Breed finder

The right hen for your yard, your weather and your reasons

Four questions narrow it down: climate, space, temperament and what you want from the eggs.

The usual first four

Gentle, fluffy and happy to be handled. Goes broody, which is a feature if you want chicks and a nuisance if you do not.

SIDE BY SIDE

Common backyard breeds compared

BreedEggs per yearEgg colorTemperamentClimate
Buff OrpingtonAround 200Light brownGentle, broodyCold hardy
Rhode Island RedAround 250BrownConfidentHardy in most climates
Easter EggerAround 220Blue, greenCuriousAdaptable
SilkieAround 100CreamVery gentleNeeds shelter from wet
AustralorpAround 250BrownQuietCold hardy
LeghornAround 280WhiteFlighty, activeHeat tolerant
WyandotteAround 200BrownCalmCold hardy

Still deciding?

The first course has a whole lesson on choosing, with pictures.

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