10 Best Chicken Breeds To Keep As Backyard Pets

Raising chickens in your backyard can provide you with a source of fresh eggs and also bring joy to your daily life.

However, with so many chicken breeds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are the best fit for your needs.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the 10 best chicken breeds to keep as backyard pets, taking into consideration factors such as egg production, personality, hardiness, and adaptability.

Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting, this guide will help you choose the perfect birds for your backyard flock.

With their unique personalities, quirks, and social behaviors, chickens can be great pets to observe and interact with. In addition, raising chickens can be a great way to teach children about where food comes from and the responsibilities of animal care.

Overall, raising chickens can provide both practical benefits and a source of joy and entertainment.

When selecting the best chicken breeds for backyard pets, several factors should be considered:

• Egg production: How many eggs do each breed lay, and how often? Some breeds are known for their high egg production, making them a great choice for families who want a steady supply of fresh eggs.
• Personality: Chickens are social creatures with unique personalities. Some breeds are more docile and friendly, while others can be more aggressive. Consider what kind of personality you would like in your backyard pets.
• Hardiness: How well will the breed adapt to your local climate and living conditions? Some breeds are better suited to cold climates, while others are better suited to hot climates.
• Adaptability: How easily will the breed adapt to your backyard conditions? Consider factors such as space requirements, dietary needs, and their overall compatibility with your family and other pets.
• Appearance: Chickens come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Consider which appearance appeals to you and fits well in your backyard.
  By considering these factors, you can choose the best chicken breeds for your backyard pets and ensure a happy and healthy flock.

1. Plymouth Rock Chicken Breed:

Plymouth Rock is a popular and attractive breed of chicken that is well-suited to backyard living. They are known for their friendly, docile personality, making them a great choice for families with children or other pets. Plymouth Rock chickens are good layers of brown eggs, producing up to 300 eggs per year. They have a distinctive appearance with their black and white striped feathers and red comb, and they are hardy birds that can adapt well to most climates. They are also great foragers and can be raised in both confinement or free-range environments. Plymouth Rock chickens are considered easy to handle and are a good choice for beginners or experienced chicken keepers.

Plymouth Rock chickens are known for their:

• Hardiness: Plymouth Rock chickens are hardy birds that can adapt well to a variety of climates and living conditions. They can tolerate cold temperatures and are also resistant to common poultry diseases.
• Egg production: Plymouth Rock chickens are good layers, producing up to 300 brown eggs per year. This makes them a good choice for families who want a steady supply of fresh eggs.
• Personality: Plymouth Rock chickens are known for their friendly and docile personality. They are easy to handle and are great for families with children or other pets. They are also sociable birds that enjoy human interaction and are known to follow their keepers around the yard.

Overall, Plymouth Rock chickens are a great choice for backyard pets due to their hardiness, egg production, and friendly personality.

They are easy to care for and provide a great source of fresh eggs, making them a wonderful addition to any backyard flock.

Pros of Keeping Plymouth Rock Chickens:

• Good egg layers: Plymouth Rock chickens are known to lay around 300 brown eggs per year, making them a great choice for families who want a steady supply of fresh eggs.
• Friendly personality: Plymouth Rock chickens are known for their friendly and docile personality, making them a great choice for families with children or other pets.
• Adaptability: Plymouth Rock chickens are hardy birds that can adapt well to a variety of climates and living conditions, making them a great choice for backyard flocks in different regions.
• Good foragers: Plymouth Rock chickens are known to be good foragers, which can help to reduce feed costs and provide them with a varied diet.

Cons of Keeping Plymouth Rock Chickens:

• Broodiness: Some Plymouth Rock hens can become broody, meaning they may stop laying eggs and try to hatch their eggs. This can be inconvenient for families who rely on a steady supply of fresh eggs.
• Large size: Plymouth Rock chickens can grow quite large, which can be a concern for those with limited space. They will require more space compared to smaller breeds.

Overall, Plymouth Rock chickens can make great backyard pets, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons before adding them to your flock. With proper care, they can provide a great source of fresh eggs and make wonderful and interesting pets.

2. Rhode Island Red Chicken Breed:

Rhode Island Red is a classic and well-known breed of chicken that is often kept as backyard pets. They are known for their strong and hardy nature, making them a great choice for families who want a resilient flock. Rhode Island Red chickens are excellent layers, producing up to 300 brown eggs per year. They are also good foragers and can adapt well to different climates and living conditions. They have a distinctive appearance with their dark brown feathers and red comb, and they are known for their friendly and docile personality. Rhode Island Red chickens are considered to be a good choice for both beginners and experienced chicken keepers.

The Rhode Island Red is a breed of domestic chicken that is known for its hardiness, prolific egg production, and friendly personality. They are tough birds that can withstand varying weather conditions and are often used for both meat and egg production. Rhode Island Reds are also known for their good temperament, making them an ideal choice for backyard flocks. On average, they lay around 300 brown eggs per year, making them one of the most reliable egg-laying breeds.

Pros of Keeping Rhode Island Red Chickens:
High egg production: Rhode Island Reds are known for their consistent and abundant egg-laying, making them a good choice for those who want a reliable source of fresh eggs.
Hardy and Adaptable: They can withstand varying weather conditions, making them a good choice for both urban and rural settings.
Good Temperament: Rhode Island Reds are generally friendly and docile birds, making them easy to handle and suitable for families with children.
Dual Purpose Breed: Rhode Island Reds are a good choice for those looking for a dual-purpose breed, as they can be used for both meat and egg production.
Cons of Keeping Rhode Island Red Chickens:
Loudness: Rhode Island Reds are known for their loud calls, which may be a problem for some urban dwellers with close neighbors.
Vulnerability to Certain Diseases: Like all chickens, Rhode Island Reds can be prone to certain health problems, such as mites and parasites, if not properly cared for.
Can be Aggressive: While Rhode Island Reds are generally friendly, they can be prone to aggression, especially during the breeding season or when they are brooding.
Feed Requirements: Rhode Island Reds are heavy birds that require a lot of food to maintain their weight, making them more expensive to feed than smaller breeds.

3. Leghorn Chicken Breed:
Leghorn is a breed of chicken that originated in Italy. It is a lightweight, active, and hardy breed, which is known for its high egg production. They are usually white and have a slim appearance. Leghorns are commonly used for commercial egg production due to their high egg-laying ability and efficiency. They are also used in the meat industry because of their low-fat content and tender meat. Leghorns are adaptable to various climates and can be raised in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Leghorn chickens are known for their hardiness and ability to adapt to different environments. They are active, curious, and have a slim appearances. They are typically very efficient layers and are known for their high egg production, making them ideal for commercial egg production.
In terms of personality, Leghorns are generally calm and friendly birds, but they can be shy and nervous around people if not socialized properly. They are not as friendly and docile as some other breeds, but they are not aggressive either.
Overall, Leghorn chickens are valued for their high egg production and adaptability, making them a popular choice among farmers and homesteaders. They are relatively easy to care for, but they do require plenty of space to roam and forage.

Pros of Keeping Leghorn Chickens:
High Egg Production: Leghorn chickens are known for their high egg production, making them ideal for farmers and homesteaders who want to maximize their egg yield.
Hardiness: Leghorns are hardy birds that can adapt to different climates and are relatively disease-resistant.
Efficient Foragers: Leghorns are active birds that enjoy foraging for food, which can help to reduce feeding costs.
Small Size: Leghorns are relatively small birds, making them easy to handle and care for.
Cons of Keeping Leghorn Chickens:
Nervousness: Leghorns can be shy and nervous around people if not socialized properly, making them less suitable for families with children.
High-Strung: Leghorns can be high-strung birds that are easily frightened, which can lead to stress and decreased egg production.
Poor Broodiness: Leghorns are not known for their broodiness, making them less suitable for breeding purposes.
Less Meat Production: Compared to other breeds, Leghorns produce less meat, making them less suitable for farmers who want to maximize their meat yield.
Overall, Leghorn chickens are ideal for farmers and homesteaders who want to maximize their egg production and have a low-maintenance, hardy bird. However, they may not be the best choice for families with children or for farmers who want to maximize their meat production.

4. Sussex Chicken Breed:
The Sussex Chicken is a heritage breed that originates from the county of Sussex in England. They are known for their friendly and docile temperament and come in a variety of colors including red, speckled, and white. Sussex chickens are dual-purpose birds, meaning they are suitable for both egg production and meat production. They are also great foragers, making them ideal for free-range environments. On average, Sussex chickens lay around 200-220 brown eggs per year and have a moderate rate of growth, making them a good choice for small-scale farming or backyard flocks.

The Sussex Chicken is a hardy and adaptable breed that can withstand a range of climates. They have a friendly and docile personalities and are known for their good foraging ability.
In terms of egg production, Sussex chickens are considered to be good layers, producing around 200-220 brown eggs per year on average. The eggs are of a good size and are well suited for both cooking and baking.
In terms of personality, Sussex chickens are known for their friendly and inquisitive nature. They are often considered to be one of the friendliest chicken breeds and are known for their ability to get along well with both humans and other chickens. They are also docile and easy to handle, making them a great choice for backyard flocks or small-scale farming operations.

Pros:
Good egg production: Sussex chickens are known for their good egg production, with an average of 200-220 brown eggs per year.
Friendly personality: They have a friendly and docile personality, making them easy to handle and great for backyard flocks or small-scale farming operations.
Hardy and adaptable: Sussex chickens are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for a range of climates.
Good foragers: They are also good foragers, making them ideal for free-range environments.
Cons:
Slow growth: Sussex chickens have a moderate rate of growth, which may not be ideal for those who are looking for quick results.
Prone to broodiness: Some Sussex hens tend to go broody, which can be disruptive to egg production.
Limited availability: As a heritage breed, Sussex chickens may be harder to find and may be more expensive than other breeds.
Overall, the Sussex Chicken is a great choice for those who are looking for a friendly and productive bird that is also hardy and adaptable. However, they may not be the best choice for those who are looking for fast growth or a bird that does not go broody.

5. Marans Chicken Breed
Marans are a breed of chicken originating from the town of Marans in France. They are known for their dark, rich-tasting eggs with a deep reddish-brown color, which is highly prized by gourmet cooks and bakers. Marans are also prized for their beauty, with their distinctive feather coloring and elegant form. They are a hardy and docile breed, making them a good choice for both backyard flocks and commercial egg production. They can be quite friendly, but they may be somewhat wary of strangers and are generally better suited to a calm and relaxed environment.

Marans chickens are known for their:
Hardiness: Marans are a hardy breed that can handle a variety of climates and weather conditions. They are relatively disease-resistant and are well-suited to free-ranging in the backyard.
Egg production: Marans are dual-purpose birds, meaning they are good for both meat and egg production. On average, they lay about 200-300 dark, rich-tasting eggs per year.
Personality: Marans are generally docile and friendly birds, but they may be somewhat wary of strangers. They are good for both backyard flocks and commercial egg production, as they are not overly aggressive or prone to causing trouble. They are also a relatively quiet breed, which makes them a good choice for backyard flocks in suburban areas.

Pros of keeping Maran chickens include:
Rich-tasting eggs: Marans are known for their dark, rich-tasting eggs with a deep reddish-brown color, which is highly prized by gourmet cooks and bakers.
Beauty: Marans are also prized for their beauty, with their distinctive feather coloring and elegant form.
Hardiness: They are a hardy and disease-resistant breed, making them a good choice for both backyard flocks and commercial egg production.
Docility: Marans are generally docile and friendly birds, which makes them a good choice for backyard flocks where they will interact with humans.
Cons of keeping Maran chickens include:
Cost: Marans chickens can be more expensive than other breeds, which can make it more costly to build a backyard flock.
Wariness: Marans may be somewhat wary of strangers, which can make them less friendly than other breeds.
Space requirements: Marans can be larger birds, so they may require more space to roam and forage than smaller breeds.
Egg production: While Marans are good egg layers, they are not as prolific as some other breeds, so they may not produce as many eggs as other breeds.

6. Orpington Chicken Breed:
Orpington is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in Orpington, England in the late 19th century. The breed was created by William Cook and is known for its soft, fluffy black feathers and gentle temperament. Orpingtons are generally considered to be friendly, and docile, and have good layers of brown eggs. They are also a hardy breed, well adapted to cold weather, and can be kept for both egg production and as pets. They are also valued for their meat quality, which is considered to be tender and flavorful. Overall, Orpingtons are a versatile breed that is popular among backyard chicken keepers and small-scale farmers.

Orpington chickens are known for their hardiness and adaptability to different climates, making them a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers. They are also good layers, producing a moderate number of large brown eggs. When it comes to personality, Orpingtons are often described as friendly, docile, and docile, making them a great choice for families with children or for those new to keeping chickens. They have a calm demeanor and are known for their tendency to be kept as pets, in addition to providing eggs. Overall, Orpingtons are a hardy, productive, and friendly breed, making them a great choice for those looking for a versatile chicken breed.

Pros:
Good egg-laying ability: Orpington chickens are known for their high egg production, with an average of around 200 eggs per year.
Hardy and docile: Orpingtons are a hardy breed that can adapt to different climates and are known for their calm and friendly disposition.
Dual purpose: Orpingtons are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they can be raised for both their meat and eggs.
Good foragers: Orpingtons are known to be good foragers, which can help reduce feed costs.
Cons:
Large size: Orpingtons are a large breed of chicken, which means they require more space than smaller breeds.
Slow to mature: Orpingtons take longer to mature and start laying eggs than other breeds.
Broodiness: Some Orpingtons tend to go broody, which means they will stop laying eggs and try to hatch their eggs.
High maintenance: Orpingtons have thick feathers that can become matted if not regularly groomed, which can result in health problems.

7. Brahma Chicken Breed:
Brahma is a breed of chicken known for its large size and gentle disposition. Originally developed in the United States in the 19th century, the Brahma was once one of the most popular chicken breeds in America. It is a dual-purpose breed, valued for both its meat and egg production. Brahmas are characterized by their distinctive feather pattern, including feathers on their legs and feet, which give them a shaggy appearance. They come in several varieties, including Light Brahma, Dark Brahma, and Buff Brahma. They are hardy birds that are well-suited to cold climates and are known for being docile and friendly, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks.

Brahma chickens are known for the following characteristics:
Hardiness: Brahmas are a hardy breed that can withstand cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions. They have a dense layer of feathers, including feathers on their legs and feet, which help to keep them warm.
Egg production: Brahmas are dual-purpose birds, meaning they are valued for both their meat and egg production. They lay a decent number of large brown eggs per year, making them a good choice for backyard flocks.
Personality: Brahmas are generally known for their docile and friendly nature. They are easy to handle and make good pets for families with children. They are also known for being active and curious birds that enjoy foraging for food.
Size: Brahmas are one of the largest breeds of chickens, with hens weighing between 8 to 12 pounds and roosters weighing up to 18 pounds.
Appearance: Brahmas come in three varieties: Light Brahma, Dark Brahma, and Buff Brahma. They are characterized by their distinctive feather pattern, including feathers on their legs and feet, which give them a shaggy appearance. They have a broad, rounded body and a large comb and wattles.

Pros of keeping Brahma chickens:
Dual-Purpose: Brahmas are a dual-purpose breed, valued for both their meat and egg production. This makes them a versatile choice for backyard flocks.
Gentle Personality: Brahmas are known for their docile and friendly nature, making them a good choice for families with children.
Good foragers: Brahmas are active and curious birds that enjoy foraging for food, which can save on feed costs.
Cold Hardy: Brahmas are hardy birds that can withstand cold temperatures, making them well-suited to colder climates.
Good Egg Layers: Brahmas lay a decent number of large brown eggs per year, making them a good choice for backyard flocks.
Cons of keeping Brahma chickens:
Large Size: Brahmas are one of the largest breeds of chickens, which can make them more difficult to handle and house than smaller breeds.
Slow to mature: Brahmas are a slow-growing breed and can take up to a year or more to reach full size and begin laying eggs.
Heavy Feathers: Brahmas have a dense layer of feathers, including feathers on their legs and feet, which can make them more susceptible to heat stress in warm climates.
Higher Feed Requirements: Due to their large size, Brahmas have higher feed requirements than smaller breeds and can be more expensive to feed.
Vulnerability to Parasites: Brahmas have large combs and wattles, which can be more susceptible to frostbite and parasites than other breeds.

8. Plymouth Barred Rock Breed:
The Plymouth Rock, also known as the Barred Rock, is a breed of chicken that is known for its friendly personality and reliable egg-laying abilities. This breed has a distinctive black-and-white striped pattern on its feathers and comes in both male and female varieties. Plymouth Rocks are hardy birds that are well-suited to outdoor life and can tolerate cold weather well. They are popular choices for small farms, homesteads, and backyard chicken coops, and typically lay a moderate amount of brown eggs each week. This breed is known for its good mothering abilities, so it is often used for hatching purposes. They are active, curious, and docile birds that can easily become pets.

Pros of Keeping Plymouth Barred Rock Chickens:
Excellent egg production: Plymouth Barred Rock chickens are known for their high egg production, laying around 280 large brown eggs per year.
Hardiness: This breed is known for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced chicken keepers.
Friendly personality: Plymouth Barred Rock chickens are known for their friendly and docile personality, making them a great choice for families with children.
Cons of Keeping Plymouth Barred Rock Chickens:
Limited breed diversity: Plymouth Barred Rock chickens are a single breed, so there may be limited genetic diversity in a flock.
May be prone to some common chicken diseases: Like all chicken breeds, Plymouth Barred Rock chickens can be susceptible to certain diseases and health issues, such as mites, lice, and respiratory infections.
Higher feed costs: Plymouth Barred Rock chickens are large birds and can consume more food compared to smaller breeds, resulting in higher feed costs.
It’s important to consider both the pros and cons of keeping Plymouth Barred Rock chickens before deciding on whether this breed is right for you.

9. Bantam Chicken Breed
Bantam chickens are a smaller breed of chicken, characterized by their miniature size. They typically weigh less than two pounds and are one-fourth the size of standard chickens. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and are popular among backyard chicken keepers for their friendly personalities and ability to lay eggs. Bantams are also used for show purposes due to their ornamental appearance. They have a calm and docile disposition, making them a good choice for families with children. Despite their small size, bantams are hardy and well-suited to life in a backyard flock.

Bantam chickens are known for their hardiness and small size, making them well-suited to life in a backyard flock. They can adapt to a variety of environments and are resistant to many common chicken ailments. In terms of egg production, bantams are not as prolific as standard-sized breeds, but they do lay small, delicate eggs that are prized by many people. When it comes to personality, bantams are known for being friendly, curious, and docile. They are generally calm and easy to handle, making them a good choice for families with children. Overall, bantams are a popular and endearing breed of chicken that are prized for their hardiness, ornamental appearance, and gentle personalities.

Pros of keeping Bantam chickens:
Small size: Bantams are a miniature breed of chicken and are smaller than standard breeds, making them easier to handle and taking up less space in your coop and yard.
Ornamental appearance: Bantams come in a variety of colors and patterns and are prized for their ornamental appearance, making them a popular choice for show purposes.
Good temperament: Bantam chickens are known for being friendly, curious, and docile, making them a good choice for families with children.
Hardiness: Bantams can adapt to a variety of environments and are resistant to many common chicken ailments, making them a hardy choice for backyard flocks.
Cons of keeping Bantam chickens:
Low egg production: Bantams are not as prolific as standard-sized breeds and lay smaller delicate eggs.
Difficulty finding mates: Because bantams are a smaller breed, it can be challenging to find a mate for them, especially if you’re looking for a specific color or pattern.
Higher cost: Bantams can be more expensive than standard-sized breeds due to their miniature size and ornamental appearance.
More delicate: Bantams are smaller and more delicate than standard breeds, making them more susceptible to injuries and illnesses if not handled carefully.

 

10. Wyandotte Chicken Breed
Wyandotte is a heritage chicken breed that originated in the United States in the late 1800s. They are dual-purpose birds, known for their ability to lay eggs and produce meat. Wyandottes are known for their unique feather patterns and are available in a variety of colors including black, blue, buff, golden, partridge, silver laced, and white. They are friendly and hardy birds, adaptable to a range of climates, and are good foragers. They are considered good for backyard flocks due to their calm and docile nature, and good egg production, making them a popular choice among chicken enthusiasts.

Wyandotte chickens are known for their:
Hardiness: They are tough birds that are well-suited for outdoor living and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Egg production: Wyandottes are good layers, producing around 3-4 brown eggs per week on average.
Personality: Wyandottes are friendly and docile birds with a calm demeanor. They are good for families with children and make good pets.
Good foragers: Wyandottes are good foragers and will forage for food in their environment, making them ideal for backyard flocks.
Broodiness: Wyandottes can be broody and will incubate eggs if given the opportunity, making them good for raising chicks.
Meat quality: Wyandottes are also dual-purpose birds, meaning they are good for both egg production and meat production. They have a plump and meaty bodies with a good flavor.

Pros of keeping Wyandotte chickens:
Good egg production: Wyandottes are known for their good egg production, making them a great choice for backyard flocks.
Dual-purpose breed: They can be used for both meat and egg production, making them a versatile breed.
Hardy and adaptable: Wyandottes are tough birds that can adapt to a range of climates, making them well-suited for outdoor living.
Friendly and docile: Wyandottes are friendly and docile birds, making them good for families with children and for those who enjoy keeping chickens as pets.
Good foragers: Wyandottes are good foragers and will forage for food in their environment, reducing the amount of feed they need to consume.
Cons of keeping Wyandotte chickens:
Loudness: Some people may find Wyandottes to be a bit noisy, as they can be quite vocal.
Space requirements: Wyandottes are a large breed of chicken and need plenty of space to live comfortably.
Vulnerability to predators: Like all chickens, Wyandottes are vulnerable to predators, such as hawks and raccoons, so it is important to provide them with a secure coop and run.

Final Thoughts:
Here are some final thoughts and advice for choosing the right chickens for your backyard flock:
Consider your climate: Different breeds of chickens are better suited to different climates, so it’s important to choose a breed that is well-suited to your area.
Determine your goals: Are you looking for a breed that lays a lot of eggs? One that is good for meat production? Or simply one that is a good pet? Determine what your goals are before choosing your chickens.
Consider their personality: Chickens, like people, have different personalities. Some breeds are known for being friendly and docile, while others can be more skittish. Consider the personalities of the breeds you’re interested in to find the best match for your family.
Research their needs: Different breeds have different needs when it comes to housing, diet, and care. Research the breeds you’re interested in to make sure you can meet their needs.
Visit a hatchery or farm: If possible, visit a hatchery or farm to see the different breeds and get a feel for their personalities and behaviors. This can help you make a more informed decision.
Get to know your birds: Once you’ve chosen your chickens, take the time to get to know them and their personalities. This will help you provide the best possible care and form a strong bond with your backyard flock.