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Keeping different breeds of chickens in your own garden is very trendy. No wonder: not only do you get fresh breakfast eggs every day, but you can also enjoy the lively activity of the chickens.
selection and systematics
Around 180 chicken breeds and chicken species are officially recognized in Germany alone. Among them, however, are a lot of exotic species, some of which are only bred by a single breeder or are already extinct. In our selection, we only focused on breeds that are relatively easy to obtain. In addition, it was important to us that keeping the animals was largely uncomplicated. So-called hybrid breeds, which were bred solely for the greatest possible laying performance, were excluded from the outset. All information on weight and laying performance are average values that are only intended to give an approximate guide. It should also be noted that the laying performance naturally decreases as the chickens get older.
Tip: It is best to buy chicks or young animals directly from the breeder. Poultry breeders' associations or poultry shows or poultry markets that take place regularly in the country provide information on this.
Breeds from A - C
ancona
- Weight: 2 kg (hen), 3 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: off-white
- Egg Weight: 50g
- Laying performance: 220 eggs per year
- Nature: busy, lively
Source: Stanley Howe, Free range hen at Glencat - geograph.org.uk - 869918, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 2.0
There was a time when Ancona chickens were considered to be the best layer breed of all. No wonder: With a very low dead weight, a hen can lay up to 220 eggs a year. This was before sophisticated hybrid breeds were available, however. Today the Ancona can still be found on farms and by self-sufficient people, but they play practically no role in professional egg production anymore. The busy animals are very undemanding when it comes to keeping them if they have a large outlet. The only thing they don't do well with is the cold. They therefore absolutely need a warm stable for the winter.
Araucana
- Weight: 1.6 to 2 kg (hen), 2 to 2.5 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: green
- Egg Weight: 50g
- Laying performance: 180 eggs per year
- Character: trusting, robust
Source: Ickemitder45, Aracuana Hahn, edited from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Araucana chickens are one of the few breeds of chickens that lay green eggs. They say green eggs are healthier because they contain less cholesterol. This is not true in general and only applies to very few individual eggs. With the green color, you can score points above all visually. The Araucana, originally native to Chile, can become extremely tame, even trusting. They are therefore absolutely uncomplicated to keep and very easy to care for. However, as they have a magnificent feathered headdress, they should not be fed mushy food to avoid sticking.
australorp
- Weight: 2 to 2.5 kg (hen), 3 to 3.5 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: brown
- Egg Weight: 55g
- Laying performance: 200 eggs per year
- Character: peaceful, trusting
Source: JTdale, Australorp Rooster, edited from Plantopedia, CC BY 3.0
The name already suggests it: The Australorp originally come from hot Australia. Surprisingly, they are one of the types of chickens that get along very well with the cold - at least with the cold that usually prevails here in winter. The Australorp are uncomplicated and are therefore perfect for beginners in chicken farming. They are usually also very trusting and can be touched without any problems. Oh yes: One of the special features of this breed is that both male and young roosters get along with each other if there is enough space.
Barnevelder
- Weight: 2.5 to 2.7 kg (hen), 3 to 3.5 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: brown
- Egg Weight: 65g
- Laying performance: 180 eggs per year
- Character: peaceful, trusting, robust
Source: PaulsRarePoultry Paul Pleece, Barnevelder-18, edited from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Barnevelders are a medium-sized chicken breed. They are very sociable and can also become surprisingly trusting. Typically, the Barnevelders are not very fond of flying. However, they are very agile and excellent jumpers. In the case of free-range husbandry, there must therefore be a sufficiently high fence. The site should also not be too small, but it doesn't have to be excessively large either. Incidentally, the very gentle animals can be kept together with other types of chickens without conflicts and fights occurring.
Brahma
- Weight: 3 to 4 kg (hen), 3.5 to 5 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: yellow-red
- Egg Weight: 53g
- Laying performance: 140 eggs per year
- Nature: peaceful, magnificent, robust
Source: Frank Vincentz, Saerbeck - Wildfreigehege Nöttler Berg - Brahma 03 ies, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Brahma are actually laying hens and not ornamental hens. Their magnificent plumage and feathered feet are somewhat irritating. Brahma are definitely one of those breeds of chicken that look great. The attitude is relatively uncomplicated. However, you should make sure that the animals are not exposed to any stress. They don't get along well with that. A location that is as quiet as possible for the run-out area and the stable is therefore highly recommended. Incidentally, Brahma chickens do not flee when threatened, but remain silent and face the threat relatively calmly.
Brakel
- Weight: 1.75 to 2.25 kg (hen), 2.25 to 2.75 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: white
- Egg Weight: 55g
- Laying performance: 180 eggs per year
- Character: shy but robust
Source: Wouter Hagens, Zilverbrakel E, edited from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
There are chicken species that never become really trusting and always show a certain skepticism towards people. The Brakel chickens are definitely one of them. They usually don't let themselves be touched or only very reluctantly. Otherwise, the animals are largely uncomplicated. And because they are also very robust and insensitive, they are also particularly suitable for beginners. You need a medium-sized run - and it should definitely be generously fenced in or even provided with a roof. Because: Brakel chickens are excellent flyers and love to take to the skies.
Breeds from D - H
German salmon chicken
- Weight: 2.5 to 3.25 kg (hen), 3 to 4 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: white
- Egg Weight: 60g
- Laying performance: 160 eggs per year
- Nature: robust, uncomplicated
Source: -Xocolatl, Wilhelma German salmon chicken, edited from Plantopedia, CC0 1.0
Meanwhile, the German salmon chicken makes a lot of visual impressions. On the one hand, this has to do with its salmon-colored color variations, but also with its feathered feet. In the meantime, however, the appearance of the salmon chicken plays a rather subordinate role. It is much more important that it can be used both as a laying hen and as a source of meat. The flesh is bright white in color and is considered extremely tasty. However, if the salmon chickens do not have enough exercise, they have an extremely strong tendency to become obese. They are also robust, but should definitely be housed in a stable in extremely bad or cold weather. The German salmon chicken is also explicitly suitable for beginners.
Dorking
- Weight: 2.5 to 3.5 kg (hen), 3.5 to 4.5 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: white
- Egg Weight: 55g
- Laying performance: 140 eggs per year
- Nature: peaceful, robust, uncomplicated
Source: 3268magic, Dorking Hen, edited from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Dorking chickens have been raised in the British Isles for more than 2000 years. Since the weather there is known to be often stormy and rainy, the animals are also extremely robust and hardy. Since they are also extremely active, they absolutely need an outlet that is definitely medium-sized. If they have too little exercise, Dorking chickens tend to become obese quickly. Incidentally, they are one of the few chicken breeds that reliably lay eggs even in winter. However, you have to reckon with a lower laying performance.
dresden
- Weight: 2 to 2.25 kg (hen), 2.75 to 3 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: yellow-brown
- Egg Weight: 60g
- Laying performance: 180 eggs per year
- Character: very trusting, resilient
Source: Jörg Erich, Zwerg Dresdner (hen), edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Dresden chickens also belong to the types of chickens that are usually referred to as winter layers. So they don't stop laying eggs during the cold season. The laying performance is reduced only slightly. Cold and wet can do little or nothing to the very robust animals. In any case, they cope very well with the freak weather that is common in our latitudes. Even without a lot of exercise, Dresden chickens are excellent feed converters and do not put on fat easily. A rather small area is therefore completely sufficient for them. Typically, the Dresdeners are very trusting and also seek contact with people. This is another reason why they can be classified as completely uncomplicated and peaceful.
hamburger
- Weight: 1 to 2 kg (hen), 1.5 to 2 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: white
- Egg Weight: 55g
- Laying performance: 180 eggs per year
- Character: shy, lively, robust
Source: Joe Mabel, Cory's chickens 10 - Silver Spangled Hamburg cockerel (28667803622), edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Hamburg chickens are anything but calm. On the contrary: They are extremely active, even lively, and very rarely really rest. You absolutely have to move a lot. A large or even unlimited run is therefore urgently recommended for these chickens. Since they are also very fond of flying and like to spend the night in trees, you should also allow them this freedom. You don't have to worry that the animals won't come back. On the one hand they are very shy, but on the other hand they know exactly where to find food. If you want to keep Hamburg chickens, you should definitely have some experience in keeping chickens.
Breeds from J - N
Jersey Giant
- Weight: 3.6 to 4.5 kg (hen), 4.5 to 5.5 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: brown
- Egg Weight: 60g
- Laying performance: 170 eggs per year
- Character: peaceful, trusting
Source: DanielPenfield, OntarioCountyFair2018JerseyGiantCockerel, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
For Jersey Giant chickens, everything from the coop to the run has to be a little bigger. The giants, originally from the USA, belong without any ifs and buts to the large chicken breeds and therefore also need a lot of space. It is fitting that they can also be counted among the very active chicken species. When the animals are not sleeping, incubating or laying eggs, they are actually permanently active. Jersey Giant chickens are excellent suppliers of meat, but they can also be proud of their laying performance. In addition, they are extremely peaceful animals that quickly become trusting and also like to be touched.
La Fleche
- Weight: 2.5 to 3 kg (hen), 3 to 4 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: white
- Egg Weight: 70g
- Laying performance: 180 eggs per year
- Character: shy, very lively
Source: Édouard Hue, Poule de La Flèche, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
La Flèche chickens are also often referred to as devil chickens. The reason for this is, on the one hand, its horn-shaped crest, which is supposed to be reminiscent of the horns of the devil. On the other hand, the animals usually have black feathers throughout. However, the devil chickens also show a behavior that can be described as wild to a certain extent. They are definitely very lively and active. La Flèche chickens remain very reserved towards humans throughout their lives. They are extremely shy and cautious animals. Since they are also very good fliers, a fence with a minimum height of two meters should be installed if they are kept outdoors.
Leghorn
- Weight: 1.7 to 2.2 kg (hen), 2 to 2.7 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: white
- Egg Weight: 60g
- Laying performance: 220 eggs per year
- Nature: very robust
Source: Bodlina, Leghorn cockerel and hen, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Leghorn chickens are typical farm chickens. They're quite tame, but they're never particularly fond of being handled. With a lay performance of 220 eggs in the first year, the hens are extremely effective egg producers. The roosters, however, are ideal as table chickens. Leghorns are active and good flyers. If they have the opportunity, they like to leave their traditional outdoor area and then spend the night in the nearby trees. Although Leghorn chickens are very robust, neither their comb nor their wattles can withstand extreme cold.
Niederrheiner
- Weight: 2.5 to 3 kg (hen), 4.5 to 4 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: yellow-brown
- Egg Weight: 55g
- Laying performance: 200 eggs per year
- Nature: extremely peaceful, comfortable
Source: Michi012, Niederrheiner Gelbsperber 03, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Lower Rhine chickens must also be classified as rural chicken breeds. They are therefore one of the types of chickens that not only provide plenty of eggs, but also delicious meat. However, in their long line of breeding ancestors, Niederrheiner dogs actually have some extremely heavy breeds. To this day, the animals are extremely plump. Of course, this has an impact on their behavior: they are rather easygoing, not particularly enthusiastic about movement and generally very peaceful. In addition, they practically never fly, although they could. And yes, Niederrhein chickens become tame very quickly.
Breeds from O - Z
Plymouth Rock
- Weight: 2.5 to 3 kg (hen), 3 to 3.5 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: yellow-brown
- Egg Weight: 55g
- Laying performance: 180 eggs per year
- Character: peaceful, very trusting
Source: Noelle, Barred Plymouth Rock Hen 002, edited from Plantopedia, CC BY 2.0
Plymouth Rock chickens are something of the ideal family hen. They are surprisingly easy to tame and then regularly seek contact with humans. Aggression seems to be largely unknown to them. The hens are extremely industrious foragers who are busy pecking more or less all day long. Keeping the animals is absolutely uncomplicated. A small enclosure is enough to keep them outdoors. However, the upper part of the enclosure should not be closed off with a bar or a ledge, otherwise the animals will make themselves comfortable there and may even flee.
sundheimer
- Weight: 2 to 2.5 kg (hen), 3 to 3.5 kg (rooster)
- Egg color: brown
- Egg Weight: 60g
- Laying performance: 200 eggs per year
- Character: peaceful, trusting
Source: Xocolatl, Wilhelma Sundheimer Group, edited from Plantopedia, CC0 1.0
Sundheim chickens are also perfect as family chickens. Not only are they peaceful and trusting, they also love to be petted. They are sometimes kept in petting zoos. It is a medium-heavy breed that is not necessarily active but can hardly fly. In general, one can say that Sundheimers are extremely easy to keep. Only their magnificent feathered feet require some care. They should be cleaned from time to time so that no parasites can nest in the plumage.