The most beautiful roosters of the breed. Breeds of laying hens with photographs and names. Black bearded breed

The most popular are two types of chickens: birds that lay eggs with white or colored (brown or pink) shells. Chickens that lay white eggs were created based on the Leghorn breed, and those with colored shells were based on the New Hampshire and Rhode Island breeds. However, the main difference between these poultry is not the color of the shell, but the direction of productivity.

Chickens with eggs white belong to egg breeds, and with color - to meat-egg breeds. However, there are also meat and sporting breeds. Most often, chickens of the Orlov, Liven and Yurlov breeds, which were bred by amateur breeders, are bred on homestead farms. The main advantage of these breeds is their high viability, although egg production is at an average level.

IN Lately Chickens of miniature breeds are beginning to become popular, which, with low feed consumption and low body weight, are characterized by high egg production. However, such breeds are highly demanding in terms of living conditions.

Below are descriptions of the most common breeds of various types.

Breeds of laying hens with photos and descriptions

Chickens belonging to egg breeds are often characterized by high motor activity, they have light bones, dense plumage and low body weight. A characteristic feature of most egg hens is a developed leaf-shaped comb.

Egg production in chickens begins as early as four to five months after hatching, when the bird reaches the required body weight. Leghorn and Russian White chickens are most often bred on homestead farms, but sometimes other breeds are also found, the characteristics of which will be described below.

• Russian white

Chickens of this breed were bred by Russian breeders by crossing Leghorns with birds of local breeds. A characteristic feature of birds is their high vitality, good weight and excellent taste qualities meat.

Rice. 1. Russian white chickens

Birds begin to lay eggs at the age of five months, although the incubation instinct is weak. Live body weight can reach three kilograms in males and two kilograms in females.

The appearance of Russian White chickens is similar to Leghorn birds, but Russian White chickens have a slightly larger head (Fig. 1).

• Leghorn

The breed was bred in the Italian city of Livorno, from where it was transported to Russia. The color of birds can be very diverse: from white and black to fawn, but the most common are white birds (Fig. 2).

The weight of adult Leghorn chickens can reach two kilograms, but they are characterized by high egg production (an average of 200 eggs per year). Eggs have a white and strong shell. However, despite high percent breeding young animals, female Leghorn chickens do not have a developed brooding instinct, so it is more advisable to breed chickens of this breed in incubators.

Rice. 2. Leghorn chicken breed

Considering the high egg-laying qualities of Leghorn chickens, it was these chickens that were taken as the basis for breeding other breeds. At good conditions keeping birds are distinguished not only by excellent egg production, but also by high live weight, and brown-colored birds have higher weight, but egg production is lower with heavier eggs.

• Poltava breed

Chickens of this breed can be clay or cuckoo in color. A distinctive feature of the birds is a bright leaf-shaped crest and the presence of red earrings and earlobes. The birds have yellow legs and beaks, but black-feathered chickens have dark, steely beaks (Figure 3).

Rice. 3. Poltava breed of chickens

Often, chickens of the Poltava breed are bred by amateurs. The average weight of birds does not differ from other egg breeds (2 kg for females and 3 kg for males), egg production is satisfactory (up to 170 eggs per year), but in comparison with birds of other egg breeds, Poltava chickens have a well-developed brooding instinct.

• Orlovskaya

The details of the breeding of this breed are still not known exactly. Distinctive feature chickens of the Oryol breed is an athletic build and an exterior reminiscent of fighting birds (Fig. 4).

Rice. 4. Oryol egg breed

Oryol chickens lay medium-sized eggs with pale pink or white shells. Due to the original black or mahogany coloring, Oryol breed chickens are often used as exhibition specimens.

In addition, the advantage of this breed is its high vitality and adaptability to bad weather conditions, relatively good egg production (160 eggs per year) and body weight (up to 3 kilograms).

• Pushkinskaya

Chickens of the Pushkin breed have striped-gray feathers (Fig. 5). Roosters are white with small gray spots. As a rule, chickens of this breed are bred to produce eggs, since the annual egg laying is more than 200 pieces. However, poultry meat is also distinguished by its high taste.

The advantages of Pushkin breed chickens are high survival rate in harsh climates, and undemanding conditions for keeping and feeding. Since the breed was bred artificially, chickens cannot fly and run poorly, so they are excellent for keeping in open enclosures.

• Araucana

Araucana chickens were brought to us from South America. Externally, they are very different from the domestic chickens we are used to (Fig. 5). Firstly, they are completely devoid of a tail, and secondly, the birds have a kind of collar of feathers on their heads. In addition, the shells of eggs have a pale green color, and although Araucana chickens are good layers, for our area they can be considered not only egg-laying, but also decorative.

Rice. 5. Pushkin breed of chickens (1a and 1b) and Araucana (2a and 2b)

Despite the fact that chickens of this breed were bred in South America, they tolerate it well even low temperatures, quickly adapt to climate change and have high resilience. In addition, hens reach puberty early, but they lack the brooding instinct, so young animals can only be bred in incubators. In addition, Araucanian roosters are very aggressive.

• Loman Brown

The Loman Brown chicken breed was developed as a result of selection work and crossing of several species, so the birds may differ in color. The most common are golden brown and white (Fig. 6).

Loman Brown is a very unpretentious breed, which is why such birds are bred not only in homestead farms, but also in industrial enterprises. A distinctive feature is not only high egg production, but also early maturity. However, the characteristics of the breed are completely lost when young animals are bred in an incubator, so to renew the flock, eggs and young chickens will have to be purchased from special farms.

• Dominant

The cross was bred in the Czech Republic, and thanks to breeding work, chickens of the Dominant breed are distinguished not only by their high egg productivity and vitality, but also by their beautiful appearance(Fig. 6).

Rice. 6. Chickens of the breed Loman Brown (1a and 1b) and Dominant (2a and 2b)

The disadvantage of the breed is that the birds are almost impossible to hatch in an incubator. Despite the high egg production, one egg can have two or three yolks, which negatively affects the hatching of young animals.

Description of meat and egg breeds of chickens

Such breeds are also widespread among poultry farmers, since the birds not only have high egg production, but also good quality meat.

The precocity of chickens of meat and egg breeds is almost the same as that of birds of egg breeds. However, they have a calmer character and are less demanding of living conditions. In particular, meat and egg chickens do not require the installation of special high fences or fences in walking areas.

Most meat and egg breeds of chickens were developed through crossbreeding. The most common breeds and their descriptions are given below.

• Rhode Island

The breed was brought to the USA in the mid-19th century¸ but Rhode Island chickens were brought to Russia only at the beginning of the 20th.

The distinctive characteristics of the Rhode Island Kuro's exterior are its strong build: a horizontal rectangular body with a convex chest, a long straight back, strong legs, small wings and a well-feathered tail (Fig. 7).

Rice. 7. Meat and egg chickens of the Rhode Island breed

The birds have yellow skin and brown-red feathers (some of the tail and flight feathers are black). The birds are distinguished by a yellow beak and bright red earlobes.

Average weight Rhode Island roosters reach 3.5 kilograms, and hens - three kilograms. Every year the birds bring about 170 eggs with light brown shells.

• New Hampshire

This is the second most common meat and egg breed of chicken. It was also brought to the USA in the 30s of the 20th century. The breed was based on Rhode Island chickens. However, New Hampshire chickens have higher egg production, viability and hatchability rates.

Puberty and egg production in chickens begins at the age of six months. The shells of eggs are brown, and the hatchability of chickens reaches 85 percent, although the brooding instinct of New Hampshire chickens is less developed than that of Rhode Island.

Rice. 8. New Hampshire chickens

Externally, New Hampshire chickens resemble Rhode Island chickens, but are distinguished by lighter, chestnut plumage. The birds have a very calm character, so they are often kept in cages (Fig. 8).

All New Hampshire birds are divided into two types:

1. Broiler has pronounced meat productivity;
2. Egg - chickens of this type can lay up to 200 eggs per year.

The live weight of birds, regardless of the direction of productivity, reaches 4 kilograms for roosters and 3 kilograms for chickens. The chick hatch rate is 78 percent, but New Hampshire chicken flocks often have few brood hens.

• Plymouth Rock

Plymouth rock chickens were bred in the United States more than a hundred years ago by crossing several breeds of birds. The most common are the white and striped varieties of chickens. White is considered more popular for farms with meat productivity.

Puberty begins as early as six months of age, and hens lay eggs with light brown shells. The advantage of Plymouth rock birds is the high hatchability of chicks (up to 80 percent) and a well-developed brooding instinct. Chickens are also distinguished by their calm nature (Fig. 9).

Rice. 9. Appearance of Plymouth Rock chickens

A characteristic feature of chickens of this breed is rapid development, but slow plumage growth. The birds are distinguished by excellent meat qualities: chickens can be sent for slaughter as early as 56 days old, when their weight exceeds one and a half kilograms. A one-year-old rooster weighs 3.6 kilograms, and the live weight of an adult male exceeds 4 kilograms.

• Jersey giant

Chickens of the Jersey Giant breed are one of the largest. Despite their high meat productivity, chickens are also distinguished by their excellent egg production (up to 180 eggs per year). Since chickens are quite large, they require special living conditions, in particular, extensive walking. In addition, laying hens often crush eggs in nests, so they need to be removed in time.

• Orpington

Despite the fact that Orpington chickens belong to the meat-egg production direction, they are valued precisely for their meat qualities (Fig. 10). The weight of an adult is up to 5 kg, while the annual egg production of laying hens is 160-180 eggs.

Rice. 10. Chickens of the Jersey Giant (1a, 1b) and Orpington (2a, 2b) breeds

Chickens grow slowly and require high-quality feeding. At the same time, caring for chickens of this breed can be called simple, since the birds have a calm character and are unpretentious to climatic conditions.

• Legbar

Legbar chickens are characterized by an average weight (up to 3 kg) and egg production (up to 200 eggs per year). A distinctive feature is the light green or blue color of the shell. However, birds have high endurance and good health, which makes caring for them much easier.

• Russian Crested

Russian Crested chickens can be safely called universal. They are distinguished by high egg production, which practically does not depend on the season, and the weight of an adult individual can reach 3-4 kg. In addition, Russian crested chickens are the most different colors, and the presence of a small crest on the head gives them decorative value (Fig. 11).

• Foxy Chick

This is a fairly common breed in homestead farms, since Foxy Chick chickens do not require special housing conditions, are distinguished by good health and a high level of hatchability of young animals. At the same time, they have tasty and tender meat with almost no fat, and the annual number of eggs from one hen reaches 250 pieces.

Rice. 11. Breeds of chickens for meat and egg production: 1 - Legbar, 2 - Russian Crested, 3 - Foxy Chick

Others, less common ,include(Fig. 12):

1. Moscow: Birds have a long body and a convex chest. The plumage is black, but there are patches of yellow feathers on the neck (hens) or on the neck and back (roosters). A distinctive feature of chickens is the high hatchability of chickens (about 90 percent).
2. Wyandotte- a breed of chickens with an average live weight (up to 3.5 kg for roosters and 3 kg for hens) and egg production (up to 180 eggs annually). The feather color of Wyandotte chickens can be black, white, yellow or golden.
3. Kuchin anniversary The breed is distinguished by good meat qualities and high vitality. The plumage of hens is often light red with a golden mane, while roosters, in addition to red plumage and a golden mane, have black plumage on the chest and tail. The egg productivity of Kuchin Jubilee breed chickens reaches 180 eggs per year.
4. Yerevan breed of chickens was bred in Armenia by crossing local birds with Rhode Island and New Hampshire chickens. Chickens have an average body weight (up to 3.5 kilograms) and egg production (160-180 eggs per year).
5. Sussex- chickens are silver-gray in color with a fairly high egg production (up to 200 per year). Birds are also distinguished by early sexual maturity, but their brooding instinct is poorly developed.

Rice. 12. Common meat and egg breeds: 1 - Moscow black, 2 - Wyandotte, 3 - Kuchinskaya, 4 - Yerevan, 5 - Sussex

These are also often grown at home. breeds of chickens for meat and egg production(Fig. 13):

1. Zagorsk salmon. It was developed in the middle of the last century in Russia. The color of the feathers is light brown. The advantages of birds are not only high egg production and meat quality, but also unpretentiousness to living conditions. Since the breed was bred specifically for the climatic conditions of Russia, the birds tolerate even the most severe frosts.
2. Master Gray. Chickens of this breed grow quickly and gain weight, while maintaining high egg production (up to 300 eggs per year). Since the birds are quite large, they need to be equipped with special spacious chicken coops and extensive paddocks.
3. Maran. Compared to other meat and egg breeds, Maran chickens have an average egg production (up to 150 eggs), but the meat is characterized by high taste. The main feature of Maran chickens is mobility, so extensive walking areas are provided for them.
4. Bielefelder- a productive meat and egg breed of chickens. The egg production of females practically does not decrease in winter, and the weight of an adult chicken can exceed 4 kg. Bielefelder chickens are sensitive to drafts, so the house is insulated for the winter.
5. Adler Silver. Laying hens of this breed produce large eggs and are highly productive. At the same time, they are also suitable for slaughter for meat, as they quickly gain weight.
6. Amrox. One of the most popular breeds for meat and egg productivity. Amrox chickens are characterized not only by high egg production (up to 200 eggs per year), but also by good quality meat and almost 100% rearing of young animals at home.

Rice. 13. Other popular meat and egg breeds of chickens: 1 - Zagorskaya Salmon, 2 - Master Gray, 3 - Maran, 4 - Bielefelder, 5 - Adler Serebristaya, 6 - Amrox

It is worth noting that in different regions quite often they breed local breeds, which are distinguished not only by high quality meat, but also by good egg production. These breeds include the Orpington, Yurlovskaya, Pervomayskaya, Livenskaya and Australorp breeds, which have not become very widespread lately. Distinctive characteristic These breeds are characterized by the rapid growth of young animals, whose weight at ten days of age exceeds a kilogram. From the video you will learn even more useful information about the features of breeding and keeping chickens of meat and egg breeds using the example of the Amroks species.

A distinctive feature of meat breed chickens is their large size and more compact horizontal body (compared to egg breed chickens). Chickens have loose plumage, dense bones, short legs and a phlegmatic character.

Since the main breed of chickens is meat production, their egg production is poorly developed, but the brooding instinct is developed quite well. Below are distinctive features the most common meat breeds of chickens, and in Figure 14 - characteristic external features meat poultry productivity.

• Corniche

Birds of this breed are a cross between English fighting and Malayan chickens. However, until the mid-20th century, Cornish chickens were not very common. This was explained by the fact that the birds have low egg production and a small mass of eggs; the chickens hatch poorly and fledge slowly.

A selection was made, as a result of which chickens with relatively high egg production with light brown shells were obtained.

Rice. 14. Meat breeds of chickens: 1 - Cornish, 2 - Brama, 3 - Cochin

Chickens have white color In addition, birds are distinguished by their large body weight (more than 4.5 kg for roosters, and about 3.5 kg for chickens).

It was the Cornish birds that were taken as the basis for many crosses intended for breeding broilers.

• Brahma

Chickens of the Brahma breed differ in appearance from others. They have almost no crest and have fluffy feathers on their legs. In addition, all roosters of this breed have a unique collar around their necks made of feathers that contrast with the main color.

There are many subspecies of the breed, but the weight is approximately the same: up to 3.5 for hens and up to 4.5 for roosters.

• Cochin

This is another fairly common meat breed of chicken. The live weight of birds reaches 5.5 kg for males and 4.5 kg for females. Chickens lay eggs with light brown shells, and the color of the feathers of Cochin chickens can be black, white, fawn or even blue.

• Faverolles

Birds of this breed gain weight very quickly and by the first year of life reach a weight of 3.5-4 kg. At the same time, their egg production is quite high for meat production: up to 160 eggs per year. The appearance of Faverol chickens can be seen in Figure 15.

Rice. 15. Chickens of the Faverol breed

Additionally, dwarf chickens of the Faverol breed were bred, whose weight does not exceed 1 kg, but egg production is significantly higher and practically does not decrease in winter.

The video shows detailed information on breeding and keeping chickens of the Brama meat breed.

Sports and decorative breeds of chickens

In addition to the breeds described above, some homestead farms also breed sporting and ornamental birds.

The most famous sport chicken breeds include(Fig. 16):

• English fighters are the most common chickens. The birds have a very unique appearance: a head with a wide forehead and a small crest, a vertical neck, dense plumage, long and strong legs. In addition to their strong build, the birds have a very aggressive character and featherless legs. Egg production is low (about 100 eggs per year), but English fighting breed chickens are often used for crossing with meat breeds to improve the strength of the physique and greater development of the pectoral muscles.
• Kulangi most common in Uzbekistan. Feather color can be brown, black or red. The weight of roosters can exceed 4 kg, and hens - 3 kg.

Rice. 16. Sports and decorative breeds of chickens: 1 - English fighting, 2 - kulangi, 3 - bantam, 4 - shabot

Ornamental chicken breeds are often bred on homestead farms for aesthetic purposes. Birds can be much smaller than standard size, have a long tail(or be without a tail at all) or have unusual plumage.

The most famous decorative breeds of chickens are(Fig. 10):

• Bantams are the most common ornamental chickens, since this breed includes many subspecies of dwarf birds. The first group includes the bantams themselves, and the second group includes dwarf copies of other breeds (Langshans, Cochins). The birds have low egg production (up to 100 eggs per year), and their body weight does not exceed a kilogram.
• Shabot- a dwarf breed of chickens, which is often bred for decorative purposes. Feathers can be white, yellow, porcelain or calico. The weight of adult roosters reaches only 600 grams, and hens - 500 grams.

Pavlovskaya is also considered one of the most famous ornamental breeds of chickens (Fig. 17). Such birds are not bred for meat and eggs, since the weight of an adult individual rarely exceeds one and a half kilograms, and laying hens produce only about 80 eggs per year. Pavlovsk chickens have a very beautiful unusual golden-brown color and a large crest on the head. From a maintenance point of view, Pavlovsk chickens are very demanding: they cannot be kept in cages, and the range must be spacious.

Rice. 17. Chickens of the Pavlovsk breed

More useful information about chicken breeds is given in the video. You will learn how to properly care for birds and keep them for profit.

As they say, the world is rich not only in cats and dogs! Pets and favorites can be very different - from small hamsters, ambiguous snails, to Vietnamese piglets in the company of miniature horses. Some also breed parrots, canaries and other feathered animals.

And although you may not believe it, one of the most profitable businesses- breeding rare breeds of chickens!

Some breeders manage to do this even in city apartments, selling valuable eggs and chickens. To do this, you need a couple of chickens, a rooster and an incubator - everything fits wonderfully on the loggia! And those who have their own house and land can earn so much that they don’t even have to go to work.

We have prepared for you an interesting overview of the most unusual and valuable breeds of chickens with prices for eggs and young animals at the beginning of 2018. Or maybe this is your business?

Here it is impossible to say who is in first place on the list and who is in the others: all breeds are equally unique. Therefore, we will do without numbers.

Coal-black chickens of the Ayam Tsemani breed (Indonesia)

These amazing chickens are all black - feathers, skin and bones (the meat is red and black, the soup turns out black). This is not a GMO, although hyperpigmentation occurs at the genetic level during the development of the embryo. These chickens are the national treasure of Indonesia and have been mentioned in sources since the 12th century!

Price

• eggs: 300-400 rub.
• one day old chick - 700 rub.
• chicken - 3000 rub.
• rooster - 5000-7000 rub.

Chinese silk (down) chickens

Known since the 13th century, from the descriptions of Marco Polo. Drawn on ancient scrolls from the 6th century. The peculiarity of the breed is that the bird has no feathers, but only down. The color can be any. Now they are quite popular among breeders, and therefore the cost of eggs and chicks is not so high!

Price

• eggs: 60-70 rub.
• one day old chick - 100 rub.
• chicken - 400 rub.
• rooster - 700 rub.

Crested chickens

This is not just a separate breed. Crested subspecies are found in many breeds. The Dutch white-crested hen looks impressive.

Polverara breed

Pavlovsk crested chicken

Dwarf Crested Paduan - a hen the size of a pigeon

Very rare breed - Appenzeller

Price

• eggs: 50-100 rub.
• one day old chicken - 150-300 rub.
• chicken - from 500 rub.
• rooster - from 700 rub.

Russian Crested

Hairless chickens - hairless Israeli breed

These chickens are not GMO, and not sick, they are quite healthy, like, for example, albino animals. It’s just very hot in Israel, and scientists selected birds with a minimum number of feathers, until after 25 years they achieved their complete absence. Plus, the cost of processing carcasses is significantly reduced.

It is not yet possible to buy such chickens and eggs from us.

Ga Dong Tao chickens or Vietnamese elephant chickens

They look very scary! Dimensions too - up to 7 kg. This is a fighting breed, there are only about 300 individuals in Vietnam itself, and the same number around the world. One egg costs from $500.

Chickens Phoenix

The hens are ordinary, but the roosters are impressive with the length of their tail - from 3 to 10 m! These birds are very popular in Japan - Phoenix cockerel championship exhibitions are held there every year.

Price

• eggs: from 400 rub.
• one-day-old chick - from 1000 rub.
• chicken - from 3500 rub.
• rooster - from 4000 rub.

Incredibly beautiful hens of the Wyandotte fringed breed

There are more than 20 color options for this fairly popular breed of meat and egg chickens. The rarest and most valuable is Wyandotte orange-blue (from $1000). It is impossible to buy it from us; many farmers grow other varieties.

Curly chickens - paduans and others

Dwarf chickens

These amazing birds are really very small - ranging in size from a partridge to a pigeon. Otherwise, chickens are like chickens. The most beautiful breeds:

Bantams

Seabright

Appenzeller dwarf

Amazing pink Ameraucana chickens

A new breed developed in the USA. Very rare, they are not yet available in Europe

Fighting chickens

Boy Hint

Breda

Madagascar fighters

Pavlovskaya

The ancestor of all chickens in the world is the Bankivka junglefowl.

Chickens are the most popular type of poultry among modern residents of villages and holiday villages. At the same time, laying hens predominate in poultry houses and on free grazing; egg-producing breeds willingly supply the family with fresh eggs, and young animals can be fattened for meat.

Beginning poultry farmers are always faced with a choice of which chickens to keep on the farm. According to statistics, most often preference is on the side of egg and meat-egg breeds. These birds are different:

• unpretentiousness;
• greater resistance to infections than broilers;
• adaptability to free range;
• independence when obtaining food on the site;
• high and stable egg production.

Although the meat productivity of these chickens cannot be called outstanding, poultry with a live weight of 2.5–3 kg are quite suitable for home consumption. In addition, birds with light or medium bones are ready to lay eggs already at the age of 126–130 days, and after some time they can bring fertilized eggs and sit on the nest. Whatever the breed, a laying hen produces at least 250 eggs per year. Such performance can never be achieved by larger chickens that grow up to 5 kg of live weight, but produce half as many eggs for meat chickens.

How to find the best breeds of laying hens for your home? It is not surprising that owners of chicken coops on their plots want to see the results of their work as early as possible, and not wait until the fall.

To achieve a compromise, breeders developed meat-egg breeds of chickens, which are only slightly inferior in egg production to egg breeds. But at the same time they can weigh one and a half times the light “professional” layers. Meat chickens are calm, hardy, they are good brood hens and can be raised in chicken coops and pastures without any hassle. However, only a poultry farmer can choose which laying hens are better, and which breed of young animals to purchase. To do this, it is useful to study the characteristics of different breeds of laying hens and compare them with each other.

Among the breeds of laying hens exclusively for eggs, the most famous and widespread is the White Leghorn. Active, actively feeding and early maturing chickens have been known to poultry farmers around the world for many decades as record holders for early egg production. Birds lay their first white eggs weighing up to 62 grams at 4–5 months. Moreover, the number of eggs in the best representatives of the breed reaches 250 pieces. The weight of an adult bird, when compared with meat varieties, is very small - only 1.5–2.5 kg. But with proper care, you can get excellent quality meat.

Dwarf Leghorns, which also have egg specialization, are ideal for small farms. The weight of these chickens does not exceed 1.7 kg, with the same as that of large bird, egg production.

Dutch laying hens Hisex Brown and Hisex White

Today, this breed of chicken has become the starting point for obtaining many highly productive varieties of egg and meat-egg production. An example would be a cross of Hisex brown and white. Highly productive Dutch laying hens cannot compete with meat poultry in body weight, but from the age of four months they actively lay eggs, producing large 65-gram eggs. During the year, chickens provide a record volume of production - 300 eggs. Productivity does not decrease for 2–3 years.

Obtained by German breeders on the basis of representatives of the Plymouth Rock and Rhode Island breeds, the Loman Brown cross belongs to the egg variety. Loman Brown laying hens, as their name suggests, are brown in color and have a calm disposition that is easy to keep in a private backyard. These birds are not shy, hardy and highly productive.

In addition to these advantages, one cannot fail to mention the cost-effectiveness of keeping chickens of this breed. They consume quite little feed, but from 5.5 months they are ready to lay eggs. The average egg weighs 62–64 grams and has a strong light brown shell, characteristic of these red laying hens. In a year, you can get up to 320 eggs from a female, which also has a positive effect on the choice of breed of laying hens.

The ancestors of Loman Brown laying hens, Rhode Island chickens, were bred in the United States by merging several successful breed lines to produce a strong meat-egging bird. These red laying hens and roosters with beautiful black-green tails, powerful legs, small wings and yellow beaks attract the attention of homestead owners not only with their beautiful eggs, but also with the weight of their meat carcasses.

The body weight of an adult rooster reaches 3.8 kg, and chickens are one kilogram lighter. The bird begins to lay eggs at seven months, and in a year can lay up to two hundred eggs.

For many poultry farmers, the decisive factor influencing the choice of breed of laying hens is the origin of the bird. This approach makes sense, since local breeds are always better adapted to living conditions and are accustomed to the food used and the climate. The Russian White, an egg-bearing breed developed in the middle of the last century, is the descendants of White Leghorns and local birds, which have become larger and more productive through the selection process.

At five months, laying hens of this breed of chickens produce their first white eggs weighing up to 58 grams. More than 200 eggs can be obtained annually from one individual.

Moreover, the rate of egg production does not fall even in unfavorable conditions, for example, during long periods of heat or when there is a lack of nutrition.

Adler silver laying hens are beautiful, strong birds of domestic selection, obtained in Krasnodar region. Meat-egg chickens combine the features of many famous breeds, chosen by breeders as the ancestors of birds of unusual color.

Birds of this breed are characterized by strong bones, indicating good weight gain, an easy-going nature and enviable endurance. Silver laying hens will not leave their owners without eggs, and the young animals placed for fattening will provide excellent dietary meat.

Another hardy breed of Caucasian origin intended for producing eggs and meat is the Kotlyarevskaya laying hen breed. In a year, chickens are capable of producing up to 240 eggs, and with good care and feeding, egg production does not decline for several years. Egg shells weighing up to 63 grams have an attractive creamy-brown hue. The chickens are early maturing and quite large. They are not only diligent layers, but also good brood hens, which also influences the choice of the best breed of laying hens for your home.

Breeding masters near Moscow have obtained a breed of laying hens that is interesting for homestead owners. These are Zagorsk salmon chickens, so named due to the light, beautiful shade of meat of good taste. The weight of a rooster of this variety reaches 3.6 kg, and chickens can weigh up to 2.7 kg.

Beginning poultry keepers may be attracted by the fact that males and females differ from each other from the age of one day. And by the time they grow up, when the coloring is completely formed, you certainly cannot confuse roosters and hens.

Quite large laying hens give the owner up to 260 eggs weighing about 60 grams per year.

Pushkin striped-motley laying hen for calendar year is capable of producing up to 270 eggs, while the female weighs about 2 kg, and the roosters grow up to 2.5 kg. With such interesting production characteristics, one cannot fail to note the external characteristics of the bird. Roosters and hens are very attractive. Against the white background of their plumage, black and brown spots of varying intensity are clearly visible. The legs are light, the beak is strongly curved, the combs and beards are bright red.

This breed of laying hens is good for backyards because it cannot fly and does not require the erection of serious fences.

From an early age they are distinguished by their endurance, easily get used to being kept outside, and willingly and successfully search for food. In addition, poultry meat has a magnificent appearance and taste.

The best quality egg and meat breeds in one are the Kuchin Jubilee breed chickens. Unpretentious to the conditions of detention, quite precocious and very beautiful birds are ready to give the owner up to 180 eggs per year. At the same time, we should not forget about meat productivity. The weight of a rooster reaches 3.7 kg; chickens are one kilogram lighter than males.

Old, well-proven breeds enjoy undiminished popularity both in large farms and in private backyards where only a few birds are kept. And yet life moves forward, so breeders tirelessly offer new crosses and breeds.

One of these new products is laying hens of the Dominant breed. They are highly productive egg and meat-egg crosses obtained from the best representatives of the chicken world.

Thanks to a skillful combination of blood, breeders manage to obtain healthy, strong livestock with the dominant traits of their ancestors, that is, high egg production and excellent meat productivity. At the same time, laying hens are not capricious, flexible and easily adapt to different living conditions.

Laying hens Hisex and Loman Brown - video

Domestic chickens are extremely diverse. Some of them are large in size, fleshy, inactive, others are so small that they are called dwarf. Chickens are diverse in appearance, character and economic qualities. Here is a fawn Cochin - a large, fluffy golden ball. And next to it is a small bantam. And here is a white Leghorn chicken. It has dense plumage and a large leaf-shaped crest.

Man bred an egg-laying breed, Leghorns are excellent layers, but poor brood hens. And this quality is good: let them lay eggs, and it’s more profitable for us to hatch chickens in an incubator. Chickens that lay a lot of eggs but are poor brood hens are of the egg-laying type; chickens that produce a lot of meat are meat-type chickens. However, there are breeds that occupy an intermediate position between egg-laying and meat-laying breeds - this type is called general breed, or meat-egg breeding. Chickens of general breeds lay eggs well and have good meat qualities.

Russian white chickens

One of the best egg-laying breeds. The average egg production of this breed is 180 - 200 (and on some farms even more) eggs per year. The weight of an egg is on average 55 -60 g, but sometimes there are larger eggs: up to 75 g. The live weight of a chicken of this breed is from 2.0 to 2.5 kg, and the weight of a rooster is from 2.8 to 3.0 - 3, 2 kg. This breed is well adapted to our climate.

Leghorn

The most popular egg-laying breed on private farms. It was brought to Russia from England and the USA in the late 20s of the last century. Since then, work has been carried out at our poultry farms to acclimatize Leghorns, and now they have adapted well to our climate and have appeared on private farms. Leghorn chickens lay an average of 180 - 200 eggs per year; egg weight is 55 - 58 g. The average weight of a chicken is 2.0 kg, and that of roosters is 2.5 - 2.8 kg. In addition to white Leghorn chickens, there are also black, yellow and partridge Leghorns. The latter breed is very highly productive and beautiful in color and shape.

Cornish, or Cornish chickens

A meat breed exported from England. The average live weight of roosters is 3 - 5 kg, chickens 2.9 - 3.2 kg, the live weight of 75-day-old young animals reaches 1.7 - 1.8 kg. Egg production is 100 - 160 eggs per year.

Roosters are used for crossing with chickens of other breeds in order to produce fast-growing meat chickens (broilers). The plumage color of chickens of this breed is white or red.

Plymouth Rock

A meat breed, but produces yellow meat. Eight varieties of the breed are distinguished based on the color of their plumage. In Russia there are white and gray striped plymouth rocks. There are also Plymouth Rocks with light gray plumage with a bluish tint or cuckoo plumage with dark transverse stripes on each feather. The average live weight of Plymouth rocks is 2.8 - 3 kg, roosters 3.8 - 4 kg. Annual egg production is 160-180 eggs, the shell is light brown. In the production of broilers, predominantly white Plymouth rocks are used as the mother form.

Wyandotte chickens

The breed was bred in the USA. In our conditions, these chickens are quite hardy, meaty and good layers. Their meat is white and their eggs are quite large. The plumage is dark spotted with a silver tint; towards the tail it is darker, the spots are larger. The tail is dominated by completely black feathers with a greenish tint. The head is oblong, the crest is large, pinkish, pointed in the rooster, small in the hen. The rooster's earrings are long and hanging. Beak yellow color, turning black at the base. Legs of medium length are yellow.

In Russia, white Wyandotte is more often bred. Its characteristics are as follows: a small, wide and short head with a rose-shaped crest, small earlobes and earrings; a short neck with a lush mane, a short, wide and deep body with a full and rounded chest. Legs are strong, of medium length; the beak, metatarsals, and toes are bright yellow. Chickens weigh 2.5 - 3 kg, roosters 3.5 kg. Egg production is 140 eggs per year, egg weight is 56 g. Physiological maturity of chickens occurs at the age of 185-210 days.
Of the domestic breeds and breed groups, chickens of the general use type include Yurlovsky vocal, Pervomaisky, Livensky, Zagorsky salmon, Zagorsky white, Kuchinsky Jubilee, Moscow black, etc.

Bielefelder chickens

Chickens of this breed have excellent productivity. This breed is bred to produce large eggs and quality meat. Each hen is capable of producing more than 200 eggs per year, with an egg weight of 60-70 grams.

Adult Bielefelder roosters typically weigh about 4.5 kg. In chickens this figure is 3.9 kg.

Considering that egg reproduction begins at six months of age, representatives of the Bielefelder chicken breed reach maximum productivity in the second year of their existence. After a year, their egg production rates increase, but not significantly. Only after three years does the productivity of Bielefelder chickens drop.

This breed of chicken is unpretentious in feeding.

Hamburg chickens, description

One of the most decorative breeds of poultry. Chickens begin laying eggs at 5 months of age. Each individual can lay from 160 to 180 eggs in the first year, rarely up to 250 eggs. In the second year - no more than 140 pieces. The average egg weight is 45–55 g, the shell color is always white.

The meat has a pleasant taste and is not tough. At the end of egg production, it can be consumed as human food.

Chickens of this breed do not hatch eggs, so they are hatched in incubators or placed on a hen of another breed.

Yurlovsky vocal chickens

An old Russian breed. They have been divorced for a long time in the Kursk and Oryol regions. The body of these chickens is deep, wide, elongated, the head is small with a wide frontal bone, the beak is yellow, short, the crest is leaf-shaped, the neck is long, with a developed scruff. The color of the plumage is different: silver, scarlet, white, black. The average weight of roosters is 3.5 kg, chickens 2.9 kg. Egg production 150-160 eggs, egg weight 65-67 grams, brown shell. Yurlovsky vocal chickens were used to breed Pervomaisky, Moscow and Zagorsk chickens.

All the chicken breeds described above are large in size. For summer residents, dwarf breeds are better suited, for example, bantams, which after summer season can be kept in an apartment without much deterioration in living conditions.

Bantams

Bred in ancient times in the South- East Asia. A description of their breeds is first found in the work of Aldrovandi, published in 1645.

In Russia, the first essay on chickens (1774) talked about kinglets - small chickens that decorated the parks of rich people. It can be assumed that bantams were one of the first breeds bred by amateurs in Russia.

Poultry farmers have different opinions about the origin of bantams. Some argue that these chickens were created by systematic selection: by constantly selecting small producers, you can eventually get small individuals in any breed. This is how many dwarf breeds were obtained, similar in appearance to large breeds, for example, large Wyandotte chickens and dwarf Wyandotte chickens, which are similar in plumage color, but differ sharply in weight. Some poultry farmers believe that the constantly decreasing growth of a bird in practice leads to its degeneration - weak constitution and ugliness of form. However, using the example of bantams, it is clear that they do not represent a product of the degeneration of large breeds, since they are beautifully built, graceful, vigorous and reproduce well.

Other experts express the opinion that bantams (meaning purebred varieties) are an independent group of chickens, originating from wild ancestors, but not from the large domestic chickens that they resemble. Apparently, the latter are also right, at least with regard to the more ancient dwarf breeds. Through targeted crossbreeding and increased feeding, it is possible to increase the size of any animal, including birds, without the risk of weakening their constitution.

But no matter how confusing the origins of bantams may be, one thing is clear: many of their varieties belong to very ancient breeds of domestic chickens.

The domestication of chickens apparently began in India, then they began to be bred in other countries. The ancient Chinese encyclopedia says that chickens were brought to China from the west about 5 thousand years ago. The Chinese god Fu Shi, who lived 3 thousand years BC, issued a decree on breeding chickens. Scientists excavating ancient settlements in Greece (VII-V centuries BC) find vases with images of roosters.

At first, chickens were bred exclusively for sporting purposes and to decorate yards. Cockfighting was a favorite pastime of the Indian Rajas. Later, rich and noble people began to select birds that were most interesting in shape or plumage for breeding. This is how decorative breeds of chickens appeared: phoenixes, bantams, etc. Later, people highly appreciated the taste of chicken eggs and meat and began to gradually achieve higher and higher productivity of chickens.

In recent decades, dwarf chickens have also begun to be bred for industrial purposes. An uninitiated person may immediately have a question: why, in fact, are dwarf chickens needed in poultry farms? The need for them is great. It is calculated that each laying hen consumes 36 kg of feed per year. Of this, less than half goes to egg production, the rest is spent on maintaining the weight of the bird itself. Dwarf chickens, on the other hand, require only two-thirds of what their larger relatives eat. After all, these laying hens are very small, weighing just over a kilogram.

Breeders understand that the main thing is saving feed, since feed accounts for about 70% of the total costs of growing and maintaining poultry. Economical chickens must also be productive. The weight of a dwarf laying hen, for example, bred at the All-Union Scientific Research and Technological Institute of Poultry Farming (Zagorsk - Sergiev Posad), is almost half that of ordinary chickens. And they lay quite normal eggs - weighing 59 grams or more. Experts have calculated: for every kilogram of live weight there are up to 45 grams of egg mass. This figure is one and a half times higher than that of their tall relatives. Low consumption and good digestibility of feed are also noteworthy. Dwarf chicken breeds consume only about 60 g of feed per day, and about 2.3 kg of feed is spent on producing a kilogram of egg mass.

The meat of dwarf chickens is tastier than meat breeds of chickens bred in poultry farms and partly resembles the meat of partridges. The eggs also taste great. The chemical composition of eggs (Table 1) is practically no different from the chemical composition of eggs of other breeds; they weigh 30 - 37 grams and are quite large compared to the live weight of dwarf chickens. The benefits of breeding these chickens are obvious, since a bantam chicken produces the same number of eggs as a large meat chicken, but eats much less feed.

Many different breeds of dwarf chickens are combined under the name bantam. They are divided into two main groups: the first is the bantams themselves and the second is miniature copies of currently known large breeds, such as Cochins, Langshans, Hamburgs, Oryols, fighting dogs, etc. The bantams of each of these groups can be divided into subgroups : bare-footed and with feathered legs. Each of the subgroups has its own breeds and varieties.

The bantam is an unpretentious, sociable bird, with a cheerful and cocky character, and vocal. It begins to lay eggs early, laying up to 100 or more eggs per year. They have increased resistance to various diseases compared to other chicken breeds. Bantams are heat-loving birds; they do not tolerate low temperatures well (the comb, earrings, legs freeze) and in cold weather they do not eat food well, lose weight and die. Therefore, in winter they need to be kept in insulated poultry houses.

As hens, bantams are irreplaceable and are often used as “nannies” for incubating and raising valuable breeds of chickens, ducklings, goslings and chicks of other birds that do not incubate eggs themselves. They can incubate eggs continuously for two, and some even three months in a row, you just need to provide the birds with adequate food and water.

Bantams are unpretentious when it comes to food; their diet should contain the same components as for large breeds of chickens. From the above it is clear that bantams well recoup the costs of their feeding and maintenance. But the main thing why poultry farmers love these chickens is their original short stature and small weight, cheerful, lively character, warlike disposition and extraordinary beauty. Bantam cockerels, being distinguished by their warlike character, in any case enter into fights with large roosters and often emerge victorious.

Bantam chickens are born a day earlier than chickens of large breeds of chickens, and are surprisingly viable: they quickly take to food, are very mobile, grow well and gain weight, fledge early and begin laying eggs from 7 to 8 months of age. Our fans sometimes call bantams kings or chickens of paradise. The size and color of the bantams' plumage justify these names - among the flowering grasses, they themselves look like an elegant bouquet. The garden without these miniature chickens does not look as bright as with them.

Chemical composition of poultry eggs, %
Bird species	Water	Solids	Organic substances*,%				Inorganic substances
			Total	proteins	Fats	carbohydrates
Bantams	73,4	26,5	25,6	13,4	11,9	0,9	0,6
Leghorns	73,6	26,4	25,5	12,9	11,8	1,0	0,8
Turkeys	73,7	26,3	25,4	13,2	11,7	0,7	0,8
Quails	74,6	25,4	24,3	13,1	11,2	1,1
* The yolk is richest in organic substances, about 69%; the white contains 28%

Bantam breeds

Nanjing bantams

This is the oldest breed of ornamental chickens. Their plumage has many different shades. The most common are orange-yellow birds. The rooster's chest is black, and the feathers on its neck are speckled with dark spots. The tail is large, black, with well-developed pigtails. The legs are unfeathered and lead-colored. The comb is pink-shaped, and in some individuals it is single.

Feathered bantams

Dwarf chickens with heavily feathered legs. The comb is leaf-shaped, single. The plumage is most often pure white.

Peking or Cochin bantams

Chickens in appearance resemble the Cochin meat breed. They are especially popular among poultry farmers for their beauty and miniature size.

Dutch white-crested bantams

Dwarf chickens with black plumage and a metallic tint, have a large white thick and spreading crest on their heads, consisting of the same feathers as on the mane of a rooster. The head is large, the convexity at the top of the skull is covered with a crest. The beak is black or dark horn. The eyes are large and shiny. The crest is bright red, two-horned - in front it resembles the letter U, located in front of the crest; The smaller it is, the better. The earlobes are white, the earrings are bright red. The neck is of medium length, gracefully arched. The mane is large, black, with a glossy sheen. The back is straight, tapering towards the tail, and broad at the shoulders. The chest is wide and round. The tail is large, flowing, braids and coverts are well developed. The legs are of medium length, black or dark slate, almost black. The Dutch bantam in shape and plumage is more reminiscent of some kind of fairy-tale bird than a domestic chicken, but when keeping them, a number of difficulties arise: the feathers of the crest quickly become dirty, since when feeding they touch the ground and, getting into the bird’s eyes, often cause inflammation of the eyelids. When it is cold, the crest turns into a large icicle and it is difficult for the bird to keep its head in a normal position. Among chickens of this breed, there is a very common tendency to pluck each other’s feathers to such an extent that there are no feathers left on the roosters’ heads at all.

Padua bantams

By appearance are very similar to large chickens that have the same name, but, unlike them, they have a crest and a “beard”. The color of their plumage is quite varied, but the most valuable and beautiful is silver on a white background, on which dark white spots are scattered, mainly on the floor. lunar shape, as well as a golden yellow background with semi-lunar-shaped spots, with shades ranging from dark to black inclusive. These bantams are slightly larger than the Dutch bantams, their crest is slightly larger, the crest is barely noticeable, and in other respects they are similar to the Dutch bantams. Of the varieties of Paduan bantams, the most beautiful is the Shamoa, or Victoria, which has light spots scattered across a golden-yellow background. The rooster's crest consists of long, pointed lanceolate feathers; the chicken's are shorter and rounded.

Seabright bantams

The plumage is golden or silver, each feather has a narrow black border along the edges. The feather background of the first variety is golden bay, while that of the silver ones is silvery-white. The comb is pink-shaped, like that of Hamburg chickens. The earlobes are white, the earrings are small. The rooster's mane and tail are underdeveloped, almost the same as those of chickens. The chest protrudes forward, the back is short, the wings are large, with low ends. The legs are blue with an unfeathered metatarsus. The roosters of this breed are pugnacious, the hens are infertile, and the young animals have low viability. In general, Seabright bantams are prone to degeneration, and when breeding them, amateurs encounter considerable difficulties.

Black Hamburg bantams

In appearance they are a miniature copy of Hamburg black chickens. The plumage is shiny, black. The rooster has a thick mane and a well-developed tail with long, downward curved sickle-shaped feathers. The crest is pink-shaped, red, the beak is dark horn, well-developed red earrings, the earlobes are small, white. The legs are short, unfeathered, leaden or black in color. The chickens lay eggs well, the fertilization of eggs is significant, and they are good brood hens.

In addition, there is also a white variety of Hamburg bantams with immaculate plumage and a white beak. Their metatarsus and toes are pinkish-white.

Japanese bantams, or chabots

Miniature chickens with different plumage colors. The comb is leaf-shaped, single. Wide and long wings touch the ground, and the legs are unfeathered and short. Chabots are perhaps the tiniest chickens of all bantams.

Any person who is involved in farming understands that choosing a chicken to produce eggs is quite difficult. But if you navigate and understand this topic, you can cope with this task. We will talk about the best laying hens in this article. We will describe the characteristics and features of truly worthy breeds that you can keep on your farm. The article presents breeds of laying hens with photographs and names.

Chickens for eggs

At the moment, a large number of birds are known that are used specifically for collecting eggs. Many species lay large and high-quality eggs. It should be noted that individuals weigh little. This figure does not exceed 2.5 kg.

Various directions are known. They vary in size. However, this is where the differences end - there are many more common characteristics. The meat qualities of chicken are completely ignored, since such breeds were bred specifically to produce eggs.

It should be noted that these types of birds develop very quickly in comparison with others. By day 140, individuals are considered adults. Twenty days before this, the chicken is already capable of laying eggs.

Moreover, the breeds that will be described below are similar to each other. They all have well-developed plumage. The tail and wings stand out noticeably - they are large in size. The head may have a straight comb, which usually has seven teeth.

Distinctive features of laying hens

If we talk about breeding birds and obtaining eggs, then you need to understand which laying hens will give maximum results. The most suitable chickens are those that were purchased in the same area where they will be bred. This factor plays an important role, excluding the goal of obtaining offspring of purebred species. Next, we will learn more about good breeds of laying hens. This information will be presented below with photographs and names.

External parameters

Any laying hens usually differ from each other in terms of weight. Compared to those bred for meat, they are much lighter, and this, in turn, affects their ability to move. These chickens have good plumage and developed earrings. The comb has the shape of a leaf. You should pay special attention to it, as this is a sign that can say a lot about the chicken. The ranking of the best breeds is presented in this article.

If laying hens that breed for three months have a bright comb, then there will be a lot of eggs. A pinkish tint indicates that the chicken is in poor conditions or is sick with something.

Features of eggs and birds

Typically, hens that are designed to lay eggs lay larger eggs. The shell is white. If the body weight of the bird begins to decrease, then the cost of eggs decreases. Weight - 1.9 kg, no more (according to standard). If we are talking about mini-chickens, then their weight should be within 1.4 kg.

The low weight of the bird does not in any way affect the productivity of the chicken itself. Therefore, it is much more profitable to use small individuals - you can significantly save on the amount of feed used.

Precocity is another characteristic of all breeds that are designed to lay eggs. What is this connected with? The first eggs appear already at 4 months from the moment the chicken is born. However, during this period, weight indicators have not yet reached their peak; as a rule, they are 10-15% less than those indicators that distinguish adult birds. You need to understand that such chickens do not hatch eggs - this is very rare. If you want to increase the number of individuals, you should use an incubator.

Rating of the best breeds

In order to choose the right chickens for yourself without making a mistake, you definitely need to pay attention not only to external data, but also to what indicators the chicken has regarding egg production. However, if this goal is not pursued, then this information is not so important.

The most popular breed of chicken is the Leghorn. She has all the wonderful qualities that can only be found in all known laying hens.

The hens that give brown eggs deserve attention - Isa Brown. The breed was bred by French breeders. This bird can lay up to 320 eggs in a year.

The competition consists of the following breeds: Russian White, Highsex, Kuchinsky Jubilee, High Line, Brown.

Russian

The name of the breed “Russian White Chicken” immediately speaks of some of its characteristics. The plumage is white, the body of recently born chicks is covered with yellow down. The beak is the same shade, and the head is small in size. The body is quite long and wide. The wings are well developed and have a dense structure. The chicken breed was bred in specific conditions, so the birds are able to withstand cold weather and do not suffer from certain diseases.

The breed has a high level of egg production. In the first 12 months, a bird can lay about 200 eggs. The weight of one unit is 55 grams, and the shell color is white.

Hisex

If the owner still cannot decide on the breed, you need to look at the characteristics of Highsex chickens. In 12 months they can produce 300 eggs. For ten pieces you will need to use about one kilogram of feed. The weight of the egg does not exceed 60 grams. This type of chicken is able to tolerate many diseases well: for example, those caused by infections, helminths and fungi. They are also famous for having good productivity. They do not require any special conditions of detention or excessive attention to themselves.

The breed was obtained experimentally in 1970 in the Netherlands. The selection had some peculiarities, so this breed is considered a Leghorn hybrid. Two varieties have been developed: white and brown. The first received a light color, respectively, the second - dark. Productivity is highest in Highsex Brown chickens.

Hisex white

White has small size and bone structure. Individuals of this species may resemble Leghorns in appearance. Birds have a characteristic feature. It's about about a comb that hangs to one side. The thing is, it's too big. Because of this, he cannot stay in an even, raised state.

Plumage is another feature of these birds. It is silky and pleasant to the touch. Even though these chickens prefer active image life, they have a calm temperament.

Eggs typically weigh 65 grams. In 12 months, the bird demolishes up to 280 pieces. The hatchability of still young birds reaches 95%. The shell is white. Females often weigh about 1.8 kg. These birds never hatch their chicks, since this feeling is practically undeveloped in them. Chickens are resistant to infectious diseases. However, this only applies to those who were bred at home.

This species requires special attention. He needs good level content. It is advisable to add some vitamins and minerals to your diet. If you violate any maintenance rule, the chicken’s productivity will be reduced several times, especially if there are problems with feeding.

line

High-line chickens have a calm disposition. They can easily adapt to completely different conditions life. Moreover, productivity does not change from this. The eggs are large in size. They have a durable and reliable coating. After reaching eighty weeks of age, the hen will produce about 350 eggs each year.

Kuchin anniversary

Chickens of the Kuchin Jubilee breed have their own characteristics. Despite the fact that this type Ideal for laying eggs, it is also used as a source of meat. Many individuals reach a weight of two to three kilograms. The meat has good taste. The protein content in it is much higher than that of broilers. Chickens of the Kuchin Jubilee breed begin to lay eggs within six months after hatching. About 220 eggs are produced per year. The weight of one egg reaches about sixty grams.

Brown

You should pay attention to the breed, which is called Isa Brown. This bird acclimatizes well. She can adapt to any living conditions. This species was bred by breeders from France.

In one year, Isa Browns lay about 320 eggs. Shell Brown. One unit weighs 63 grams. The first eggs appear after 135 days. In order for a chicken to develop well while living in a cage, you should give it about 115 grams of combined feed per day.

Leghorn

The Leghorn chicken breed (description below) is represented by small but productive birds. If you look closely at them, you can see that they have an excellent shape and build. The head is moved forward and the chest is protruded. When moving, chickens look very impressive.

Head of standard sizes. The comb has the shape of a leaf. The earlobes are of the ordinary type. They are light in color and the body is as light as possible. Paws have average length, and the chest is quite wide. At the same time, the weight of chickens does not exceed 2 kg, males - 2.6 kg. Birds are capable of producing three hundred eggs per year. Leghorns calmly adapt to climate and living conditions. They are hardy and active when it comes to laying eggs. A description of the Leghorn chicken breed will allow the farmer to make a choice.

They begin to lay eggs at the age of five months. The first 360 days are considered the most productive. Most often, the eggs are large, and this particular breed has a high fertility rate.

If a farmer needs really high-quality and decent birds, then this breed should be considered first.

Loman-brown

This breed of chicken is capable of producing about 320 eggs per year. The active period can last up to 80 weeks. All eggs have good shell density, they are large and brown in color. Loman brown is popular among farmers.

Tetra

If we highlight the characteristics of this breed of birds, we must say that they give eggs already at the 21st week of life. It turns out about 250 pieces per year. These indicators are quite high, so the breed is in demand.

The comb is distinguished by its leaf shape. The beak is strong and strong, and the tail is small. The legs are not particularly long; they are white or yellow. The body is of medium size.

Tetra SL

Description and characteristics have already been given, but many are interested in the SL subspecies. This chicken is not very common among ordinary home farmers, but its performance is impressive. In a year it is capable of producing 310 pieces. Outwardly, the individuals look the most ordinary, and the expression pied hen applies to them like no other.

If you feed the bird correctly, it will lay eggs every day all year long. To ensure this, calcium should be added to the feed. It is necessary just like light. The latter must go to places where birds are kept. Eggs are brown in color. Weight - 65 g. These birds are often used as meat breeds. This is due to the fact that chickens gain weight quite quickly, although not too much.

A special advantage of this breed is that the chicks can be sorted immediately after hatching. This is done according to the color of the down covering. Females are brown or fawn in color. They have a neat comb, a large tail and a tucked head. Roosters after hatching are white, black or completely gray. After growing, they become either completely light or interspersed.

Minorca chickens

The name has nothing to do with the characteristics of the breed. The birds were named after the place where they were bred. Spanish scientists on the island of Minorca managed to deduce the new kind. A little later he fell into the hands of the British and the breed was slightly modified. Active egg laying begins 5 months after the chicken hatches. Over the course of a year, they show not very high productivity - only 160 pieces. One Minorca chicken egg weighs about fifty grams.

Rhode Island

The species that will be discussed below has its own characteristics. Thanks to them, no farmer will be able to confuse these chickens with others. The bird has a pink straight crest, a medium-sized head, and a well-developed body. The chest is wide, as is the back. The last one is quite strong. Paws are yellow.

The coloring of these birds is another feature of the breed. At the base the feathers are red with brownish patches, and at the tips they are dark. If the edge of the feather is not light, then this bird is a purebred.

This breed carries the golden gene. What benefits does this provide? When breeding a bird, you can immediately determine its sex and select the necessary individuals. Chickens have a spot on the back of their heads.

In one year of life, individuals are capable of producing 200 pieces. The eggs are brown, their weight is 58 g. In addition to the high level of egg production, these chickens are also characterized by a well-developed brooding instinct.

New Hampshire

This breed was developed from Rhode Island. It differs in that it has a specific color and physiological requirements. This species was created to increase the number of healthy chicks and the volume of eggs produced. Moreover, the breeders completed this mission successfully. The chicken begins to lay eggs from 3 months after hatching. Total weight one unit of product - 65 g. Brown eggs.

In addition to the fact that chickens have excellent egg production, they also tolerate climate change well. Their fertility is high - 80%. Keeping this type of chicken will be very easy, as they are calm and get along well in cages. The breed is large. Adults reach 3 kg, males - 4 kg.

Hamburg

It is difficult to choose which chickens are the best, but many make ratings based on the intensity of the clutch and the appearance of the bird. The Hamburg breed will look as elegant and beautiful as possible. The comb is pink in color; you can see that one tooth is very pronounced. The beak is small in size and blue in color. The bird itself has good dimensions, a long body, and lush plumage.

The behavior of chickens is active, it is difficult to drive them into cages. The weight of the birds is small - only about 1.5 kg. This indicator is optimal. In the first year, the bird is capable of producing 180 eggs, in the second - 140 eggs. Weight - fifty-five grams. The shell is white.

Ukrainian earflaps

The breed described below has its own characteristic features. Birds have scarlet colored earlobes. They are difficult to notice due to their thick plumage. It is still unknown how and under what conditions this breed was bred. We can only say for sure that this is a folk “creation”. These chickens easily and in the shortest possible time get used to the climatic features of the territory in which they live and living conditions. They can easily withstand low temperatures, rain or snow. Laying hens have a voluminous, rounded chest, which has good plumage. The body is dense and strong. The back is noticeably straight and wide. Compared to other breeds, this one has an oversized head. A ridge is visible on the top of the head. The beak is small and strong. Roosters have a cute bushy tail, which is decorated with bright feathers. No special conditions are required for laying hens. Most often, roosters are black. There may also be individuals with bright colors. The bird produces about two hundred eggs per year. The weight of one unit of the product is 60 g. The weight of a chicken is about two kg, a rooster is three kg. The egg is light, the shell has a creamy milky tone. She's strong.

Orlovskaya

It is currently unknown where this breed originated from. Birds have a beautiful appearance. They have fluff of black, calico shades. Fawn color is found on the head and neck. These feathers hang down, so it may look like the chicken has a beard. The head is small, the back of the head is wide. The beak, although short, has become rounded.

Roosters have a small comb and it is covered with down. The paws are strong and massive. Laying hens require little care and are hardy. In one year, chickens can lay 150 eggs. The weight of one piece is sixty grams. Shell white or Pink colour. The weight of the chicken is three kg, the rooster is four kg.

Pavlovskaya

These birds were bred in the Gorky region, in the village of Pavlovo. Peruvian-type roosters are crossed with shaggy-legged hens with smooth feathers.

The feather cover of this breed is golden or silver, with black inclusions. In one year, a laying hen can produce 120 eggs. Each weighs about 60 g. A chicken can weigh up to 2 kg, a rooster - 2.5 kg. This breed is most often used on home farms.

Pushkin striped-pied

This type is experimental. It was recently developed by crossing Leghorn roosters and Australorp hens. Birds of this variety are used to produce eggs, but for laying hens their weight is too large. The plumage is striped and variegated, the undergrowth is white. Roosters have a large number of spots on their bodies. The bird's head is elongated, the beak is curved, medium in size and has an ivory color. On the top of the head there is a ridge on which there is a spike. It goes all the way to the back of the head. It has a flat shape at the top. The ridge itself is flat. The chicken's eyes are expressive, the shell of the eye is orange. The earlobes are colored pink. The neck is long, and the feathers are in the form of a mane. The body has the shape of a trapezoid. At the same time, the chicken’s chest is wide and set deep. The back tapers towards the tail. The latter is well developed and planted straight. The metatarsals are large, but long, and have a white tint. The toes are covered with tights and are spread wide apart. Dense down type. The wings are long, lowered to the ground.

This breed is calm and quiet. Birds quickly adapt to the conditions provided. Survival rate at a high level. The chickens look spectacular. The limbs are long and strong. An adult will weigh 2 kg, a rooster - 2.6 kg. The bird is capable of laying about 200 eggs per year. Each weight is 60 g. The shell is white or cream color.

Shaverovsky cross

These chickens are capable of laying eggs already at 17 weeks of development. One bird can produce 320 pieces in a year. Already by the 25th week, the efficiency of reproduction becomes maximum, so the egg-laying period is quite active at this time.

There are no special content requirements. This breed is hardy and not afraid of people. From the 18th week, the bird should begin to be given a little more feed than usual.

Conclusion

In order not to make a mistake in choosing a breed, you should study all the characteristics of certain species before purchasing. It would be useful to look at photographs of each breed that interests you. Then the owner will definitely be able to choose the most suitable option for himself.

Certain rules must be followed. First you need to understand the purpose of buying a bird. For example, for family or friends, for a rare sale, or for uninterrupted production. The article presents popular breeds of laying hens, with photographs and names.

Do not forget that the premises where chickens are raised are not dimensionless, so when purchasing you need to pay special attention to this. Small breeds will fit in a small room in moderate amount, while large ones will have to be purchased much less.

Region, precipitation and general climatic features should also be taken into account. The bird must be adapted to all nuances or be able to adapt to them.

The availability of chicken breeds should also be taken into account. It is necessary to calculate whether the owner will be able to return the money spent, transportation costs, and so on.

Only after considering all the nuances and features can you purchase chickens for further production of eggs. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the literature, which will allow you to understand all the intricacies of caring for birds. Young animals should be purchased. If you follow all the rules, you can get eggs every day throughout the year. All breeds of laying hens described in the article with photographs and names are capable of this “operation” mode.