Chapter 6 suggests some good breeds for a backyard chicken flock. As is the case with other pets, picking chickens is a subjective experience. I based my selection of best backyard chickens on the breeds that lay lots of eggs but aren’t broody, that have relatively calm demeanors, and that come in vivid colors. The chickens in the following photographs aren’t the fanciest breeds but just a few of what I believe are the best breeds to keep in most small spaces as pets and for eggs.
Of course, you can’t have chickens without a coop to keep them in. City chickens, like their country cousins, require basic shelter that is safe, warm, and dry. Many small flock owners build coops that are safe, warm, and dry, then toss in creative and whimsical architectural accessories that make their coops anything but basic. For the purposes of inspiration, you’ll find here some photographs of a few of the coolest coops in the country. If you’re like me, they’ll both amuse and surprise, and they’ll trigger new ideas for your own coop construction plans.
Feather Colors: Wide variety
Eggshell Color: Blue to army green
Hen Body Weight: 5 lb (2.3 kg)
Comments: Good layer. Eggs smaller than other breeds listed. Cautious and calm.
Feather Colors: Black, with a greenish tint
Eggshell Color: Dark brown
Hen Body Weight: 7 lb (3.2 kg)
Comments: Good layer. Cautious. Extra hardy in cold weather.
Feather Colors: Buff camel
Eggshell Color: Medium brown
Hen Body Weight: 7 lb (3.2 kg)
Comments: Great layer. Friendly disposition. Hardy in cold weather.
Feather Colors: White or dark red
Eggshell Color: White
Hen Body Weight: 5 lb (2.3 kg)
Comments: Great layer. Friendly disposition.
Feather Colors: Chestnut red
Eggshell Color: Medium brown
Hen Body Weight: 6 lb (2.7 kg)
Comments: Great layer. Friendly and calm.
Feather Colors: Barred black and white, buff and white
Eggshell Color: Light brown
Hen Body Weight: 6 lb (2.7kg)
Comments: Great layer. Friendly and curious.
Feather Colors: Dark red to reddish brown
Eggshell Color: Medium brown
Hen Body Weight: 6 lb (2.7 kg)
Comments: Cautious, yet mellow. Great layer.
Feather Colors: Contrasting silver-white and black
Eggshell Color: Medium brown
Hen Body Weight: 6 lb (2.7 kg)
Comments: Good layer. Attractive plumage pattern.
Feather Colors: Dark red with black tail, wing feathers
Eggshell Color: Medium brown
Hen Body Weight: 5 lb (2.3 kg)
Comments: Good hybrid layer. Friendly disposition.
Feather Colors: Black and white spotting
Eggshell Color: White
Hen Body Weight: 5 lb (2.3 kg)
Comments: Good layer of white eggs.
The End.
