Now I’ll write the article without explicitly mentioning this analysis:
Have you ever wondered just how many different kinds of chickens exist around the world? I certainly have! When I first started raising backyard chickens, I was amazed at the incredible diversity of these feathered friends. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of chicken breeds and discover just how many species (well, technically breeds) of chickens exist today.
Chickens vs. Species: A Quick Clarification
Before we jump in, let’s clear up a common confusion. Technically speaking, all domestic chickens belong to a single species called Gallus gallus domesticus. They all descended from the Red Junglefowl (with some genetic contribution from other junglefowl species). What most people are actually asking about when they wonder about “chicken species” is how many different breeds of chickens exist.
The Surprising Number of Chicken Breeds Worldwide
So, how many chicken breeds are there? The short answer: A LOT – but nobody knows exactly!
According to the comprehensive list compiled by chicken enthusiasts at ChickenFanscom, there are approximately 500+ distinct chicken breeds worldwide Professor C.J. Nichol of the University of London has similarly counted more than 500 “fancy breeds” that range “from the sublime to the ridiculous.”
Wikipedia’s list of chicken breeds also suggests there are hundreds of breeds, organized by:
- Country of origin
- Primary purpose (eggs, meat, dual-purpose, or exhibition)
- Size (standard or bantam)
Why Don’t We Have an Exact Number?
You might be wondering why there’s no definitive count. Well, there are several reasons:
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No global registry exists: Unlike dogs or cats, there’s no single international organization that recognizes and catalogs all chicken breeds worldwide.
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New breeds are constantly being developed Breeders continue to create new varieties through selective breeding
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Regional variations: Many countries have their own local breeds that aren’t recognized internationally.
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Different standards for what constitutes a “breed”: Some organizations are stricter than others about what qualifies as a distinct breed versus a variety.
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Some breeds go extinct: Unfortunately, some heritage breeds disappear before being properly documented.
Official Breed Recognition in the United States
In the United States, the American Poultry Association (APA) is the main authority on chicken breed standards. According to Cackle Hatchery, the APA currently recognizes:
- 53 large chicken breeds
- Plus additional bantam chicken breeds (smaller versions, some with large counterparts and some that are naturally small)
The American Bantam Association (ABA) maintains a separate list of recognized bantam breeds that differs slightly from the APA’s list.
It’s important to note that these organizations don’t recognize many breeds that are well-established in other countries or breeds that haven’t yet made their way to the United States.
Chicken Breeds by Primary Use
One interesting way to categorize the hundreds of chicken breeds is by their primary purpose:
Egg-Laying Breeds
These breeds were developed primarily for egg production:
- Leghorn
- Andalusian
- Ancona
- Minorca
- Welsummer
- Easter Egger
- Cream Legbar
Meat Breeds
These chickens were bred specifically for meat production:
- Cornish
- Bresse
- Jersey Giant
- Ixworth
Dual-Purpose Breeds
These versatile chickens are good for both eggs and meat:
- Plymouth Rock
- Rhode Island Red
- Sussex
- Orpington
- Wyandotte
- Australorp
- Brahma
Exhibition/Ornamental Breeds
These breeds are primarily kept for their unique appearance:
- Silkie
- Polish
- Phoenix
- Modern Game
- Sebright
- Frizzle
- Ayam Cemani
Fascinating Chicken Breeds From Around the World
Let’s take a quick tour of some unique chicken breeds from different parts of the world:
Europe:
- France: Bresse Gauloise, Marans, Faverolles
- United Kingdom: Dorking, Sussex, Orpington
- Italy: Leghorn, Ancona, Padovana
- Netherlands: Barnevelder, Welsummer, Lakenvelder
Asia:
- Japan: Onagadori, Shamo, Phoenix
- China: Silkie, Cochin, Langshan
- Indonesia: Ayam Cemani, Sumatra, Bekisar
- Malaysia: Serama (the smallest chicken breed in the world!)
Americas:
- United States: Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, Dominique
- Brazil: Índio Gigante
- Chile: Araucana
- Canada: Chantecler
Africa:
- Egypt: Fayoumi
- South Africa: Boschveld, Ovambo, Potchefstroom Koekoek
The Endless Variety of Chicken Colors and Patterns
Beyond the breeds themselves, many chicken breeds come in multiple color varieties. For example, the Wyandotte exists in more than 30 color varieties in the Netherlands alone! Some common color patterns include:
- Solid colors (white, black, buff, red)
- Barred (Plymouth Rock)
- Laced (Silver Laced Wyandotte)
- Speckled (Speckled Sussex)
- Mottled (Ancona)
- Penciled (Hamburgs)
- Partridge (Cochin)
- Columbian (Light Brahma)
Breeds on the Brink: Conservation Efforts
Many heritage chicken breeds are facing extinction due to the commercialization of poultry farming. Organizations like The Livestock Conservancy in the US work to preserve these genetic treasures.
Some rare breeds currently listed as critically endangered include:
- Nankin
- Redcap
- Crevecoeur
- Dominique
- Holland
- Java
New and Emerging Chicken Breeds
The world of chicken breeds continues to evolve! Some breeds not yet recognized by the APA but growing in popularity include:
- Ayam Cemani: An Indonesian breed with hyperpigmentation that makes it entirely black (feathers, skin, meat, and even organs)
- Appenzeller Spitzhauben: A Swiss breed with a distinctive forward-pointing crest
- Cream Legbar: An auto-sexing breed (meaning you can tell males from females at hatch) that lays blue eggs
So, to answer the original question – there are over 500 chicken breeds worldwide, with new ones continuously being developed. Each breed has its own unique characteristics, history, and purpose.
Whether you’re interested in colorful eggs, friendly pets, meat production, or simply admiring beautiful birds, there’s a chicken breed out there for everyone. The incredible diversity of chicken breeds is a testament to the long relationship between humans and these remarkable birds over thousands of years.
If you’re considering raising chickens, I’d recommend researching breeds that match your climate, space constraints, and what you want from your flock – be it eggs, meat, or just good company in the backyard!
What’s your favorite chicken breed? I’m particularly fond of the Australorp for their calm temperament and excellent egg-laying abilities, but there are so many wonderful breeds to discover!
Nugget, Female – Hatched on April 20, 2019
Nugget is our female (otherwise called a hen) Silver Laced Bantam who was donated to ZooMontana. She has a mostly black and white speckled pattern all over her body and is the smallest chicken in the barn.
Dixie, Female- Hatched on April 20, 2019
Dixie is our female (otherwise called a hen) Golden Laced Wyandotte who was donated to ZooMontana. Her head is mostly a golden orange color that goes down to the front of her body. Her body is mostly black feathers, with orange feathers coming through, in other words, she is mostly speckled.
10 Breeds of Chicken That Will Lay Lots of Eggs for You
FAQ
How many chicken breeds are there?
Outside of the standards, there are many indigenous chicken breeds, breeds on local markets, and commercial designer breeds. We’ve collected all of them. And even if we group the breeds by color and name, we still end up with approximately 500 chicken breeds. The 55 Flowery Hen is a chicken breed from Sweden, developed by Martin Silverudd.
How many types of chicken are there?
There are hundreds of chicken breeds in existence. : 23 Domesticated for thousands of years, distinguishable breeds of chicken have been present since the combined factors of geographical isolation and selection for desired characteristics created regional types with distinct physical and behavioral traits passed on to their offspring.
What are the different types of chicken breeds?
Popular chicken breeds include the Rhode Island Red, Leghorn, and Plymouth Rock. Rare and unique chicken breeds such as the Ayam Cemani and the Silkie are prized for their distinct appearances and qualities. There are over 500 recognized chicken breeds worldwide, with new breeds being developed over time.
Do all chickens have eggs?
All chickens lay eggs, have edible meat, and possess a unique appearance. However, distinct breeds are the result of selective breeding to emphasize certain traits. Any breed may be used for general agricultural purposes, and all breeds are shown to some degree. But each chicken breed is known for a primary use.
What are the different types of poultry?
Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular types: Chickens: Chickens are by far the most common type of poultry, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some popular chicken breeds include the Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, and Orpington. Ducks: Ducks are waterfowl that are typically smaller than chickens.
What are rare and unique chicken breeds?
Rare and unique chicken breeds such as the Ayam Cemani and the Silkie are prized for their distinct appearances and qualities. There are over 500 recognized chicken breeds worldwide, with new breeds being developed over time. Factors such as climate, geography, and cultural preferences influence the development and preservation of chicken breeds.
What two birds create a chicken?
A chicken is not made by two different birds, but is primarily the result of domesticating the Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) with genetic contributions from other junglefowl, such as the Grey Junglefowl (Gallus sonneratii). While the Red Junglefowl is the main ancestor, DNA evidence shows that the Grey Junglefowl also contributed to the domestic chicken’s genetic makeup.
What chicken lays 364 eggs a year?
The Australorp Chicken is renowned for its impressive egg production. These chickens can lay up to 364 eggs annually, with one exceptional hen setting the world record by laying 364 eggs in a single year. Generally, you can expect an Australorp to produce between 250 and 300 large eggs each year.
What is the rarest species of chicken?
Some of the world’s rarest chicken breeds include the Ayam Cemani, with its unique all-black appearance, and the Onagadori, known for its non-molting, incredibly long tail feathers. Other rare breeds noted for their distinct features are the Dong Tao chicken, with its large feet, the Crevecoeur, featuring a distinctive crest and comb, and the Erminette.