Types of Pet Chickens

Chickens make excellent pets as they eat bugs and require minimal upkeep. In addition, heir feed is cheap and they lay eggs for food. Some owners eventually decide to slaughter their chickens for meat, but many keep them as beloved household pets. When choosing the right chickens to keep, it's important to pay attention to the breed to ensure friendliness. Do not attempt to keep roosters as they can be aggressive. Hens will still lay eggs without the presence of roosters. (see Reference 1).

  1. Australorp

    • Originally bred in Australian as a variety of the Orpington breed, Australorps make popular pets because of their docile, friendly manner. They are suitable as pets for children as they do not mind being petted or picked up. Their feathers are soft and black and possess a single comb and four toes. They are incredibly hardy birds that handle confinement nicely and bear winter well. Australorps typically lay five eggs a week. (see Reference 2).

    Brahma

    • Originally from India, Brahma chickens are classified as Bantam or Large Fowl and are very heavy, weighing in at 8 pounds. Brahmas are quiet and gentle, and do not mind human interaction. Their feathers are often mixed in color, with sections of black, brown and buff across the body. Brahmas possess a pea comb and four toes. They typically lay three brown eggs per week. (see Reference 2).

    Plymouth Rock

    • Plymouth Rock chickens, or "Barred Rocks," have single combs and possess an interesting black and white striped pattern on their feathers. They typically weigh seven to either pounds, and will tolerate confinement but prefer to roam free. Plymouth Rocks lay four brown eggs a week. While popular on smaller farms and as friendly pets, all varieties of Plymouth Rock chickens are relatively rare. (see Reference 2).

    Sussex

    • Originally the main English chicken before the Cornish Cross, today Sussex chickens are incredibly popular as they are relatively heavy but yet light eaters who lay four brown eggs weekly right through the winter. Younger chickens have predominantly dark brown plumage but as they age, begin to develop white speckles along their feathers. They are calm, quiet, and docile but are known to be curious enough to follow their owners through the yard. (see Reference 2).

    Jersey Giant

    • As the name suggests, Jersey Giants were originally created in New Jersey. Jersey Giant chickens are enormous birds clocking in at over eight pounds. Their plumage is a dark, glossy black with a single red comb. They lay extra-large, brown eggs three times a week. Jersey Giants handle confinement well and are quiet and easygoing birds. (see Reference 1 and 2).

    Naked Neck

    • Originally bred to make plucking easier for cooking, Naked Neck chickens resemble turkeys due to their white plumage but have bare neck. Naked Necks weigh six to seven pounds, have large combs and bare well in the cold despite their heightened skin exposure. They are not prolific egg-layers at two cream-colored eggs a week, but are very friendly and easy to tame as pets. Naked Neck chickens are more popular in Europe but do exist across the United States. (see Reference 1 and 2).