Choosing a breed
Calm, hardy, good layer, coloured eggs: our answers to choose the hen breed suited to your garden and your expectations.
13 questions
Everyone has their own opinion! But overall, the Silkie remains the most unusual and the most popular.
Giant breeds such as the Brahma, Cochin or Jersey Giant are among the largest: a Brahma rooster can exceed 5 kg. They are calm birds, but need space.
True bantams are the smallest: the Serama is the smallest in the world, followed by bantams such as the Pekin or the Dutch crested bantam. They are perfect for small spaces.
Heavy, feather-legged breeds (Brahma, Cochin, Orpington) fly very little and stay easily in a low run. The Silkie, which barely flies at all, is ideal for a garden without a tall fence.
Light, hardy breeds (Mediterranean types, Leghorn, Araucana) are the best flyers: provide a tall fence or an aviary to contain them.
Old breeds that have not been heavily selected for intensive production are often the hardiest: Marans, Sussex or Faverolles adapt well to varied conditions and need little upkeep.
Breeds with a small comb and dense plumage cope well with cold: Brahma, Cochin, Orpington, Wyandotte. Large combs are more prone to frostbite and need a well-sheltered coop.
Light Mediterranean breeds (Leghorn, Araucana) and those with a large comb dissipate heat better. Whatever the breed, always provide shade and fresh water in summer.
Rarity varies by region and by year. Some old or recently reintroduced breeds remain little available; our listing shows what we currently have.
Popular breeds (Silkie, Pekin, Sussex, Marans, Araucana) are the most widespread and therefore the easiest to obtain. Be careful about line quality, though: some birds, although presented under a breed's name, can differ greatly from the standard. When 100% of a line's birds are disqualified at shows, it is a stretch to claim they belong to the breed!
Lifespan depends mainly on the care given, but hardy, lightly selected breeds often live a long time: 8 to 12 years in good conditions.
The Silkie, Pekin, Faverolles and Orpington are known to be very sociable and close to people: they are excellent choices for a family.
No hen is completely silent, but calm breeds (Silkie, Pekin, Brahma, Orpington) are among the most discreet. A rooster's crow, however, stays loud whatever the breed.
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