What Are Small Chickens Called?

If you want a small flock of chickens that will produce an abundant supply of eggs, there are various breeds to consider. Dual-purpose birds are popular choices among backyard keepers as they offer both reliable egg production and meat for dinner table enjoyment. One such breed developed before Old World contact in Chile called Araucana has stunning iridescent feathers and large comb and wattle structures sure to please any visitors to your coop!

Brown layer chickens are an increasingly popular choice among backyard enthusiasts, providing an abundant supply of high-quality eggs. One particular breed from the 1930s that stands out is the Cream Legbar; known for its autosexing capabilities which enable keepers to distinguish a female chick from its male counterpart as soon as it hatches rather than waiting 12 weeks or longer before realizing which gender their chick is.

The Pygmy chicken has an endearing, fearless personality with long feathers that feel more like hair than other breeds’ short, smooth feathers. These fearless little birds make excellent foragers, leaving the safety of the coop behind and wandering freely throughout their yard in search of insects or worms to snack on. Additionally, these natural broody creatures hatch out many eggs quickly! They make raising chickens easy!

Bourbon Red Bantam chickens make an excellent choice for those seeking a small flock that produces an adequate number of eggs. Bred originally by crossing Cochins with Barred Plymouth Rocks, these cold-hardy and adaptable birds thrive under many living conditions and conditions of all kinds. In addition, they make excellent foragers; spending their days perched atop branches or low hanging plants in search of food sources.

Though the Pekin may appear large due to its poofy appearance, poultry breeders consider it a true bantam chicken. With its friendly, social personality and ability to provide sufficient eggs for families of four or five people. The Pekin hen should still provide enough eggs.

Oskar Vorwerk developed this medium-sized breed in the early 1900s; they share similar feather patterns with Golden Lakenvelders and make a wonderful addition to any backyard flock. Although slower to mature than other chickens, Vorwerks are highly active creatures who will do well no matter the environment they find themselves in and can fly well enough for free-range flocks. They make great candidates for free range flocks!

Chicks are the collective term for baby chickens until they have been fully sexed, which typically happens within days to weeks of hatching, by watching their vent. Female chicks are known as pullets while male chicks become cockerels before eventually being castrated and becoming roosters. A group of chicks is called a brood.


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