The best laying hen to date. Laying hens are the best of the best

Recently, most farmers have appreciated all the positive qualities of chickens and their advantages over other poultry. Many breeds of laying hens are unpretentious and do not require close attention in everyday life, but the regular receipt of eggs and meat cannot but please breeders.

Chicken breeds

Chickens of egg breeds, which is better? Chicken breeders answer this question in approximately the same way. Farmers consider several types of chickens to be the best breeds, which include:

• Loman Brown;
• White breed of chickens;
• Leghorn;
• Kuchinsky Jubilee;
• Adler silver;
• Hisex Brown;
• Lohmann-Brown brown breed;
• Tetra S L;

Description of breeds

Today, the performance characteristics of laying hen breeds are constantly being improved . Trial and error farmers have chosen several of the most profitable breeds of laying hens for breeding.

Loman Brown They are capable of laying about 320 eggs per year. They are considered a good egg breed. Puberty in this breed occurs at the age of 133-135 days, at which time they are completely ready for puberty. The active egg-laying period lasts about 80 weeks. The eggs are large, weighing 63 grams.

At the end of the laying period, the bird is usually sent to slaughter, as productivity is significantly reduced . Chicks of this breed extremely tenacious, about 98% grow safely.

It appears to be a medium-sized poultry bird with golden-brown feathers and occasional black spots. As usual, roosters are larger than hens and are black and white.

Breed of laying hens White most loved by farmers. It is considered by many to be the most egg-laying breed of chicken. In a year, one hen can lay about 340 eggs. Weight is small, does not exceed 2 kg, roosters 3 kg. The eggs produced by this breed are large, with a rich orange yolk. Puberty in this breed occurs at 130-135 days of life.

The color is predominantly white, with a bright red comb and white earrings. Over the course of their lives, these chickens' paws change color—from light golden to a bluish tint over time.

Leghorn came to Russia from Italy in 1925. Egg production is quite high; in a year one chicken can lay about 220-230 eggs. The weight is average, for females it is 2300 g, for males it is about 2800 g. Leghorn chickens are tenacious, about 90% grow into adults. A young hen can lay eggs at the age of 4 months. Leghorns come in a wide variety of colors, from black and white to gold, copper brown and even dark blue.

Kuchin anniversary This type of laying hen is bred by farmers as an egg-laying and meat-producing breed of poultry. Egg production is about 200 eggs per year, puberty occurs on the 180th day of life. Males weigh 4 kg, females are slightly smaller. Eggs weighing 60 grams, large, with a brown shell. The colors are varied, from black to copper-red. The patterns on the feathers are characteristic.

Adler silver The laying hen was first bred in Adler and is considered an egg-meat breed. Regular meat gain does not in any way affect the egg production of birds of this species. This representative of the breed lays about 180 eggs per year. This is a beautiful silver bird with black spots on the neck. It has a peaceful character and no aggression.

Hisex Brown small individuals, and it is possible to distinguish a male from a female already on the first day of life. The fluff of a cockerel is lighter than that of a hen, and the weight varies from the first days. The build of these birds is quite dense, although their weight is small. Most often they have a copper color, sometimes there are white inclusions. The character is calm, they get along with representatives of other breeds, they do not share the roost. Puberty occurs at 20 weeks of life, egg production is high, about 300 eggs per year. The eggs themselves are large in size, weight reaches 65-70 grams, the shell is dense, white or brown.

Lohmann-Brown belong to the egg-meat type of chickens; from the name it is easy to guess that the breed has a brown color. They quickly get used to new conditions of detention and do not require special conditions of detention. Full puberty occurs at 5-5.5 months, egg production is high, about 300 eggs per year. The eggs are large, weighing up to 62 grams, the shell is brown.

Tetra S L Absolutely not prone to obesity. The bird is a little clumsy, has a calm, peaceful character, is friendly with its “neighbors” and very rarely gets into squabbles. Full puberty occurs after 4.5 months, the first eggs are not very large, weighing no more than 50 grams. As the egg matures, the weight of the egg increases and can reach 70 grams. Egg production is high, about 300 eggs per year. The eggshell is dense and brown in color.

Features of maintenance and breeding

All of the above types of chickens They are considered purebred, so there are several tips on how to properly care for them. The appearance of chickens and egg production itself directly depend on the conditions of detention. It is known for certain that those representatives of this species who receive the daily norm of essential vitamins even have egg yolks of a rich orange color, and the eggs themselves are much larger.

To properly arrange the future home of purebred poultry, it is necessary to take into account some important aspects:

At low temperatures, the bird can get frostbite, and egg production will drop significantly. At high temperatures, domestic hens will begin to lay eggs with very thin shells, or even without shells at all.

Experienced breeders recommend that you approach the choice of premises with special care. It is recommended that each individual be given at least 0.5 meters of space. It is not recommended to cement the floor, as the bird can freeze its paws in the cold season. It is best to make the floor loose or wooden.

The simplest solution for ventilation equipment would be a window. In the warm season, it can not be closed, this will provide a flow of fresh air. In winter, the window will be closed all the time, which will save heat in the chicken coop.

The egg production of a bird directly depends on proper lighting. When the individual begins to lay eggs, she will need 12 hours of daylight. The best and most economical option would be a regular light bulb.

To avoid unnecessary heating of the chicken coop, breeders recommend laying bedding on the floor. It will absorb excess moisture released by the bird . And in winter the bedding will support The temperature in the chicken coop is about 32 degrees Celsius.

The presence of perches and nests in the chicken coop is mandatory. These representatives of poultry are not able to sleep on the ground and will lay eggs more comfortably in the nest. It is necessary to correctly calculate the length of the perch poles. Each individual should have at least 30 cm of free space.

What to feed a laying hen

Fertility and weight gain directly depends on proper feeding. Although chickens are considered one of the most unpretentious types of poultry and they are fed almost everything: scraps, weeds from the garden, leftover feed from goats, pigs and sheep. Choosing the right feeding regimen is essential.

In addition to the generally accepted diet in the form of grain, chickens must be given plant and animal food. Proteins and carbohydrates are necessary for egg production in chickens.

A useful component in the diet of chickens There will be various additives, for example, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, legumes, cake. Often, due to a lack of calcium, chickens suffer from various diseases, so it is necessary to add crushed chalk, ash, and table salt to the chickens’ diet.

You can’t do without green food. It is necessary to give grass to chickens. This will help get the missing minerals, vitamins and moisture that chickens need at the cellular level.

Chickens love dill, young pea shoots, lettuce, and nettles. In winter, chickens are offered grass hay, which is prepared in advance in the summer.

You can add finely chopped vegetables and fruits to the main food. In winter, this feeding will be indispensable.

• leghorns;
• dominants;
• highsex;
• Kuchin anniversary;
• broken;
• rhodonites.

After getting acquainted with each representative, you can make a choice in favor of one breed or another.

Leghorns

The breed appeared in the 19th century. It is distinguished by its endurance and high adaptation to any climatic conditions. The average weight of leghorns is approximately 2 kg, the egg production rate is 300 eggs in 365 days, and up to 370 eggs can be obtained from some chickens. On average, one egg weighs approximately 60 grams. Survival rate 92%. The breed has a lively character, they can make noise, but they do not like extraneous sounds. There are two varieties with white and brown color. Brown chickens lay eggs with dark-colored shells, and white chickens with snow-white shells. The highest productivity indicators occur in the first 365 days of a bird's life, then these qualities decrease.

Birds are carriers of a certain gene that is responsible for dwarfism. The weight of a small bird is 1.5 kg. Despite their small weight, they are very fertile and from one bird you can get approximately 260 eggs in 365 days, with an average weight of 60 grams. The first clutch occurs at four months of age, and by the age of six months they produce large products.

It is typical for mini leghorns to be demanding when it comes to food supply. A lack or excess of nutrients has a negative impact on the overall health of young animals, which is characterized by slow metabolic processes. An excess of protein components leads to bending of the fingers, then the young animals fall on their feet and lose the ability to move. It is necessary to carefully maintain a balance in the content of all microelements, and the protein must be easily digestible by the chicks’ body.

This breed is used to produce environmentally friendly products in Switzerland. Dominants can be bred by both experienced and novice breeders. Chickens are hardy and perfectly adapted to different climatic conditions. They live well in heat and severe frosts. Another feature can be called undemanding to the food supply. Dominants can obtain useful elements from any low-grade mixtures. The breed has a good immune system and is not susceptible to colds and viral diseases. Birds tolerate diseases very easily and recover quickly with proper treatment.

Egg production is 320 eggs in 365 days, the average weight of one egg is 70 grams. If you provide birds with a balanced diet, you can achieve increased productivity.

Loman Browns

The breed is German. Breeders intended to develop a breed with high egg productivity and adaptation to a wide variety of housing conditions. From one hen you can get about 320 eggs in 365 days with an average weight of up to 65 grams. The egg-laying period begins at 21 weeks, the peak is fixed at 30. The first clutch is characterized by small production, but gradually it increases in size. The shell is dark in color.

Lomans have gained their popularity due to their unpretentiousness in maintenance methods; any climate zone is suitable for them without losing productivity. But the composition of feed mixtures in combination with the number of feedings can affect egg production. With any changes or disturbances, a noticeable decrease in the quantity of production is noticed.

Kuchin anniversary

Large products are obtained from birds. The advantages of the breed include the presence of strong bones, well-developed maternal instinct, and the fact that chickens practically do not degenerate. The breed received its name from the plant of the same name, and the second word reminds of the anniversary of this enterprise. The breed is domestic and does not have any significant disadvantages. More than 200 eggs per year are obtained from Kuchin chickens. The egg-laying period stops only during the change of feather cover. The average weight of one egg is 55 - 60 grams.

It is important to know. For jubilee chickens, overfeeding is dangerous, as soon as the bird begins to overeat, its egg production decreases. Poultry needs balanced feed with sufficient amounts of proteins and mineral complexes, fresh grass, vegetables and dairy products.

Highsex

These birds are very loved by farmers for their good immune system and immunity to helminthiasis and fungus. There are two types of white highsex and brown. Both varieties are egg-laying, but browns are more productive. White birds produce up to 280 eggs in 365 days, with an average weight of one egg of about 65 grams. White highsex cats need to carefully develop their diet and not forget about mineral supplements.

Browns show higher production of over 320 eggs in 365 days, with an average weight of approximately 70 grams.

It is important to know. Hisex Brown reacts sharply to temperature changes. If the temperature rises sharply, the bird begins to eat less food. This will not affect the number of eggs, but it will affect the quality. Browns require grain as one of their feed components.

Rhodonites

The breed is a success of German breeders. They began to be bred on the territory of our country not so long ago, already in the 21st century. Our scientists have worked on rhodonites to improve their productive qualities. The average weight of a bird is about 2 kg, they are endowed with the ability to quickly adapt to any climatic conditions and are unpretentious in their food supply. Productive qualities will not depend on temperature indicators; even at low temperatures, about 300 eggs are obtained from one hen in 365 days with an average weight of 60 grams per piece.

Rhodonites require certain conditions:

• in the chicken coop, the ceilings should be at a height of at least 1.7 meters;
• the room must be equipped with a draft-free ventilation system;
• optimal temperature indicator -2 +26 degrees;
• There should be at least 0.5 square meters per chicken;
• It is recommended to feed with special mixtures containing vegetables, green mass, feed chalk and mineral supplements. You can give mixed feed and wheat grain.

The result of the work of scientists from the United States. Birds have excellent productivity, and they are practically omnivores. The average weight is approximately 1.5 kg, the egg-laying period lasts 2.5 months, but during this time you can get approximately 350 eggs from one bird with an average weight of more than 65 grams per piece.

Russian white chickens

Belongs to domestic breeds. Birds showing high productivity and individuals with large body weight were used for crossing. Russian breed

When selecting egg breeds, the main emphasis is on such a characteristic as egg production (the number of eggs produced by one individual during the year). The weight of egg-laying chickens is usually small; they are not suitable for breeding for meat.

All chickens of egg breeds are distinguished by early sexual maturity (which “starts” the process of egg laying). On average, egg-laying breeds begin to lay eggs at the age of 4-5 months, while in meat breeds chickens lay eggs 2-3 months later. Other distinctive characteristics of egg-laying breeds are:

• light weight (up to 2.2 kg in females and up to 3 kg in males);
• activity and mobility due to rapid metabolism;
• good appetite (on average, a chicken lays an egg once every 25 hours, so she needs to constantly replenish her body with nutrition).

The egg production capacity of a particular individual is determined by the number of eggs in its body. This amount is established at birth of the chicken and does not change throughout life. The average number of eggs in the body of a female of egg-laying breeds is about 4 thousand, but this does not mean that a chicken will produce exactly that number of eggs during her life. It will take a laying hen 15 years to realize the required number of eggs. Chickens bred on private farms and poultry farms never live to this age. Peak egg production in laying hens occurs at 3-4 years of age. As a rule, after a decrease in productivity, individuals are discarded.

The record holder for the number of eggs laid is a representative of the Leghorn breed named Princess. In 1930, she produced 361 eggs, i.e. she laid almost every day. This is an impressive figure, considering that the egg production capacity of industrial breeds of laying hens is 200-220 pcs.

The most productive egg-bearing breeds are currently considered:

• Loman Brown;
• Rhode Island;
• Minorca;
• Sussex;

Loman Brown chickens are capable of producing about 280-300 eggs per year, and the eggs themselves are large (over 60 g). It is also one of the fastest laying breeds: females begin laying eggs already at 136 days of age. Maximum egg production starts at the age of 170-180 days.

Young hens Loman Brown

One of the disadvantages of the breed is the short duration of the peak of egg laying. It is a maximum of 80 weeks (for other breeds - from 100 weeks). Then the egg production of individuals rapidly decreases. Their maintenance becomes unprofitable and the livestock is renewed.

Laying hens of the Loman Brown breed are completely unpretentious in breeding: they calmly react to fluctuations in temperature conditions and adapt to almost any feed. The form of keeping (cage or walking) does not particularly affect egg production, which is another advantage of the breed.

Loman Brown - a breed of chickens

Leghorn: champion of egg-laying breeds

Leghorn chickens demonstrate the highest productivity. She went through many stages of selection before it was possible to develop the current egg production indicators. Currently, the Leghorn is considered the most popular breed of chicken in the world for industrial breeding.

There are several varieties of the breed, the most common being the white Leghorn. One laying hen is capable of producing 300 eggs per year with an average weight of 56-58 g.

Adults are small in size: females up to 1.6 kg, males up to 2.6. Oviposition occurs at 22-24 weeks of life. Laying hens reach their peak egg production in the first year of life, then productivity begins to gradually decline. On large farms, chickens are kept for up to a year, then slaughtered, because... their maintenance becomes unprofitable.

Cage breeding is considered the optimal form of breeding: laying hens feel great in a closed space. The main condition for maintaining productivity is to ensure sufficient lighting in the premises.

Another advantage of the breed is low feed costs. Leghorns eat little and never overeat due to their metabolism. But at the same time, if the balance of proteins and minerals in the feed mixtures is disturbed, as well as if they are given insufficiently clean and fresh water, the chickens can significantly lose productivity.

Rhode Island: American Giant Layers

Among the egg-bearing types of chickens, representatives of the Rhode Island breed are considered giants; they are successfully raised both for eggs and for meat. The average weight of cockerels ranges from 3.1-3.8 kg, and individuals weighing over 4 kg are often found. Females weigh on average 2.5-2.9 kg. Individuals whose diet is dominated by green food reach the greatest weight.

Other characteristics of the breed:

• Egg production – up to 170 eggs per year;
• Egg weight – 58-63 g;
• Beginning of oviposition – 210 days;
• Hatchability – up to 75%.

Like representatives of the Loman Brown breed, Rhode Islanders are distinguished by their unpretentiousness in maintenance. They feel comfortable even in primitive poultry houses, without separate nests. The breed is resistant to low temperatures; with sufficient light and a balanced diet, egg production is maintained even in severe frosts. Rhode Island chickens have increased immunity to most diseases that affect the young of other egg-laying breeds.

Graceful minors

There are three lines of the breed: black Spanish Minorcas, whose gene pool is now almost exhausted, white-silver British and dwarf. The last line is experimental, the maximum weight of dwarf minors does not exceed 1 kg.

For industrial breeding, the British breed standard is currently used. Female British Minorcas weigh on average 2.3-2.5 kg, roosters - from 3.2 to 4. Along with the Rhode Island breed, Minorcas are equally well suited for both egg and meat breeding.

Minorka eggs are distinguished by the largest weight - up to 80 g. However, only laying hens in the second year of life are capable of producing eggs of such weight. Young animals that have just reached the age of oviposition produce eggs weighing up to 60 g. The egg production of young animals is higher than that of second years and is up to 170 pcs. per year, while individuals in the second year of life are capable of laying a maximum of 140.

A feature of Minorca chickens is the close dependence of productivity on the purity of the breed. Therefore, individuals with signs of deviation are discarded even before the onset of puberty.

Egg breed Minorca chickens
Show on page View full size

Minorcas (both young and adult chickens) are very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. To maintain productivity, it is important to keep livestock in dry and well-insulated poultry houses.

Noble beauties of the Sussexes

Individuals of this breed are distinguished by their elegant appearance. Chickens with a characteristic pattern on the neck and tail attract attention with their grace. There are many color options for individuals: Colombian, fawn, white, lavender, porcelain, brown, etc.

The most popular in Europe and Russia is Colombian. Representatives of this species are white with a dark “necklace” on the neck. The ends of the flight and tail feathers are also painted black.

Sussexes in the poultry house - photo

The main characteristics of the breed are as follows:

• weight – 2.4-2.7 kg (females), 3-4 kg (males);
• egg weight – 56-58 g;
• beginning of oviposition – 5th month of life;
• productivity – 170-190 pcs.

The Sussex breed is very precocious: with proper care, young animals gain slaughter weight at 100-120 days of life. The breed's egg production depends on the time of year: in winter, productivity drops significantly, so on large farms chickens are often slaughtered with the onset of cold weather.

New Hampshire: "cousin" of the Rhode Island breed

These laying hens were bred by American breeders based on the Rhode Island breed. New Hampshire chickens weigh slightly less than their prototypes, but are also less voracious. The weight of the female is from 2.1 to 2.9 kg, the male – up to 3.75 kg.

New Hampshire laying hen eggs have a pleasant yellow-brown color, weight 1 pc. – up to 60 g. Maximum egg production is observed in the first year of life of individuals (up to 200 pcs), in the second – up to 160, in the third – up to 140. It is unprofitable to keep individuals older than three years.

Adult chickens and cockerels have a calm character and can coexist without problems with representatives of other breeds. New Hampshires can withstand temperature changes and weather vagaries. To maintain productivity, laying hens require a variety of nutrition; on feed alone, New Hampshire hens will quickly “deflate”. Their diet must include greens, grated root vegetables, and eggshells.

Russian White: the pride of domestic poultry farming

To develop this breed, Soviet breeders used White Leghorn roosters with females of local species. The breed standard is the pure white color of the plumage of individuals with a bright red crest and “earrings”. The live weight of females is from 1.6 to 1.8 kg, males - 2-2.5 kg.

Russian White belongs to the small-egg breeds (egg weight does not exceed 56 g), but it demonstrates good productivity (200-230 pieces per year). The egg production record for individual individuals is 300 eggs per year. The eggs produced are white and the shell is thin.

For best productivity, chickens should spend most of the daylight hours on the pasture. When kept in closed pens, it is important to maintain a microclimate that is comfortable for the birds: Russian Whites cannot tolerate humid air, so the humidity level should not rise above 70%. The temperature in the pen should not be allowed to drop below -2°C: the birds’ combs will immediately freeze, which will significantly affect egg production.

Early maturing laying hens Belarus 9-U

A cross of egg-laying chickens, adapted for growing in the climatic conditions of the middle zone. The breed is early maturing (the hens lay their first eggs on the 135th day of life), and keeping such birds is very profitable. An adult consumes no more than 115 g of feed per day.

Cross "Belarus 9-U"

The average weight of females is up to 2 kg, males are not much larger - up to 2.5 kg. Egg production of the breed is 250-260 pcs. Small eggs - 59-60 g.

Tetra: universal cross

A hybrid breed of laying hens, also suitable for raising for slaughter. Due to the meat and egg orientation of the breed, birds need a adjusted diet. It is imperative to observe the daily intake of calcium and protein by individuals, which is necessary for the regular formation of eggs. If the laying hens' diet is insufficient or unbalanced, this will quickly affect the health of the birds.

Tetra chickens on the run
Show on page View full size

The breed's egg production is high - during the year the female is able to lay 230-250 eggs. The Tetra hybrid is relatively early ripening, egg laying begins already at the 21st week of life.

An adult female weighs 2 - 2.5 kg, a male - 2.8-3.5. Since the Tetra breed is a cross (hybrid), the size of the individuals is slightly larger than that of classic egg breeds.

Video - Laying hens Loman Brown and Hisex

Video - Keeping laying hens

Chicken farming is one of the most popular types of livestock farming. Among the many breeds, preference is mainly given to egg-laying chickens. They provide the family with fresh eggs. There is also the opportunity to fatten young animals for meat. The article shows the best breeds of laying hens.

Breeding chickens of egg-laying breeds is beneficial for the owner of a plot or cottage.

Egg and meat-egg birds have a number of advantages over meat chickens, including broilers:

• ease of care;
• stronger immunity than broilers;
• the possibility of free range (and, therefore, independent procurement of food);
• high and stable egg production rates.

As for the possibility of using “egg” chickens for meat, of course, they are far from 6-kilogram broilers, but a chicken weighing 2.5-3.0 kg is quite suitable for meat. The big advantage of egg-laying hens is their “precocity”. Birds 125-130 days old can lay eggs. After a short time, they can already lay fertilized eggs and become brood hens. A good laying hen produces about 250 eggs per year. In this regard, heavy meat chickens are significantly inferior to light-bone egg chickens.

Laying hens of many breeds serve as decoration for the site.

How to choose a good breed of chickens? Breeders, working in this direction, have developed several universal, meat-eating breeds. Such birds are calm, unpretentious, and 1.5 times heavier than classic egg-laying chickens. However, the final choice is up to the poultry farmer. After carefully studying the bird breeds, you can choose the best option for yourself.

The best bird species for the Moscow region

The review presents birds bred specifically in the Moscow region, and therefore adapted to this area. The exception is the Leghorn, but these chickens are popular everywhere.

White Leghorn

White Leghorn chickens.

If we are talking about “professional” light-boned laying hens, then . Chickens are active, mature quickly and are champions of egg production. The chicken begins to lay eggs at 4-5 months. The weight of one egg is about 60 g. The annual production of Leghorn hens is 250 eggs. Meat qualities cannot be called outstanding. The weight of an adult bird is from 1.5 to 2.5 kg. However, with intensive feeding of young animals, the use of these snow-white beauties for meat is quite possible.

Important! The dwarf leghorn is ideal for country breeding and small farmsteads. The weight of an adult chicken is no more than 1.7 kg. At the same time, the egg production indicators are the same as those of ordinary chickens of this breed.

Zagorskaya salmon

The meat of Zagorsk salmon chickens is distinguished by a delicate shade of reddish color.

This variety was bred by breeders near Moscow. The bird received its unusual name because of the very beautiful salmon hue of the meat. The meat has excellent taste and dietary qualities. A rooster weighs approximately 3.5 kg, and a chicken - 2.5-2.7. An interesting feature of the breed is that day-old cockerels and hens differ from each other. And as they grow older, the final color is formed. Roosters are black and white, and hens are all shades of beige and brown.

Pushkin striped-pied

Chickens and roosters of the Pushkin striped-motley breed are distinguished by their specially shaped comb.

The breed has good performance. The egg production of one hen is 270 pieces. The meat characteristics are also quite decent. The weight of the female is about 2.0 kg, the male – 2.5 kg. Externally, the birds are very attractive. Spots of black and brown shades on the white plumage make the birds look like charming little birds. These birds cannot fly, so their owners do not need to think about building a high fence, but it's worth finding out more . The breed is hardy, perfectly adapted to being kept outside, the birds do an excellent job of searching for food on their own. In addition, the meat has wonderful taste.

Kuchin anniversary

The Kuchinsky breed of chickens is one of the most popular.

These chickens are distinguished by their unpretentiousness, rapid maturation and attractive appearance. The breed is universal. The average egg production of one chicken is 180 pcs./year. The bird is also quite suitable for fattening for meat. Roosters weigh 3.7 kg, females are one kilogram lighter. Birds are not picky about their diet and tolerate low temperatures well. fits perfectly.

Moscow black

The Moscow black breed was bred immediately after the war, in 1946.

A meat-egg breed with excellent performance. The weight of the hen and rooster is 2.5 and 3.5 kg, respectively. Laying hen productivity per year is 250 eggs. The shell is colored cream or brownish. They also carry well in winter.

Review of popular breeds for Russia, Ukraine and Belarus

Each of the chicken breeds listed in the review has truly unique qualities.

Orlovskaya

The Oryol breed of chickens is famous for its unusually beautiful plumage color.

The name here comes not from the locality, but in honor of Count Orlov, who did a lot to breed this unusually beautiful variety of chickens. The breed has a wide variety of colors. Characteristic of the “Orlovtsy” are a predatory curved beak, a low knobby crest and a special stature. Can't be confused with any other birds. . In the first year, the hen produces 160 eggs, then productivity decreases slightly. The taste and dietary qualities of the meat are excellent.

Hisex White, Hisex Brown

Chickens of the Hisex White and Hisex Brown breeds have plumage of different colors.

The homeland of these highly productive birds is Holland. The practical Dutch have developed a universal variety of poultry, with quite decent egg and meat productivity. Of course, Highsex breeds are far from the “classic” meat breeds, but they begin laying eggs at 4 months. The weight of one egg is 65 g, the volume of production from one chicken is about 300 eggs. The breed is distinguished not only by high, but also stable productivity. Egg production rates last for 2-3 years, then decrease. You can learn more interesting things about the characteristics of the Highsex breed in this article:

Loman Brown

Loman Brown chickens have a calm disposition.

Laying hens of this German breed are distinguished by their calm disposition, unpretentiousness and endurance. For a farmstead with many different pets, this is almost an ideal option. hardy, unpretentious, and you can’t even call them timid. The eggs of these chickens are large (62-64 g), colored brownish. The female lays eggs at 5.5 months. The annual productivity of 1 chicken is 320 eggs.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island chickens lay large eggs.

American universal breed. She is not only productive, but also incredibly beautiful. The plumage of the birds is red, the tails are black and green. They delight owners with their unusual appearance, stable egg production and fairly meaty carcasses. The weight of the hens is about 2.8 kg, the cockerels are 1 kg heavier. The annual production of a chicken is about 200 eggs. Rhode Islanders begin laying eggs at 7 months.

Russian White

White Russian chickens are unpretentious and productive.

Outwardly, these beauties resemble Leghorns. In fact, they also have Leghorn genes. However, Russian White chickens are more unpretentious and better tolerate insufficiently high-quality feed and insufficiently mild climate. Chickens become laying hens from 5 months. The weight of 1 egg is 58 g. The annual productivity of 1 bird is 200 eggs. Egg production rates remain consistently high even with insufficient nutrition or under not very favorable conditions.

Adler silver

The Adler silver breed is common in the south of Russia.

A meat-egg breed bred in the Krasnodar region. The birds are fleshy, strong, with unusually beautiful plumage. They are distinguished by their endurance and calm disposition. Unlike ordinary laying hens, the backbone is quite strong. If you choose this breed, you will have both eggs and dietary meat of excellent taste on the table.

Kotlyarevskaya

Chickens of the Kotlyarev breed regularly incubate eggs.

Another southern Russian variety with a very interesting “cozy” color is the real Ryaba Hen from the fairy tale. The average annual egg production is 240 eggs. They are quite large (up to 63 g in weight). With good care, productivity remains high for several years. Chickens of this breed are caring hens, which is important for the farm.

Dominant

Dominant breed chickens have a calm, friendly character.

Faverolles

Chickens of the Faverol breed are unpretentious and get along with other inhabitants of the poultry yard.

The homeland of these handsome men and beauties with an aristocratic appearance is France. The birds are popular due to their unusual golden plumage and excellent meat quality. The live weight of chickens and roosters is 3 and 4 kg, respectively. The hen produces about 180 eggs per year weighing 60 g. The shell is colored brownish. With good meat production, chickens have thin bones. It is indicated that chickens can gain excess fat.

Maran

Chickens of the Maran breed are demanding in terms of living conditions.

Chickens are distinguished by beautiful motley plumage and rapid maturation. The breed is meat-egg. The eggshells are a beautiful chocolate shade. !

Bare-necked Transylvanian

A peculiarity of the breed is the absence of feathers on the birds' necks.

This chicken is so named due to the lack of any hint of feathering in the neck area. The rest of the body is also sparsely feathered; part of the bird’s body is bare. At the same time, the weight of the birds is 3.5 kg, which makes them suitable for meat fattening. And chickens produce from 150 to 180 eggs per year. So this variety, although not the most attractive in appearance, deserves attention, especially since.

Minorcans

Minorcas are a very heat-loving breed of chickens.

The name of these chickens comes from the Spanish island of Minorca. To learn even more about Minorca chickens,. The breed was started by the Spaniards, then the British improved its qualities. The hen lays eggs from 5 months. The eggs are medium size, white shell. The mass of 1 piece is 55 g. A laying hen produces 160 eggs per year.

Isa Brown

Isa Brown are hardy, strong layers.

Typical laying hens. The frame is light, the dimensions are miniature. The color is brown (you can guess this from the name). There is a type of chicken with white plumage (Isa White). One laying hen produces more than 300 eggs per year. The weight of 1 piece is 63 g. Chickens are hardy and have good immunity. The safety of chickens is about 94%.

The complete catalog of chicken breeds with photos and names, presented in our article, contains all the necessary information necessary for breeding poultry in a private backyard.

Almost 8 thousand years ago, people first domesticated chickens. The poultry farming industry still remains the most effective and profitable activity in farming.

Classification

There are many breeds of chickens around the world. Breeding work has made a real breakthrough in this area. Every year, scientists develop new species with high quality properties.

If we take into account that there are approximately 700 breeds throughout the world, then in Russia itself their number is close to 100. But not all of them are used for cultivation in agriculture.

The most accurate and reliable classification consists of the following breeds:

• decorative;
• fighting;
• meat and egg;
• meat;
• egg;
• crosses.

From the name of the breed it is clear for what purpose this or that species is used. They differ from each other in productivity, appearance, size, and temperament.

Decorative chickens

Ornamental poultry farming originated in Ancient China and gradually spread throughout the world becoming part of the home.

The productivity of ornamental breeds is low. A characteristic feature is an attractive, “elegant” appearance.

This group includes crested and dwarf birds, individuals with interesting plumage and combs.

Bantams

These are incredibly beautiful small chickens. Their exact place of origin is not known.

The plumage of chickens is varied: there are black, walnut, calico shades

Productivity is not high. They are most often bred for decorative purposes.

Bantams are very energetic. They will produce up to seventy eggs in a year. The weight of adults is up to 1.2 kg.

Seabright

Seabright is a type of bantam chicken. The body is rounded, the chest is strongly convex, and the tail is fan-shaped.

The color scheme of chickens consists of golden and silver shades

Adults weigh 0.6 kg (cockerel), 0.5 kg (female).

Productivity per year - up to 100 eggs.

Padua

A distinctive feature of these birds, bred by English breeders, is a chic crest covering the protrusion of the head.

Beautiful unusual hens are also excellent laying hens

There are a standard species of birds weighing 2.5 kg (rooster), 2 kg (hen), and a dwarf species weighing 0.8 kg (females). Productivity is quite good. You can collect up to 120 eggs per year.

White-crested Dutch blacks

They are especially popular among Russian poultry farmers due to their original exterior.

Interestingly, the feathers hanging back do not cover the eyes

There is a white crest on the protrusion of the head. The comb is completely missing. Reddish earrings of short length. The tail is made up of beautiful feathers.

The elongated body is particularly slender. From a laying hen you can get up to 140 eggs per year. Adults grow up to 2.5 kg (rooster), 2 kg (chicken).

curly

Southeast Asia is considered the homeland of these beautiful and exotic birds.

Curly-haired chickens (Shershetki) do not fly at all

Their feathers are curled into unusual curls. The weight of an adult rooster is 3 kg, and 2.1 kg for a chicken. A laying hen can produce about 160 eggs in a year.

Shabo

This is the most common decorative breed. The birds are very beautiful.

The plumage is most often white-yellow, as well as striped, speckled, and silver in color.

Chicken Shabot was bred in Japan and brought to Europe in the 18th - 19th centuries.

The weight of an adult is 0.6 kg and 0.5 kg. The annual productivity of the little beauty is 80 eggs.

Fighting breeds

Nature has endowed birds with a strong physique and a strong beak. However, the character of the “fighters” is aggressive. They were brought out specifically to participate in battles.

Azil

He ended up in Germany in 1860.

The oldest type of fighting chicken bred in India

The rooster has a medium, fairly strong build. Weight: 2.5 kg (rooster), 2 kg (female).

Old English

Birds of English selection are of medium build: flat, short back, high limbs. Weight: 3 kg (rooster), 2.5 kg (female). The productivity indicator is quite high.

Old English birds are easy to train

Chickens are characterized by high vitality and endurance. A dwarf subspecies of Old English chickens was also bred.

Belgian

Birds of Flemish selection. Quite large, with aggressive character traits.

This breed was bred specifically for fighting.

The weight of adults is up to 5.5 kg and up to 4 kg. Laying hens have good egg production.

Moscow view

At the end of the 19th century, by crossing different types of birds, Russian scientists developed the Moscow breed to participate in battles. Individuals of this species are strong and have a large build.

The color of chickens varies from red to brightly variegated

The weight of a rooster is 6 kg, a female is 3 kg. Laying hens usually produce 120 eggs per year.

Indian view

In the 19th century, these birds came to Europe. Birds have a pugnacious disposition. Plumage with white or yellow color.

Due to their large weight (4.5 kg for a rooster, 3.5 for a chicken), they are raised for meat. Annual egg production is 100 pieces.

Asian fighting chickens Kulangi

This list can be supplemented with many other fighting breeds:

• Japanese (hint, lari, shamo, aktau);
• Central Asian (kulangi);
• Spanish;
• Malay;
• Turkish;
• Uzbek.

Meat breeds

Many farms and households raise meat chickens to produce dietary meat.

Red whitetail

This variety was born thanks to English breeders.

The birds are distinguished by their large body structure and red-orange feathers.

This is a highly productive species, both in terms of meat production (4 kg - live weight of a rooster, 3.5 kg - of a chicken) and egg production (180 pieces per year).

Plymouth Rock

A breed of American selection. There are 8 subspecies, but the most common are white Plymouthrock and striped. High quality characteristics.

Birds are very calm, easily adapt to different weather conditions, and are resistant to diseases

Compared to other breeds, they are quite large (4 kg - rooster, 3 kg - chicken). In terms of egg production - up to 200 pcs. in year.

Cochin

Meat chickens brought from China in the 19th century.

The bird's figure is massive. The limbs are furry.

Most of them are red in color, but there are blue and smoky sky ones

They are distinguished by high productivity in meat production (4.3 kg - rooster, 4 kg - chicken). Egg production is average - up to 120 pieces.

Brahma

North America is the homeland of brahm. Their plumage is light and dark in color.

Strong body structure, thick and long limbs in plumage

In terms of productivity, this is one of the best breeds. The rooster grows to weigh 4.5 kg. A hen weighing 3.5 kg can produce 120 eggs in an entire year.

Other representatives of meat chickens: Cornish, Dorking, Gudan.

Meat breeds

Designed for cultivation to produce meat and eggs. According to reviews from farmers, maso-egg breeds are the optimal solution for home conditions.

Adler silver

The breed was bred by Russian scientists.

Poultry meat meets high taste standards

With the right feeding ration, a rooster can reach 4 kg, and a chicken can weigh 2.8 kg. The egg production of laying hens is very high (190 eggs per year).

Moscow

The breed was bred by Russian breeders. Meat of high taste.

A rooster can weigh 3.5 kg, a hen 1 kg less

Distinctive features: high egg production, almost 230 eggs per year (up to 250 eggs can be collected from hybrid crosses).

Black birds

Roy Island chicken breed

Birds of the meat-egg direction are very popular among farmers:

• Yerevan;
• Amrox;
• Rhode Island;
• Kuchinsky Jubilee;
• New Tempshire;
• Sussex;
• Hercules;
• Arschotz;a
• Dominic;
• Oravka;

These breeds can be used both in households and in large farming enterprises.

Egg breeds

Many types of egg producing chickens have been bred to produce eggs. Many of them have common characteristic features:

• little weight;
• fast development;
• large tail and wings.

To achieve a high level of egg production, birds need a balanced diet.

Minorca

Since the breed is sensitive to the conditions it is kept in, it is not raised in large production facilities. Minorkas have a black color.

They are mainly bred for subsidiary plots and farms.

The body weight is small: for a cockerel - 3 kg, for a laying hen - 2.5 kg. The egg production rate is 170 eggs per year.

Hamburg

The annual productivity of a chicken is 220 eggs.

An elegant appearance distinguishes birds of this species

In terms of weight, the hen is 1.8 kg, the cockerel is 2.5 kg.

Italian partridge

Outwardly, these are very beautiful birds of gray-brown shades.

The annual productivity is quite high - 180 - 240 eggs with a laying hen weighing up to 2 kg, and her partner weighing up to 3 kg.

Dwarf

Chickens are small, which is economically beneficial for keeping on farms.

With a small weight, a laying hen can lay 170 eggs per year

Interesting: This breed is grown due to its high productivity.

On farms, breeds such as Leghorn, Russian White, and Andalusian are raised for producing eggs.

Chicken crosses

The Lohmann company is breeding new types of crosses that have different colors of plumage and eggshells.

The most popular among them is Lohmann Brown. It is characterized by high productivity due to egg production, which reaches almost 320 eggs per year with an average bird weight (3 kg for a rooster, 2 kg for a hen).

Popular crosses are Shaver Brown, Loman White, Hisex Brown, Hisex White.

Rare breeds

Ga Dong Tao

The breed was bred in Vietnam. Known for the bird's thick (elephant) legs.

Chickens have thick legs

Ayam Tsemali

Central Java is the birthplace of this unusual breed (black chicken).

It is notable for the fact that the bird's entire body is black.

It is noteworthy that Ayam Tsemali are considered the most expensive breeds in the world (the cost of a chicken starts from 2.5 thousand dollars).

Silk

Silky chickens originate from China. These are birds with beautiful decorative external features.

These are birds with beautiful decorative external features

They have brown-blue skin, grayish-black meat, black bones (they are also called “chickens with crow bones”). Adult males reach a maximum of 1.5 kg of live weight.

Bald

Israeli geneticists have bred completely hairless chickens.

Chickens have good egg production and a massive muscular body structure. The breed belongs to the meat production type.

Despite the fact that there are many different breeds in the world, breeders continue to work on developing new, more progressive species.

Watch an interesting video about the giant chicken of the Brama breed: