Types of Poultry: What Are The 3 Most Common Types of Chicken?

Posted on November 13th, 2023

In the diverse world of poultry farming, understanding the different types of chickens is crucial for any farmer or enthusiast. 

At Bresse Star Chick Hatchery, based in Perry, we pride ourselves on our deep knowledge and specialization in various chicken breeds.

 Our expertise extends to the Bresse Chicks Standard Package , a prime selection for poultry aficionados. 

This blog post aims to shed light on the three most common types of chickens, offering insights that can help you make informed decisions about your poultry needs. 

Whether you are a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, this guide will provide valuable information about the types of poultry, different chicken breeds, and their unique characteristics. 

By exploring these varieties, you can tailor your poultry farming to suit specific goals, be it for meat production, egg-laying capabilities, or even as charming pets. 

Let's dive into the fascinating world of chickens and discover what makes each breed special. Remember, the best Bresse chicks are just a click away at Bresse Star Chick Hatchery.

Understanding Poultry – A General Overview

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of different types of poultry is vital for successful poultry farming. This knowledge not only helps in selecting the right breed for specific purposes but also ensures optimal care and management of these birds. Each chicken breed comes with its own set of characteristics, requirements, and advantages, making it essential to choose wisely based on your farming goals.

Chicken Breeds and Their Characteristics

There are numerous chicken breeds available, each with its unique traits. From the size and color of the bird to its temperament and productivity, various factors distinguish one breed from another. Recognizing these differences is key to maximizing the potential of your poultry farm, whether you aim for high meat yield, abundant egg production, or maintaining chickens as pets.

This section serves as a foundational understanding of poultry, setting the stage for a deeper exploration into the specific types of chickens in the following sections.

The 3 Common Types of Chicken

In the realm of poultry, chickens are broadly categorized into three main types: meat breeds, egg-laying breeds, and dual-purpose breeds. Each type is bred and raised for specific purposes, exhibiting unique characteristics that make them suitable for their intended role. Understanding these types will assist you in choosing the right chickens for your farming or personal needs, whether it’s for high-quality meat, prolific egg production, or a balance of both.

Meat Breeds

Chickens bred for meat, often referred to as broilers, are selected for their rapid growth and substantial body size. These breeds typically reach market weight faster than other types, making them a preferred choice for meat production. Some common meat breeds include Cornish Cross, Red Broilers & Jersey Giants known for their efficient feed conversion and sizable breast meat.

Egg-Laying Breeds

Egg-laying breeds are prized for their ability to produce a high volume of eggs. These chickens are usually smaller in body size but have been selectively bred for their egg-laying capacity. Breeds like the Leghorn and Rhode Island Red are popular choices, known for their consistent egg production and hardy nature. Side note, the Rhode Island Reds are also a nice backyard chicken breed to have. 

Chicken Breeds for Meat Production

Focusing on chicken breeds specifically raised for meat production, it's important to understand the characteristics that make a breed suitable for this purpose. Meat breeds are typically characterized by fast growth, efficient feed conversion, and substantial body mass, which are critical factors for profitable meat production.

Fast-Growing Breeds

Fast-growing chicken breeds are the backbone of the meat production industry. Breeds like the Cornish Cross are designed to grow to market weight rapidly, often in as little as six to eight weeks. This rapid growth rate is beneficial for farmers looking to maximize production efficiency.

Efficient Feed Conversion

Another vital characteristic of meat breeds is their ability to convert feed into body mass efficiently. Efficient feed conversion means less feed is required to produce a pound of meat, making these breeds more economical to raise. This trait is particularly evident in breeds like the Broilers, which are known for their robust appetites and quick growth.

In the next section, we will explore egg-laying breeds, which are equally important in the poultry industry, especially for those focused on egg production.

Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds

Egg-laying breeds are a cornerstone in the poultry world, celebrated for their prolific egg production. When selecting breeds for egg production, it's essential to consider factors like laying rate, egg size, and the hen's overall health and longevity. Different breeds offer various advantages in these areas, making some more suitable for backyard coops, while others are ideal for commercial egg production.

High Egg Production Breeds

Certain chicken breeds are renowned for their impressive egg-laying abilities. For example, the Leghorn is a standout breed, known for laying large numbers of white eggs. Similarly, the Rhode Island Red is a popular choice, valued for its hardiness and consistent production of brown eggs.

Egg Quality and Size Variations

In addition to the quantity of eggs produced, the quality and size of the eggs are crucial considerations. Breeds like the Sussex or the Buff Orpington are known for laying eggs with rich, flavorful yolks, while the Ameraucana produces distinctive blue or green eggs. Egg size can also vary significantly between breeds, influencing the choice based on market demand or personal preference.

Dual-Purpose Chicken Breeds

Dual-purpose chicken breeds are an economical choice for many farmers and hobbyists. These breeds are valued for being good layers and also providing a decent yield of meat. This versatility makes them a practical option for those looking for a balance between egg production and meat yield.

Versatile Breeds for Both Meat and Eggs

Breeds like the Plymouth Rock and the Sussex are excellent examples of dual-purpose chickens. They offer a good balance between egg-laying capacity and meat quality, making them a well-rounded choice for many poultry enthusiasts untill 2012 here in the United States the American Bresse came to be. 

Economic and Practical Benefits

Raising dual-purpose breeds can be more economical and sustainable. These chickens often have a longer productive lifespan than specialized breeds, providing both eggs and meat over a more extended period. Additionally, their adaptability to various living conditions makes them a practical choice for diverse farming setups.

In the next section, we'll highlight the Bresse Chickens, a special breed that embodies the qualities of both excellent meat and egg production, and introduce our Bresse Chicks Standard Package, the perfect start for anyone looking to raise high-quality poultry. We need to note that here in the USA we call this breed the American Bresse Chicken. 

Bresse Chickens – A Special Mention

Bresse Chickens, renowned for their exceptional quality in both meat and eggs, deserve a special mention. Originating from France, these chickens are not just any breed; they are a symbol of culinary excellence. At Bresse Star Chick Hatchery, we understand the unique value of Bresse Chickens, which is why we proudly offer the Bresse Chicks Standard Package, a perfect choice for those seeking the finest in poultry.

Unique Qualities of Bresse Chickens

Bresse Chickens (in the USA , the American Bresse Chicken) are distinguished by their blue feet, white feathers, and red combs, but it's their meat and egg quality that truly sets them apart. Known for their tender, flavorful meat and rich, robust eggs, Bresse Chickens are a top choice for gourmet chefs and discerning poultry farmers alike.

Bresse Chicks Standard Package

Our Bresse Chicks Standard Package is specially curated to provide you with the best of this prestigious breed. This package includes healthy, well-bred Bresse chicks, ensuring that you start your poultry journey with top-quality birds. Whether you're aiming for superior meat production, excellent egg yield, or both, these chicks are an ideal starting point. However for those that are looking to become breeders or Show enthusiasts we would recommend our Special Mating Package of Bresse Chicks. In Purchasing this package we feel you will be able to skip one or two generations of raising by getting our chicks from our Very Best Rooster & 6 of our Very Best Hens. Does this mean all the chicks will be perfect, NO . However you should receive hopefully at least 1/2 of the chicks should turn out exceptional is our goal.

Conclusion

In this guide, we've explored the various types of poultry, delving into the three most common types of chickens: meat breeds, egg-laying breeds, and dual-purpose breeds. Understanding these categories and their specific breeds helps in making informed decisions tailored to your poultry farming or hobbyist needs. Whether you’re interested in breeds for meat, eggs, or both, Bresse Star Chick Hatchery has the expertise and resources to assist you.

We invite you to explore the world of poultry with us further. For any queries, guidance, or to purchase our Bresse Chicks Standard Package, please reach out to us at (385) 228 1160 or via email at [email protected] . Embark on your poultry journey with confidence, backed by the quality and expertise of Bresse Star Chick Hatchery . Get the best Bresse chicks here, and elevate your poultry experience to the next level.