Photo by James Keon. Raising chickens indoors can be a fun and rewarding experience, but its not for everyone. This chicken also deserves a spot on this list of best chicken breeds for confinement because they can live through confinement very well, thanks to their patient and calm nature. Sussex chickens can lay 200-250 large-sized eggs every year. The sweet spot that I have found over the years of doing Marans is between $75 and $125 a dozen. Our blogs and articles are updated regularly with many different important topics on care, purchasing tips, fun facts, and more. Salmon Faverolle has white or cream-colored breast speckles. Size: Large (8-10 pounds prior to processing) Appearance- whiteish skin (also depends on variety) Taste: Mildly sweeter, more flavorful and fatty than other breeds (in a good way) Growth Rate: Slow (process at 18 weeks) Egg Production: Good Can lay up to 180 eggs per year. Orpingtons are large brown egg producers who also excel in the meat bird department. Make sure to watch out for them when they are around dominant and aggressive chickens. Thomas - We never had any intentions of raising an indoor pet chicken, but it's funny how life goes sometimes. They can reach up to 9 lbs and are a great choice for new and experienced chicken keepers. Their submissive nature often puts them at the bottom of the pecking order. Any discussion of the best egg-producing chickens must include the Leghorn. Generally for Maran eggs or for any good quality stock, the lowest I've seen is starting at $50 a dozen. This means that they will not be constantly running around and making a mess of your home. Cochins are not popular as meat birds because of their slow growth rates; however, they do have dark and textured meat that many enjoy. Best Chicken Breeds for Indoors: Is it OK to Keep Chicken Indoors? They are described as. Wyandottes are stunning birds that are popular among fanciers owing to their unique laced feather pattern. The Wyandotte chicken is a great choice for those looking to raise chickens indoors. They have 5 toes on each foot (most chickens have 4 toes) and have a blue comb and wattles with dark skin. These birds are generally healthy, hardy, and do well in a secure coop with some time to free range. Brahma. Although they can be a little loud sometimes, they can easily get along with other breeds. Required fields are marked *. Be sure they have a place where they can retreat, feel safe, and away from predators. The Speckled Sussex is one of the oldest breeds having originated in Britain more than a century ago. Another larger-sized chicken, the Orpington, is a good all-purpose utility breed, providing both eggs and meat, and it is also frequently bred for the show - meaning they are a great overall chicken. You might even see them following you around or running up to you. document.write(CurrentYear) They are truly unique in their appearance and are available in different colors including white, black, and mottled. Orpingtons are friendly, sweet, and love attention. This large, heavy bird is known for its soft black feathers. The Rhode Island Red is the official state bird of Rhode Island and a much-loved egg layer known for their friendliness and beauty. The feathering is prolific and fluffy - underneath all that fluff is a hen that in reality, only weighs around 7lb! The legs and outside toes should be fully feathered to provide side vision. They have gray legs and black plumage but white and blue varieties also exist. However, these breeds need a higher level of protection since they cant detect predators and danger, as well as other breeds. While cockerels may be sweet and friendly, they can turn into aggressive birds when they reach adulthood. document.write(CurrentYear) As an Amazon Associate when you buy through links on our site, we earn from qualifying purchases. And they love talking with their humans, especially one-on-one, and are cuddly and adorable. Heat-Tolerant: The most heat-tolerant chicken breeds include the Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock, Easter Eggers, Australorp, Silkies, Millie Fleurs, and Welsummers. Australorps are large birds weighing up to 11 lbs. Related: Beginners Guide to Raising Backyard Chickens. Well, some breeds lay many eggs, others lay blue eggs, and then a few chickens lay in winter. While there are many different chicken breeds to choose from, the Polish chicken is an excellent choice for those who want to keep chickens indoors. They are closely followed by the Leghorn which can lay around 280 eggs every year. At 4-5 lbs the Araucana does not make a good meat bird. Plymouth Rock birds love to free-range and look for tasty morsels, but they can live through confinement well when given enough space. You can find them in a variety of colors. If you plan to create permanent runs and fencing, use 250 square feet per bird or more. The Ameraucana is an American bird, hence the breed name, and they are related to the Araucana. The Silkie is a chicken breed that is distinguished by its furry feathers. You can find the perfect chickens for your backyard, homestead, or smallholding with a little bit of knowledge of each type of breed. Friendly, docile, and a low maintenance bird. The breed is also notable for its calm and docile temperament, making it an excellent choice for those looking to raise chickens indoors. 4.) They also tend to eat a lot which can lead to rapid weight gain so feed treats in moderation. Another benefit of raising Golden Campines is that they are generally very healthy chickens and dont require a lot of special care. The Barbu DUccles is a true Bantam chicken. Plymouth Rock chickens are one of the most familiar dual-purpose heritage farm breeds, particularly the Barred Plymouth Rock. However, they can stay in confinement if necessary. Another thing to consider when raising chickens indoors is what youll do about their waste. Here is our list of the fifteen best meat chickens you can raise. Their docile and easygoing traits can bring delight to the flock. 5. These chickens can be slaughtered by 12 weeks but will be small in size. Hens can lay an average of 200 large brown eggs every year. They feature a striking variegated feathering. It was initially used as a production bird to provide Americans with meat and eggs during WWII. The only one that I would think would not be completely miserable as a healthy house pet would be a serama. Wyandotte is another general-purpose chicken that is rated next to the Plymouth Rock. Breeds such as Leghorns and Sussex will lay in excess of 200 eggs throughout the year while other breeds including Wyandottes and Welsummers lay up to 200 eggs yearly. The Easter Egger chicken is a hybrid breed that is known for its ability to lay blue or green eggs. Barnevelders are gentle and friendly chickens making them a good choice for children and beginner chicken keepers. These chickens can also fly and need a 6 ft fence to remain secure. Maybe finches/doves/canaries would be a better fit for OP. The Orpington is a British chicken breed that was developed in the late nineteenth century. They are good brown egg layers, are likely to get broody, and will make good mothers. 3.) On the other hand, chicks should be kept in a brooder for 18 weeks until they reach maturity and transition onto a layer feed before introducing them to other flock members. They can be kept with other birds of a similar nature. They are fair egg layers producing up to 180 medium eggs a year. You can trust them with your children. For small-to-medium-sized flocks, the Omlet Eglu Cube Chicken Coop is a well-priced and thoughtfully designed chicken coop. For example, some chicken breeds are calm, gentle, and easygoing, while others have dominant personalities. Their gentle disposition makes them safe around your children. Chickens are wonderful creatures that can provide fresh eggs and companionship, but many people are unsure about whether or not it is OK to keep them indoors. The Naked Neck Chicken was developed in Transylvania and carries a dominant that prevents the growth of feathers around the neck. They can be confined, but theyre more vulnerable to predators. As its name suggests, this breed hails from the country of Belgium. Temperament: The Welsummer is friendly and easy to handle. A single fox attack can send your flock into a frenzy, leaving them scared and at risk. However, this breed also has a number of other very desirable qualities that make it an excellent choice for raising indoors. These birds tend to be at or near the bottom of the pecking order because they are docile and gentle birds. These are just one of the reasons Faverolles are extremely popular among people who love interacting with their flock. Our indoor pet chicken experience started when I brought to our home in New Hampshire, a newly hatched Black Copper Maran s chick found at a Poultry Congress in January. While chickens do need some space to roam, they can actually be quite adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments. It comes in various colors: speckled, light, coronation, brown, buff, silver, white, and red. They will continue acting as though whatever they are doing is of the utmost importance as they rush erratically around the yard banging into one another. The Rhode Island Red is a breed recommended for beginners and is one of the most popular birds in the UK. The Maran tends to lay dark brown eggs with production averaging 150 eggs per year. Some animals are natural predators of chickens, so its important to do your research and make sure that all of your pets will be able to coexist peacefully. One of the most exciting things about chickens is their pretty-colored eggs. Rhode Island Reds also have a high egg-laying capacity, making them a good choice for backyard chicken keepers who want to maximize their egg production. However, with extra measures taken by a diligent chicken parent, most breeds can live happily in hot climates. They are best known for their egg laying ability and can lay 5-6 large, light brown eggs a week. Choosing the best chickens should be based on their purpose, adaptability, size, and temperament. Along with bedding materials such as straw for insulation, most chickens can manage the cold. Whether good layers for eggs or cold hardy birds for harsh winters, there are many different breeds to choose from when youre interested in keeping chickens. Not only are they good egg producers but also, they provide quality meat. The types of chicken breeds to select from falls into one of three categories: 1) egg laying stock, 2) meat-type birds and 3) dual purpose breeds. Jan 24, 2023. They are also known to be friendly with pets and humans, especially children. ISA Brown chickens are friendly, docile, and cuddly and enjoy being showered with affection and treats. What are the 4 Classes of Chicken Breeds? If you want a peaceful and harmonious flock, consider keeping only female chickens. Next on the list of best chicken breeds for confinement is the King of Poultry, the Brahma chicken. The Sebright is a small breed of chicken that was originally developed in England in the early 19th century. Originally bred as meat and egg birds, they took too long to mature for meat production in the late nineteenth century and today are popular as show birds and good egg layers. For consistent eggs, youll want chickens that lay in excess of 200 eggs a year such as the Australorp and Leghorn. Chicken heaters provide a safe way to keep coops warm in winter. Silkies are small chickens known as bantams and only reach a weight of 2-4 lbs. Other chicken owners keep their birds inside their houses to discourage thieves. Swedish Flower Hens are listed as endangered, Buff Orpington: Complete Care Guide & Profile, Chickens as Bio-Recyclers and Zero Waste Partners, Amberlink Chicken: Complete Breed Profile and Care Guide (2023), Floor For Chicken Coop: Guide To Choosing The Ideal Flooring, Jersey Giant Chicken: Complete Care Guide and Breed Profile, The Cornish Chicken: Breed Profile and Care Guide (2023), The Best Chicken Hatchery: A Guide to Buying Chicks Online, Best Egg Washer To Help You Clean Eggs Quick and Easy (2023), Best Animal Repellent to Protect Your Flock (2023) Guide, Best Chicken Starter Kit: All You Need to Raise Chicks. Size: Comes in standard size (8 to 11 pounds) and bantam (28 to 32 ounces) Colors/patterns include: Solid colors, laced, mottled, partridge, and more. It is important to remember that chickens that lay more than 250 eggs a year, such as the Rhode Islands, tend to lay less frequently by 2-3 years of age until they stop laying altogether. These chicken breeds are well-suited for life indoors. 1. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. But the most popular are the silver and blue laced, which look straight out of a comic book. They produce up to 210 chocolate brown eggs every year. Barred, black frizzle, blue, partridge, buff, columbian, silver penciled, black, and white colors are available. They are a bit larger for standard birds, but most of that is feathering. Theyre fluffy because of the thick and dense plumage covering their bodies, weighing around 10 to 12 pounds. Despite its name, the Sebright is not actually a member of the Sebright family of chickens but is instead a cross between the Silver-Laced Wyandotte and the Golden-Laced Polish. Due to their small size, they are not ideal as meat birds. They have feathered legs but their long body feathers cover their legs and feet. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 3 LF Tolbunt + 3 LF Silver Laced Polish at the best online prices at eBay! Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food, 15 lbs. It can go up to $200 a dozen, depending on the breed and the quality of your stock. They are excellent layers of eggs and make great candidates for raising indoors. While this small-sized Belgian breed is popular for its adorable beards, muffs, and boots, the Barbu DUccles has a big personality. , and away from predators a much-loved egg layer known for its calm and docile temperament, it! Theyre more vulnerable to predators feet per bird or more a blue comb and wattles dark... Fly and need a 6 ft fence to remain secure next on the breed,... Its adorable beards, muffs, and a much-loved egg layer known for its black. 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