccle (Belgium) before 1900 by Michel Van Gelder. Breed is often referred to simply as Mille Fleur, the most popular variety.

small single with large spikes

The bearded, booted bantam

tiny

Booted or Sabelpoot
FS PP club

Black, Blue, Buff, Mille Fleur, Porcelain, White, Mottled, others

APA:
Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: True Bantam, Rare

One of the more ancient bantams; developed in the Netherlands.

slow; some reports indicate
chicks difficult to rear

The booted, unbearded bantam

tiny

Brahma
FS PP PB

Light, Dark, Buff

APA (1874):
Large: Asiatic Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Soft feather Heavy

Origin has been in dispute for more than a century and a half. Introduced in mid-19th century (whether first to New York City or London is also in question). Probably imported from the port city of Shanghai, but may have originated in Chinda, India, or elsewhere in the East Indies. Another claim is that the breed was developed in the United States using Cochins, Malays, and Dorkings. For more information on the origins, see Lewis Wright's 1873 monograph on the Brahma fowl.

Before the name Brahma was settled on, they were also called Chittagongs, Shanghais (as were the Cochins), and Brahmapootras. Since the Brahmaputra River flows through China, India, and Bangladesh, even the name doesn't help shed light.

adaptable to confinement or free range; mostly gentle; more easily handled.

Our Birds: some hens were among the gentlest birds we've owned; one rooster became too aggressive toward humans and other chickens in his older age. Some hens ate a lot, got fat, and never laid that many eggs, and we do not currently have any in our flock.

Large and regal.

Once the largest breed of chicken.

average

Buckeye
FS AL club

Nut brown, only

APA (1904):
Large: American
PC: Not recognized

Developed by Mrs. Nettie Metcalf of Warren, Ohio, in late 19th century to be a red-feathered, winter-hardy layer. Learning of the Rhode Island Red, she exchanged eggs and birds with RIR breeders to develop the Buckeye Red as a pea-combed variety of the Rhode Island Red. However, since the comb differed, the color was darker, and the genetics different, and because she was concerned that her birds would lose their distinctiveness as a variety of Rhode Island, she established the Buckeye as a separate breed -- Buckeyes and RIRs entered separately into the Standard of Perfection the same year, and pea-combed RIRs disappeared.

Never widely popular.

adaptable to confinement, very adaptable to free range; calm, docile; can be curious; more easily handled.

Our Birds: some have been among the "friendliest." Perhaps because of docileness, none have risen high in the pecking order. Our first Buckeye hens had low egg production, but more recent hens have been much better.

Buckeye brown bird from the Buckeye state.

average

Buttercup or Sicilian Buttercup
FS PP club

Golden

APA (1918):
Large: Mediterranean
PC: Light, Rare

Originally developed in Dedham, Massachusetts, by C. Carroll Loring from stock purchased in Sicily by his neighbor a Captain Dawes, before 1860, perhaps as early as 1835. It took several generations longer for a standard color pattern to be developed and the breed to be accepted into the standard.

does not do well in close confinement; very fidgety; active, flighty, wild even for a Mediterrean breed; avoids human contact

Our Birds: ours have been typically flighty and shy, but one has been as stubbornly broody as any hen we've raised. Email collaboration of broodiness elsewhere has inspired me to alter Brooding from "non-setter" to non-setter (mostly)

Known for its comb.

below average

Campine
FS AL PP RB

Golden, Silver

APA (1914):
Large: Continental Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft feather Light

May have ancient ancestry, but refined & further developed in Belgium in the 19th century and further developed by British and American breeders. The breed is closely related to the Braekel, a larger, bulkier Belgian breed that did not spread so widely. They share a similar penciling feather pattern, although the Campine cocks are more hen-feathered. Named for the Campine region of Belgium, known for its sandy plains, moors, heath, and wetlands. One theory is that it evolved there where a smaller, lighter more active bird was better adapted to forage over a flat desolate land. The Campine, however, may simply be a lighter bodied Braekel sport.

white

economical eater; semi-adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; flyer; alert, lively; can be curious; some are rather wild, others can be quite tolerant of humans

Our Birds: one hen free ranges even to lay eggs -- never in a standard nesting area. Our cock refused to be confined when we tried to initate a breeding program. Some have been "friendly" enough to eat out of a hand or be a garden companion. Our favorites among the white egg layers.

Beautiful bird with unique pencilling.

average

Catalana
FS

Buff

APA (1949):
Large: Mediterranean Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Developed in Spain in late 19th century as a meat & egg bird.

The most popular breed of South America.

average

Chantecler
FS AL club

White, Buff, Partridge

APA (1921):
Large: American Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Developed by Brother Wilfred Chatalain of the Oka Agricultural Institute in Quebec over the course of of a decade beginning in 1908. The goal of his carefully documented breedings was an "ideal fowl" for Canada, good for both meat & eggs and, with small comb and wattles that would be able to stand the extreme cold. Brother Wilfred, who earned a doctorate in agronomy, was also responsible for developing the two flock method for breeding. Among the breeds used in the crosses were Cornish, Leghorn, Rhode Island, Wyandotte, and Plymouth Rock. Brother Wilfred's preferred plumage was white, and he was not responsible for developing the other varieties. In 1979, mistakenly, the Chantecler was declared extinct.

Dr. J. E. Wilkinson, also a Canadian, developed the Partridge Chantecler in the 1930s, but it is totally unrelated to the original White Chantecler. The Buff was developed by an American, Walter Franklin, in the 1980s.

bears confinement well; calm, docile, although there are reports of skittishness.

Our Birds: our partridges have blended in so well they remained rather anonymous for a long time. One was a successful mother hen. Frequent broodiness has been their most common trait.

Canada's breed.

average to above average

Cochin
FS AL PP PB club

Buff, White, Black, & Partridge

APA (1874):
Large: Asiatic Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Soft feather Heavy

Introduced from China in early 19th century. Originally known as the Shanghai (a name also used for the Brahma). The breed that launched interest in poultry shows in the nineteenth century. Pekins are recognized as a separate bantam breed in some countries, rather than as bantam Cochins.

tinted or yellowy brown

Big ball of fluff and feathers.

below average

Cornish or Indian Game
FS PP club

White, Dark, White Laced, Red, Buff

APA (1893):
Large: English Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Hard Feather Heavy

Developed in Cornwall in 19th century. Now principally used commercially for cross breeding purposes for Cornish X Rock.

Famed meat bird, especially when crossed.

below average

Crevecoeur
FS AL PP

Black

APA (1874):
Large: Continental Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

Developed in Normandy, during or before the 17th century. Believed to be the oldest of several breeds hailing from Normandy, and therefore most likely a forebearer of the others, including Houdans, Faverolles, and possibly La Fleche.

Named after the village of Crève-Coeur en Ange, which might be translated in English as Angel's Heartbreak

white

Is it beautiful and elegant, or just peculiar-looking?

average

Cubalaya
FS AL

Black-Breasted Red, White, Black

APA (1939):
Large:All Other
PC: Not recognized

Developed in Cuba in 19th century from Phillipine or Indonesian stock.

Cuba's fighting meat bird.

below average

Delaware
FS AL club

White [Columbian]

Uncommon.
44%
Up from 32% in 2003

APA (1952):
Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Developed by George Ellis in 1940 in Delaware while experimenting with crossing breeds for broilers. An off-colored sport of a Barred Rock / New Hampshire cross that bred true.

Unknown in most of the world.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile.

Our Birds: Where ours have stood out has been for decent productivity of very large eggs.

A broiler cross that became a breed.

well above average

Dominique
or Dominiker
FS AL PP

Barred only

Standard:
5 lb/2.2 kg
Bantam:
1.5 lb/0.7 kg

APA (1874):
Large: American Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather
Heavy, Rare

Developed in New England in early 19th century. Not distinguished from the Barred Rock until APA Standards were developed. Most modern Dominiques may be traced to stock developed by A. Q. Carter after 1900.

Claimant to title "America's first breed."

average

Dorking
FS PP RB club

Silver Gray, White, Colored

Silver uncommon, all others rare.
24%/4% (silver/all other)
Up since 2003

APA (1874):
Large: English Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft feather Heavy

Ancient; believed to have been introduced to England by Romans -- based primarily on a description by a Roman writer of a chicken with five toes. May have origins in Normandy, where other five-toed chicken landraces have been known.

adaptable to confinement or free range; calm; docile; stately or awkward; fattens easily; more easily handled

Our Birds: ours have varied from quiet & calm to flighty. Some hens have been very broody. Once they've reached maturity, our birds have been quite hardy. They are supposed to be oddly short-legged, but ours have only be slightly short-legged.

Short legged, very ancient, very English.

below average to average

Dutch
FS PP RF

11 recognized, including Light Brown, White, Black, Blue, Blue Light Brown, Silver

APA (1992):
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: True Bantam

Developed in the Netherlands, perhaps from Dutch East Indies stock. Introduced to North America after WWII, declined, reintroduced in the 70s & 80s.

The littlest bantam.

tiny

Faverolles
FS AL PP

Salmon, White

APA (1914):
Large: Continental Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Dual Purpose
Fancy:
Bearded & muffed
Feather footed, outside only
Five-Toed

Developed in Normandy in early 19th century. Named after the village of Faverolles. In France it was considered a utility breed. The US standard more closely matches the British exhibition standard of Faverolles which was developed in the late 19th century. Because of the different times and countries were the breed was developed, it is not clear what breeds were used, but Houdon and/or Crevecoeur, and local five-toed landraces are thought to have been its primary forebears. Dorking, Brahma, and Cochin were possibly used as well, especially in later developments.

early maturing

bears confinement well; alert; calm; very docile; genteel; prone to bullying by others, so may not do well in a mixed flock

Our Birds: ours did not thrived well in the competition with mixed flock. Probably won't replace them.

The French Poodle of chicken breeds.

average

Fayoumi or
Egyptian Fayoumi
FS PP

Gold & silver penciled

APA: Not recognized
PC: Soft feather Light

Ancient Egyptian origins; only recently spread to the rest of the world. Iowa State's Poultry Genetics Program imported them to the US after World War II for a study to disease resistance. The Fayoumi was known for its resistance to avian leukosis. It remained a "lab animal" for many years before it was promoted as an excellent layer. That claim, however, has since been disputed.

Precocious scavenger and escape artist.

below average

Hamburg or Hamburgh
FS PP club

Silver-Spangled, Golden-Spangled, Golden-Penciled, Silver-Penciled, White, Black

APA (1874):
Large: Continental Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Light

Developed in Holland (not Germany) before 1700, possibly before 1400; may be even more ancient. An undocumented legend is that the first ever poultry exhibition that did not involve a cock fight occurred in an English pub during the reign of King George III and featured only Pheasant Fowl cocks -- what we know as Hamburgs. Other historical names include Yorkshire Pheasants, Moonies, Crescents, Corals & Everlayers.

Decades before he wrote The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum both raised and wrote about Hamburgs.

low-gloss
white

very economical eater; likes wide range; less tolerant of close confinement; high flyer; very flighty; spritely, active; mostly avoids human contact

Our Birds: ours have been very economical eaters, and in their prime laid well; even though smaller than most other hens, they have held their own in a mixed flock. We have one hen left that was ten years old as of spring 2011. In her old age she has mellowed and eats out of my hand every morning. Because small white eggs are not especially popular with most customers, we eat most of their eggs ourselves.

The spritely, little "everyday layer."

below average

Holland or American Holland
FS AL

White & Barred

Rare.
0%/16% (white/barred)
Up since 2003

APA (1949):
Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Established in 1949, after about 15 years of breeding experiments, as an improved Lamona, in other words, a yellow skinned meat bird that laid white eggs. The main improvement was it was heavier than the Lamona. One breed used had been imported from Holland, but other American breeds, including the Lamona, were mixed in as well. The White and Barred varieties were developed simultaneously, but different combinations of breeds were used.

Unknown in Holland & most of the rest of world. There is speculation that White Hollands have faded out of existence.

white

The calm white-egger.

average

Houdan
FS PP

White, Mottled

APA (1874):
Large: Continental Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

Developed in Normandy before 1700, most likely from a cross of a local five-toed landrace and the Crevecoeur, but possibly Polish and Dorking were used in the breeding process.

white

The crested French bird with big eyes.

below average to average

Japanese or Chabo (and still called Japs in some parts of the world)
FS PP

Black, White, Black Tailed, Birchen, Mottled, others

APA (1874):
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: True Bantam

Developed in Japan as early as the 7th century perhaps from Indo-Chinese stock. First introduced to Europe in 1860. Truest bred carry a "lethal gene" which is also connected to the shortened leg characteristic.

The short-legged, low-built, squirrel-tailed bantam.

tiny

Jaerhon or Norwegian Jaerhon or Norske Jærhøne
FS

Dark Brown, Light Yellow

Standard:
3.5 lb/1.6 kg

APA:
Not recognized
PC: Not recognized

Developed around 1920 in Norway. First imported to North America in 1998.

white

adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; active, flighty

Pride of Norway.

above average

Java
FS AL

Black, Mottled

APA (1874):
Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Developed in U.S. after being introduced from Java in 1835 or earlier. Peaked in popularity as early as the 1880s, but not before being used in the development of several other breeds.

A good, old breed, like a fine cup of coffee.

average

Jersey Giant
FS PP club

Black, White

APA (1922):
Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

Developed near Jobstown, New Jersey, in the 1870s by John and Thomas Black, who crossed several breeds, most likely Black Javas, Black Langshans, and Dark Brahmas. Never widely popular commercially, for a several decades they were the bird of choice for heavy roasting capons.

Originally Black Giants referred to the name of the brothers who developed them, not for the color of the breed.

because of size, not an economical eater; adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, gentle, more easily handled.

Our Birds: never reached giant-sized porportions; one gentle hen was among the easiest to pick up. We don't currently have any but may try them again.

The chicken world's largest breed.

average to above average

La Fleche
FS PP

Black, Blue, White, & Cuckoo

APA (1874):
Large: Continental Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

Dates back to France during or before the 17th century. It is unclear if it is older and a parent of the Crevecoeur, or if it worked the other way around.

tinted
white

The devil bird.

above average

Lakenvelder
FS PP

Black/white/black pattern.

APA (1939):
Large: Continental Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft feather Light

Developed in Germany in early 19th century. Golden Lakenvelders are not standard. Vorwerk is a bantam with the black/gold/black pattern.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; flyer; flighty, avoids human contact.

Our Birds: never sociable, but not easily startled, either. If we get more, it will be because they are handsome birds.

Shadow on a sheet.

below average to average

Lamona
FS

White

APA (1933):
Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Developed by Harry Lamon from 1912 to 1923 specifically to be a breed that laid white eggs but could serve as a meat bird as well. For the American market, it had to be yellow skinned. It is not clear how important to him developing a white egg layer with red ear lobes was, but that fact was well noted when the breed was first released.

white

The rare, possibly extinct, yellow-skinned, red-ear-lobed, white-egg-laying table bird.

average

Langshan
FS AL PB

Black, White, & Blue.

APA (1883):
Large: Asiatic Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Soft feather Heavy

Dual Purpose
[formerly Meat]
Fancy:
Feather Footed, outside only (some varieties are clean footed)

Introduced from China in mid-19th century. Major Croad introduced them to England & gave his name to an early variety of Langshans. In Europe & elsewhere, distinctions are made between Croad & Modern Langshans.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; active for their size; graceful; not as calm or docile as other large breeds

Our Birds: One rooster was very personable and had a lovely, deep crowing voice. We liked him better than the hens who have not stood out either in egg-laying nor personality.

The long-legged, high-tailed, and feather-footed regal bird.

average

Leghorn
FS PP PB RF club club

White, Dark Brown, Light Brown, Buff, Black, Silver, Red, Black-Tailed Red, Columbian

APA (1874):
Large: Mediterranean Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Light

Ancient, but greatly developed in 19th & 20th centuries. Honored by the Romans, and the white variety was reportedly developed for use in ceremony and foretelling the future. One of the most popular birds around the globe.

pearl
white
(non-white feathered varieties are less prolific.)

economical eater; better adaptable to confinement then some Mediterranean; enjoys free range; flyer; flighty; spritely, noisy, nervous, usually avoids human contact.

Our Birds: Flighty does describe them pretty well, but they aren't without personality. One of our first white Leghorns would lead the pack in greeting us when we came home.

The ultimate egg machine.

above average
[commercial whites' are especially large]

Malay
FS AL PP

Black Breasted Red, White, Spangled, Black, and Red Pyle

APA (1883):
Large: All Other Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Hard Feather, Rare

An ancient breed related to birds indigenous to southern Asia from the Indian sub-continent to Indonesia. One of the first breeds to be introduced from Asia to Europe, the breed spread quickly where cock fighting was enjoyed. It was standardized in the U. K. before being introduced to North America.

productive over short season

A cruel-looking, elongated giant.

average

Marans
FS PP RF club

Black Copper [APA], Cuckoo, and others

APA: (2011):
Large: Continental
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Layer
Feather Footed [US and French standard, but Clean Footed for English standard]

Developed in France in early 20th century, but a Marans-type bird is said to have begun as early as the 13th century. Imported to North America from both France, England, and elsewhere, post-WWII. Although the Cuckoo has been the most prominent variety, the Black Copper, for which there was clearer consensus for a standard, is the only variety currently recognized by the APA.

ideally,
varies widely & seasonally

varies widely by individual and strain.

Our Birds: We've only had clean-legged Cuckoo Marans. Although "cuckoo" was meant to describe feather pattern, we thought it fit the personality as well. Not exactly wild, some have been very active and somewhat difficult to manage. Others have been quite calm. None of ours have laid especially dark brown eggs.

Known for one thing -- chocolate colored eggs.

average to above average

Minorca
FS PP

Black, White, Buff

APA (1888):
Large: Mediterranean Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Light

Developed in Spain. Whether it was named for Minorca in the Balearics Island or actually developed there is uncertain. Once known as the Red-faced Black Spanish. In Spain the name of breed is spelled Menorca, as is the island.

white

Largest Mediterranean, extra large eggs.

above average

Modern Game or Modern English Game
FS PP club

Black-Breasted Red, Silver Duckwing, Red Pyle, White, Black, many others

APA (1874):
Large: All Other Bantam: Game
PC: Hard Feather

Developed in England in 19th century for exhibibiton, not for cockfighting.

The little game bird with style and carriage.

below average

Naked Neck or Transylvanian Naked Neck or Turken
FS PP

Black, White, Red, and Red are recognized by the APA, but other varieties include Blue and Cuckoo or Barred.

APA (1965):
Large: All Other Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

Originated before 1700 in the Transylvanian region of Central Europe that is now part of Romania. Further developed in Austria and Germany. The naked neck trait possibly came from game birds found in Madagascar. First shown in Vienna in 1875 by breeders from counties that are now part of Romania.

No, it's not a turkey / chicken cross.

average to above average

New Hampshire or New Hampshire Red
FS PP club

Light brownish red, only

Common
60%
Down since 2003

APA (1935):
Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

Developed in New Hamphire from the Rhode Island Red in early 20th century.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm; can be docile or aggressive; can be curious

Our Birds: a few have been among our favorites. Addled Adelaide was our first hen to raise a brood of chicks. She earned her name for appearing to be scatter-brained at times as a pullet, but when older could almost seem affectionate -- maybe she was just very hungry. Several enjoyed keeping close to us while gardening. Some have been aggressive in maintaining their position in the pecking order.

New Hampshire's answer to Rhode Island.

average to above average

Old English Game
FS PP

Black-Breasted Red, Silver Duckwing, Red Pyle, White, Black, many others

APA (1928):
Large: All Other Bantam: Game
PC: Hard Feather

Developed in England in 19th & 20th century from ancient stock

Small fighting cocks and their mates.

below average

Orloff or Russian Orloff
FS PP

Red, White

APA: Not recognized (dropped from Continental)
PC: Heavy, Rare

Reportedly developed in Russia in 18th century from Persian stock. Once called Chlianskaia, current name probably derives from Count Orloff-Techesmensky, a Russian breeder

Wild-looking thing

below average

Orpington
FS PP

Buff, Black, Blue, White

APA (1902):
Large: English Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Originally developed by William Cook in Orpington (County Kent) the 1880s. Some varieties developed by his daughter.

adaptable to free range; very adaptable to confinement; docile; more easily handled; can be bullied

Our Birds: ours have been docile enough, and some have fit pretty low in the pecking order, but none of ours have shown the "friendliness" that others have claimed for the breed.

Big gentle bird.

average to above average

Penedesenca
FS club

Creole, Partridge, Wheaten, Black

APA: Not recognized
PC: Not recognized

Rescued, or somewhat developed, from ancient stock in Catalan district of Spain in 20th century. Penedesenca Negra developed in 1980s.

The dark egg layer that wears a crown

below average
to average

Phoenix
FS PP

Partridge; Silver Duckwing; White; other colors

APA (1965):
Large: All Other Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Light Rare (not recognized separately from Yokohama)

Developed in Europe and the U.S. from the Japanese long-tailed breed called the Onagadori.

Honorable long-tail.

below average

Plymouth Rock
FS PP

Barred, White, Buff, Silver Penciled, Partridge, Columbian, Blue

APA (1874):
Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Developed in New England in 19th century.

Once common on the homestead, still popular in the backyard.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile; more easily handled

Our Birds: ours have been good, solid, dependable birds that have blended in well with the flock, not standing out for good or bad reasons.

Once upon a time America's favorite breed.

above average

Polish or
Poland
FS PP club

Bearded & Beardless; Black, White, Golden, Silver, Buff Laced

Uncommon.
48%
Down from 56% in 2003

APA (1874):
Large: Continental
Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Light

Originated in Europe, but probably not Poland, before the 16th century. Once known for good egg production, now almost strictly ornamental.

Perhaps the oldest of the crested breeds.

below average

Redcap or Red Cap or Derbyshire Redcap
FS PP

Red & black pattern, only

APA (1888):
Large: English Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft feather Light

Developed in Derbyshire.

white

hardy

Think huge rose comb.

below average

Rhode Island
FS AL PP

Rhode Island Red & Rhode Island White
(two separate breeds)

APA (1904/1922): Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Developed in New England in 19th century.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; active, calm & fairly docile, can be aggressive (cocks are especially notorious)

Our Birds: we've had very limited experience, but the few hens we have had have been more aggressive than most other breeds.

Best of breeds for producing brown eggs.

above average

Rosecomb
FS PP

Black, White, Silver Laced, others.

APA (1874):
Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: True Bantam

Origins unclear & disputed. Claimed to be direct descendant of the original Bantam, but may be related to Hamburg.

The original rosecombed, clean-legged bantam

tiny

Sebright
FS PP club

Silver, Golden

APA (1874):
Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: True Bantam

Developed before 1810 in England by Sir John Sebright, after thirty years of breeding.

The beautifully laced bantam

tiny

Silkie
FS

Bearded & Beardless; Black, White, Blue, Buff, Partridge, Gray

APA (1874):
Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Soft feathered Light & Bantam both

Already developed in China by the time of Marco Polo (13th century)

Large & Bantam classes are recognized in some countries

An oddity of oddities of the poultry and pet world

below average

Spanish, White-Faced Black Spanish, Spanish White Ear, or Clownface
FS PP

White-Faced Black only

APA (1874):
Large: Mediterranean Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Light, Rare

Oldest of the Mediterranean breeds, developed in Spain.

white

Handsome, graceful, rare.

above average

Sultan
FS PP

White, only

APA (1874):
Large: All Other Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Light, Rare

Introduced from Turkey in mid-19th century.

All for show.

below average

Sumatra
FS PP

Black (and Blue as of 2010 for standard, earlier for bantams)

APA (1883):
Large: All Other
Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Light, Rare

An ancient breed, introduced from Sumatra, but found elsewhere in Indonesia. Uncertain origins that may include more than one variety of jungle fowl. Males can have multiple spurs, a unique trait among domestic poultry.

Lustrous black longtail

average

Sussex
FS PP RF club

Speckled, Red, Light

APA (1914):
Large: English Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Developed in county of Sussex in early 19th century.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm; gentle; active; can be curious; more easily handled

Our Birds: a few have been among our favorites for personality.

An old English favorite

average

Welsumer or Welsummer
FS PP club

Red Partridge

APA (2001):
Large: Continental
PC: Soft Feather Light

Developed in Holland in 20th century.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; lively, but more docile than flighty.

Our Birds: some of our hens have laid solid dark brown eggs. Even more popular with many of our customers have been the very large speckled brown Welsumer eggs.

Backyard bird with big brown eggs.

above average

Wyandotte
FS PP PB club

Silver Laced, Golden Laced, White, Buff, Partridge, Silvered Penciled, Columbian

APA (1883):
Large: American Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Developed in New York State & Wisconsin in late 19th century.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm.

Our Birds: Most of ours have been docile, but some individuals have been aggressive. Most have been aloof in terms of human contact.

The "bird of curves."

above

Yokohama
FS PP

Red shouldered & white; White; other colors

APA:
Large: All Other Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Light Rare

Called Yokohama from the port of origin. Developed in Germany in the 19th century from the Japanese long-tailed breed called the Minohiki.

Elegant long-tail.

below average

KEY TO LINKS

= portrait (illustration rather than photograph) available on the Web. Most illustrations are by

Diane Jacky, found either on her site or in an online poultry catalog.

FS = Barry Koffler's FeatherSite (usually lots of photographs available)

AL = The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy Conservation Priority List

PP = PoultryPage from Britain

PB = DOM_BIRD Breed Encyclopedia (Formerly associated with the Palm Beach County Poultry Fanciers Association)

RF = Rupert the Fish, the website of a short poultrykeeper from Coventry, aka Robert Stevenson

RB = Rare Breeds Trust of Australia

club = pages specific to the clubs established for specific breeds

VARIETIES AND RELATED BREEDS

RARITY

CLASS AND TYPE

Class:

Type

EGG RATE

EGG COLOR

EGG SIZE

COMBS

BROODING

HARDINESS

BEHAVIOR

OUR BIRDS