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| A chicken from my sister-in-law's backyard in Phoenix |
This is a compiled list of cold-hardy-good-backyard chicken. Obviously, I can not include all the options; however, all of these chicken are dual purpose, which means can be eaten, or used as layers. If you are in a hotter area; like me, you can use Dorkings or Orpingtons. There are a few helpful links at the bottom.
There are several breeds that are multi-purpose and perfect for backyards.
Size: Heavy (7-8 lbs)
Rarity: Common
Purpose: Dual
Eggs: tinted or light brown
Egg Size: Large
Egg Laying: Very Good (4/wk)
Nature: Curious, mellow
Hardy In Winter: Yes
Especially Docile: Yes
Setter/Broody: Yes
Small Spaces: Yes
Gains more speckles with age.
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| Australorp |
Breed: Australorp
Size: Heavy (7-8 lbs)
Rarity: Common
Purpose: Dual
Eggs: Brown
Egg Size: Large
Egg Laying: Excellent (5/wk)
Hardy In Winter: Yes
Small Spaces: Yes
Especially Docile: Yes
Setter/Broody: Yes
Nature: Sweet and shy
Small Spaces: Yes
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| Ameraucana |
Breed: Ameraucana
Size: Medium (6-7 lbs)
Rarity: Rare
Purpose: Egg-laying
Eggs: Light Blue
Egg Size: Medium
Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)
Nature:
Hardy In Winter: Yes
Especially Docile: Yes
Setter/Broody: No
Nature: Fun
Small Spaces: Yes
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| Orpington |
Breed: Orpington
Size: Medium (7 .5- 10.5 lb)
Rarity: Gold (Common) Blue (Uncommon)
Purpose: Egg-laying
Eggs: Brown
Egg Size: Medium
Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)
Nature: Docile*
Hardy In Winter: Yes
Especially Docile: Yes
Setter/Broody: Yes
Nature: Sociable, and unlikely to peck
Small Spaces: Yes
*Several owners suggest only having Orpingtons because they tend to be bullied; ranking low on the social ladder.
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More sources:
The Original Chicken: Java
