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Chickens

Backyard breeds that earn their keep: layers, dual-purpose birds and ornamental favourites, with egg numbers, temperament and hardiness on every profile.

Australorp — Dual-purpose (Australian breed)

Australorp

Hens about 6.5 pounds; roosters about 8.5 pounds

Cochin — Ornamental / Asiatic class (historically dual-purpose)

Cochin

Hens about 8.5 pounds; roosters about 11 pounds

Easter Egger — Layer hybrid (Araucana/Ameraucana ancestry)

Easter Egger

Hens about 4–6.5 pounds; roosters about 5–7 pounds

Leghorn — Layer (Mediterranean class)

Leghorn

Hens about 4.5 pounds; roosters about 6 pounds

Orpington — Dual-purpose (English class)

Orpington

Hens about 8 pounds; roosters about 10 pounds

Plymouth Rock — Dual-purpose (American class)

Plymouth Rock

Hens about 7.5 pounds; roosters about 9.5 pounds

Rhode Island Red — Dual-purpose (American class)

Rhode Island Red

Hens about 6.5 pounds; roosters about 8.5 pounds

Silkie — Ornamental (bantam type)

Silkie

Hens about 2–3 pounds; roosters about 3–4 pounds (bantam-sized in most countries)

Sussex — Dual-purpose (English class)

Sussex

Hens about 7 pounds; roosters about 9 pounds

Wyandotte — Dual-purpose (American class)

Wyandotte

Hens about 6.5 pounds; roosters about 8.5 pounds