Generic Chicken Breed-Type Characteristics

Confused as to what makes a layer, or the care regime for game birds? Breeds of chickens can be split into categories and whilst theres no doubting each individual breed or bird will have its own specific characteristics or care regime, there are generics that can be applied to help you select which breeds will suit your needs.

 

Layer Breeds  Characteristics Excellent layers, large numbers of eggs Light birds, tend to be the smaller of the large fowl breeds Quick maturing Excellent foragers Spritely character, tend not to tame easily Non-sitters, don’t go broody often  Care & Management Capable of short flight, suitably high fencing or a roofed in run required Clean legged, capable of coping with wet conditions	Table Breeds  Characteristics Heavy, large birds with males often exceeding 10lb in weight Not very active Non flighty Placid nature/ Non aggressive Poor layers compared to “Layer” breeds Do go broody, excellent mothers  Care & Management Low fencing is sufficient Not big rangers, happy in a smaller space Big appetite, care needed to avoid getting fat Accommodation needs to be appropriately proportioned Low perches to avoid leg or foot problems Large nest boxes required
True Bantams  Characteristics These breeds have no large fowl counterparts and only occur in a bantam form Tend to be ornamental in appearance “Showy” appearance Not known for egg laying Broody, make excellent mothers Proud cockerels, can suffer ‘little man syndrome’   Care & Management Can be kept in a small enclosure Great for small gardens Very good for young children Housing needs to be sized accordingly Roof maybe required as some breeds are flighty Need a dry run, short stature can mean dirty feathers in wet conditions	Game Breeds  Characteristics Self confident & assertive Very intolerant of other breeds or birds outside of their flock Non flighty Can become extremely trusting toward the keeper Hard feathered, posture more important than plumage Strong & dominant Very poor layers   Care & Management Extremely tough and durable Require secure housing must be kept separate from other birds Need suspended drinkers & feeders due to upright posture Some breeds monogamous
Ornamental Breeds   Characteristics Grouped because of their accentuated features Generally rare and specialist show birds Carry attributes of the other groups Qualities very breed specific Usually very striking looking breeds   Care & Management Very variable husbandry requirements Tailored care & housing according to breed Can be a challenge to show successfully	Dual Purpose Breeds   Characteristics An all rounder, reasonable layer, reasonable table weight Durable breeds, cope well with poor weather Can be tamed with patience General placid & tolerant with other breeds Some go broody, others are non sitters   Care & Management Dependent upon individual breeds as different ones take different characteristics from either the layer or the table breed

 

 

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