Chicken breeds

Chicken breeds

Shopping for your new feathered friends is fun but can be overwhelming with all of the choices available. 

To help you decide which breed is best for you, figure out your primary reason for keeping birds. Owning birds to show in competitions or for ornamental purposes is one reason. 

Some people own chickens primarily for eggs, some for meat only, some for both eggs and meat (these birds are referred to as dual), and some for pets. 

In this chapter, you will find the best breeds in each category.

First, it is helpful to know the terminology of chickens in each stage of their lives.

•  A chick is a baby chicken.

•  A hen is a mature, adult female chicken.

•  A rooster, or cock, is a mature, male chicken that has not been castrated.

•  A pullet is a female chicken under 1 year old.

•  A cockerel is a male chicken under 1 year old.

•  A capon is a castrated male bird.

You do not need to have a rooster for a hen to produce eggs.

The eggs will not be fertilized and will not hatch into baby chicks, but your flock will be more docile without a male. 

Roosters can be aggressive, especially when mating with a hen.

 If you have a male, you can still eat eggs the rooster fertilizes as long as the embryo has not started to form. 

An embryo only can form under specific conditions that your refrigerator does not mimic.

Best Breeds for Exhibition

Attend county fairs or local exhibitions to take a gander at the popular breeds that participate in these events. 

Any purebreds can be used for show, and some shows allow for hybrids. 

One of the most prestigious organizations chicken owners can join is the American Poultry Association (APA) (www.amerpoultryassn.com), which uses a point system to classify its members. 

For example, if you participate in a state meet or any APA-sanctioned show with 750 to 1,499 birds, you receive ten points. 

The more points you receive, the higher your standing in the association. 

The association has various levels, including Master Exhibitor, Grand Master Exhibitor, and Hall of Fame Exhibitor. 

Once you reach each level, you receive an award, such as a plaque and recognition in the APA yearbook. 

Join the APA through their website, where you also can find more information on where meets are located and how to register.

Start with small, local shows before traveling to larger regional shows with your birds. 

This will give you an opportunity to learn from more experienced chicken fanciers and see how the shows operate. 

When you are ready to show your chickens, be sure they are in top condition. 

Follow the guidelines the judges give, which should be outlined for you when you register. 

Ask a representative if you do not receive them. 

Even a small detail that is not followed could disqualify your bird. 

To avoid disappointment on show day, be prepared ahead of time, and make sure you understand all of the rules.

Below is a list of birds that are visually impressive and are good breeds to choose should you want to show chickens.