Backyard Flocks 101: Choosing the Right Breed(s) for Your Needs
Starting a backyard flock is one of the most rewarding ways to reconnect with the land and enjoy the simple pleasures of homesteading—whether it’s the first fresh egg of the season or a peaceful moment watching your hens roam.
But with so many chicken breeds out there, choosing the right ones for your needs can feel overwhelming. Are you looking for a constant supply of eggs? A friendly flock to greet you in the morning? Or perhaps something a little more unique to add personality to your homestead?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of our favorite and most popular breeds, and break down the pros and cons so you can make an informed choice. Whether you're just starting or expanding your flock, you’ll find a breed that fits your goals and lifestyle.
1. For Egg Production: Brown Egg Layers
If your primary goal is fresh eggs, there are a few breeds that really shine. These chickens are reliable and prolific, so you can count on them to keep your fridge stocked with delicious, homegrown brown eggs.
Rhode Island Red (or New Hampshire Red)
Why We Love Them: These birds are the real rockstars of any backyard flock! They’re not just hard-working and dependable; they’re the chickens you can rely on season after season. Cold weather? No problem. Low-maintenance? Absolutely. They’re tough, independent, and still have enough charm to win your heart. Plus, with up to 300 eggs a year, you’ll never be left scrambling for breakfast!
Pros:
Unbeatable egg production (300+ eggs per year)
Tough and adaptable to all climates, especially the cold
Virtually no-fuss care—low-maintenance and reliable
Cons:
Sometimes a little standoffish—don’t expect lap chickens here
Can occasionally go broody and a bit territorial
Cold Hardy? Yes, they thrive in chilly climates and won't shy away from the frost.
Barred Plymouth Rock
Why We Love Them: If you’re looking for the friendliest flock member, the Barred Plymouth Rock is your go-to. They’ll greet you with a soft cluck and enjoy hanging out while you work in the garden. They’re not only beautiful with their striped feathers, but also fantastic layers—giving you up to 280 eggs per year. Plus, their gentle nature makes them perfect for families and beginners alike.
Pros:
Reliable egg layers (200–280 eggs per year)
Calm and cuddly—perfect for kids and first-time chicken keepers
Cold-hardy and flexible in all types of weather
Cons:
They can be a bit bossy when mixed with other breeds—know who's in charge!
Cold Hardy? Yes, these birds are ready for winter, and they’ll still keep producing in the cold.
Sex Links (Red or Black)
Why We Love Them: These hybrids are the egg-laying dynamos of the chicken world. Bred for maximum efficiency, you’ll get 300+ eggs per year with these high-producing gals. They’re also easy to care for and have an incredibly friendly demeanor. Plus, they make life a little simpler by allowing you to easily tell the boys from the girls when they hatch—no guessing games here!
Pros:
Outstanding egg layers (300+ eggs per year)
Docile, easy to care for, and low-maintenance
Fantastic feed-to-egg conversion—less feed intake, more egg output!
Cons:
They aren’t built for the long haul, so their lifespan is shorter than some heritage breeds
Cold Hardy? Yes, they’ll brave the cold with no issues and keep up their egg production.
Australorp
Why We Love Them: Australians sure know how to breed a fantastic bird! The Australorp is not just a beauty with its stunning black feathers, but it's also a superstar egg-layer. These sweet and quiet chickens are not only great layers—breaking records for egg production—but they’re also gentle and calm, making them ideal for families or backyard flocks looking for a peaceful presence.
Pros:
Record-breaking egg layers (250–300 eggs per year)
Calm, gentle, and great with children
Cold-hardy and practically care-free
Cons:
They can get broody from time to time—perfect if you’re looking to hatch more chicks, but not ideal if you want constant egg production
Cold Hardy? Yes, these Aussie chicks thrive in cold weather and will keep producing even in the chill.
2. For Friendly, Pet Chickens: Gentle and Docile Breeds
Silkie
Why We Love Them: Silkies are famous for their sweet temperament and unique, fluffy appearance. They make excellent pets, especially for children, thanks to their calm, docile nature. They might not lay a ton of eggs, but their personality more than makes up for it.
Pros:
Gentle and sweet, perfect for families with kids
Great as a pet chicken, very calm and easy to handle
Beautiful, fluffy feathers
Cons:
Low egg production (around 100–150 small eggs per year)
Not great in wet or damp conditions, as they are prone to getting chilled and require attentive care.
Cold Hardy: Not ideal for extreme cold, better suited milder climates or require careful management.
Orpington
Why We Love Them: Orpingtons are big, beautiful birds with a friendly disposition. They’re well-known for their laid-back attitude, making them one of the best breeds for beginner chicken keepers. Their eggs are also quite large, and they are wonderful layers.
Pros:
Calm, friendly, and easy to handle
Great egg layers (200–250 large brown eggs per year)
Hardy in colder climates
Cons:
They can become broody and stop laying when they’re trying to hatch eggs
A bit heavy, so they don’t forage as much as other breeds
Cold Hardy: Yes, they do well in cold weather.
d'Uccle Bantam
Why We Love Them: The d'Uccle bantam is a tiny, feathered bundle of joy with a big personality. Their unique feathered feet and gentle temperament make them a favorite for pet owners who want a cuddly and affectionate chicken. They’re as sweet as they are small, and their charming nature will win you over in no time.
Pros:
Friendly, affectionate, and ideal for families
Compact size, making them perfect for smaller backyards or spaces
Beautiful feathered legs and unique look, adding personality to any flock
Cons:
Can be a little shy or skittish around new people
Low egg production (around 100–150 small eggs per year)
Cold Hardy: Not the best in cold weather, so they thrive better in milder climates or with careful management.
3. For Something Unique: Striking and Eye-Catching Breeds
Sometimes, you want more than just eggs and friendly birds. If you’re looking to add some unique color or character to your flock, these breeds will make a statement.
Ameraucana
Why We Love Them: Ameraucanas are famous for their beautiful blue eggs. Their unique feather colors and tufts (beard and muffs) make them stand out, and they also have a calm demeanor. While they don’t lay quite as many eggs as other prolific laying breeds, their colorful eggs are a fun addition to any homestead.
Pros:
Lays blue eggs—such a treat for your egg basket
Friendly and docile nature
Great foragers and hardy in different climates
Cons:
Moderate egg production (around 200–250 eggs per year)
Can be a bit flighty at times
Cold Hardy: Yes, performs well in colder climates; Ameraucanas have peacombs that make them particularly resilient to frostbite in very cold weather conditions.
Welsummer
Why We Love Them: The Welsummer is a lovely addition to any flock with its rich copper plumage and unique patterned eggs. Not only do they lay beautiful dark brown eggs, but they are also friendly, easy to care for, and fairly hardy in colder climates. Our Welsummers are arguably the friendliest in our coop!
Pros:
Beautiful, dark brown eggs with a unique speckled appearance
Friendly and calm temperament
Hardy in colder climates
Cons:
Moderate egg production (around 150–200 eggs per year)
Can be a bit slow to mature compared to other breeds
Cold Hardy: Yes, they do well in colder regions.
Wyandottes
Why We Love Them: Wyandottes are a favorite around here because of their stunning appearance and overall great temperament. Second in friendliness and curiousity to our Welsummers, they are often the first to come running to greet you! With their beautiful laced feathers and strong egg production, they’re a true all-arounder for the backyard homestead. They also come in a variety of colors, adding diversity to your flock.
Pros:
Great layers (around 200–250 brown eggs per year)
Friendly and easy-going, excellent with families
Very hardy in all climates, especially the cold
Cons:
They can be a bit prone to broodiness
May not be as prolific in egg-laying as other breeds
They are true ‘fluffy butts’ and may require some feather trimming near their vents in order to maintain optimal cleanliness
Cold Hardy: Yes, they thrive in colder weather; Wyandottes have peacombs that make them particularly resilient to frostbite in very cold weather conditions
Conclusion
Choosing the right breed for your backyard flock depends on your goals—whether you're after top-tier egg production, a friendly companion, or a touch of beauty for your homestead. The breeds listed here are a fantastic starting point, each bringing something unique to the table. From egg-laying champions like Rhode Island Reds to eye-catching varieties like Wyandottes and Welsummers, there’s a perfect chicken for every flock.
Looking for even more options? Check out Meyer Hatchery, our go-to source for high-quality layers. Their easy-to-use browsing tools make it simple to find the ideal breed based on your specific needs!
