Instructions
Decide what purpose you want your chickens to fulfill. Some breeds are ideal for laying eggs; others are better for eating.
Take into consideration the climate in which you live. Some breeds of chicken survive in cold weather better than others. One breed that does well in cold weather is the Cochin.
Evaluate your degree of commitment. If you are ready to commit to many generations of chickens and the cost of raising them, select a type of chicken that is good for breeding. Leghorn chickens are good breeders.
Decide if you would like chickens that lay colorful eggs. The Ameraucana breed lays blue eggs.
Bring your list of priorities to a local farm supply store to get advice on which breed of chicken fits your needs. Research chicken breeds further by reading books and websites about chickens.
How to Choose a Chicken or Hen Breed
Chickens are the birds that lay the eggs Americans most commonly eat. Although quail eggs are eaten in other countries, most Americans prefer chicken eggs for breakfast. People who consume a lot of eggs may want to raise their own egg-laying chickens. Chicken itself is a common meat in America, and raising your own chickens allows you to control how they are raised and butchered. Some breeds of chicken are better for certain purposes than others. Selecting the right breed is important.