Common Breeds of Chicken With Light Yellow & Furry Legs

Chickens are primarily bred for either their meat or their egg-laying ability. Some are bred purely to be ornamental or as pets. With the current trend towards urban chicken farming, the various breeds are likely to become more widely recognized and valued for their individual characteristics.

  1. Plymouth Rock

    • Plymouth Rock chickens are friendly and lay large, brown eggs. They prefer to run around in a free-range fashion but can also be caged. This breed was developed in 19th century New England and was first exhibited as a breed in 1869. In 1874, this breed met the American Poultry Association's standard. Plymouth Rocks have been one of the more popular breed of chicken, due to its hardiness in winter, docility, excellent egg production and high quality of meat.

    Cornish

    • Cornish chickens are bred primarily for meat, as they are heavy, muscular birds with yellow legs. With the females weighing approximately 8 pounds and the males 10 pounds, they are considered to be very heavy. These chickens are quite lean, so don't do well in colder weather. They do well in confinement, however, so heaters can keep them comfortable in winter. These chickens tend to be heavy eaters and are the cornerstone of the broiler market in the commercial poultry industry.

    Brahma

    • Brahmas are large, fluffy-legged Bantam chickens. Standard females are 9.5 pounds and the males weigh up to 12 pounds. This breed originated in India and has a friendly, docile manner. Though bred for their meat, they are also excellent layers and will lay eggs through the winter. Brahma also do quite well in confinement and don't make very much noise. These chickens come in a variety of color: black, buff, dark, light and white.

    Cochin Bantam

    • Cochins are an Asian breed of chicken which appear fluffy all over. They gained mass popularity when the Chinese gave some Cochin to England's Queen Victoria, who is reported to have adored them. They don't produce many eggs, but are loved for their personalities and their mothering abilities. Thus, Cochins are primarily bred for pets or ornamental purposes. Since they are extremely feathered, it is important to clip their feathers or else use artificial insemination for the purposes of breeding.