On the Farm

Build a coop and add one of these five breeds worth clucking about.

Pick the perfect chicken.

Silkie

WEIGHT: 32 oz. EGGS: MEDIUM TEMPERAMENT: DOCILE

Known for downy soft feathers, black eyes and slate blue skin, this bantam breed makes a great pet. The plumage, which comes bearded or nonbearded in black, blue, partridge, buff, white or gray, looks and feels like silky, fluffy fur. The hens are small, so they’re easy to pick up. You’ll want to pet them often.

Cochin

WEIGHT: 8.5 lbs. EGGS: LARGE TEMPERAMENT: HUGGABLE

If you’re looking for big, plush chickens that resemble teddy bears, check out Cochins.

Their thick feathers come in many colors, including black, buff, blue, white, partridge and barred. These hens are friendly and easily tamed, and they often act broody, protecting their eggs. Cochins are big enough to hatch duck or turkey eggs.

Ameraucana

WEIGHT: 5.5 lbs. EGGS: LARGE TEMPERAMENT: GENTLE

Folks love these hens for their colored eggs. Ameraucanas’ fluffy faces are bearded and muffed, adding to their beauty. They were developed as a cold-hardy breed. Varieties include black, blue, silver, wheaten, white and lavender, making their plumage as pretty as their eggs.

Polish

WEIGHT: 4.5 lbs. EGGS: MEDIUM TEMPERAMENT: CALM

Surprisingly not from Poland, this flashy breed likely originated in Spain. However, the feathered caps worn by Polish soldiers may have inspired the name—the small birds have crests on their heads. They are usually placid, but having obscured vision may make them nervous. Be mindful not to surprise or startle them.

Wyandotte

WEIGHT: 6.5 lbs. EGGS: LARGE TEMPERAMENT: FRIENDLY

Originally called American Sebrights, these medium-size birds are popular for their variety of eye-catching patterns and colors, such as black, partridge, white, buff, Columbian, golden laced, blue, silver laced and silver-penciled. The hens are good mothers and prolific egg layers, making them a valuable addition to any family’s flock.