Homestead Chickens - Top 7 Breeds.
People are more aware of how they can become more sustainable consumers. One of the easiest ways you as a consumer can boost your sustainability is to raise chickens on your homestead. Most often, heritage breeds perform the best on homesteads. This class of chickens were developed before the 1950s and were bred to thrive on the small farms of the time. It is very important to do some research before you invest in some birds so you can determine the best chickens that are suitable for homestead rearing. We want to give you information on chicken breeds that you can consider for your homestead.
#1 The Barred Plymouth Rock
The Barred Plymouth Rock is a popular dual-purpose breed with excellent egg-laying and meat-producing capabilities. These chickens have distinct fettering with black and white stripes. The hens lay up to 200 large brown eggs per year. If reared for their meat, the chickens will mature about 12 weeks after hatching. These chickens have a docile nature making him easy to rear in larger groups. The hens are good mothers and will quickly add numbers to the flock. Barred Plymouth Rocks are also hardy and suitable for rearing in cooler areas.
#2 The Houdan
The Houdan originated in France. The Houdan has a striking appearance with a flamboyant crest and beard. The hens lay up to two eggs per week. These chickens are especially favored for their excellent tasting meat. Houdan chickens do not tolerate the cold and will need to be well sheltered in the cooler months. They are more suited to rearing in warmer areas. These chickens can also be kept in closer confinement compared to some other breeds.
#3 The Orpington
All Orpington chickens are well feathered and are therefore quite cold hardy. However, it is important that their hefty feathers do not become wet for long periods which can be fatal for these chickens. The hens can produce up to 300 eggs per year and they're some of the best mothers among all chicken breeds. If you were looking for tame gentle and child-friendly chicken then the Orpington is the breed for you.
#4 The Silkie
These feather leg, miniature-sized chickens are certainly unique. Originating in Southeast Asia these chickens are popular due to their unique appearance and feathers. Unlike most other chicken breeds, the Silkies have black or dark blue skin. The hens make extremely good mothers and are even known to sit on eggs belonging to other birds. Like ducks and turkeys, the hens have a medium egg-laying capability. However, they're mostly kept as ornamental chickens due to their friendly and docile nature.
#5 The Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red chickens are usually very easy to rear and adapt easily to almost any environment. The hens are profuse egg layers capable of producing up to 300 large brown eggs per year. Their large size also makes them a great dual-purpose breed. Rhode Island Reds are robust and are not likely to have any major health problems. These chickens can become aggressive around other animals and small children, so it is best to rear them in their own enclosure.
#6 The Brahma
These are some of the largest chickens among all other breeds and reach Heights of up to 75 centimeters. The Brahmas make good egg layers and meat producers. The hens are good layers even in the wintertime and will produce up to 120 eggs per year. Their dense feathers make them suitable for rearing in cooler climates. In spite of the domineering size, Brahma chickens are docile and friendly and therefore make excellent pets.
#7 The Wyandotte
The Wyandottes are large, heavy chickens that can be reared for eggs and their meat. The hens lay up to 200 large brown eggs per year. Due to the profuse feathering and large size, this breed is suited to cooler environments. They're also capable of laying in winter allowing for year-round egg production. While these chickens do tolerate confinement, they prefer being allowed to roam free in backyards. The Wyandottes are an independent breed requiring little additional care.