Can an animal seemingly as common as a chicken be considered “beautiful”? Sound like a stretch? There are dozens of species of chickens out there and not only are some considered beautiful, some are downright designer! After learning about the wide and varied world of chickens, you may even want to start a coop of your own!
1. Silkie Bantam Chicken
This beautiful chicken is covered in downy feathers that feel like pure silk. They have a few qualities outside of their unique feathers that make them stand out, such as black skin and bones, blue earlobes and five toes on each foot.
They are often kept as pets because of their calm and friendly temperament. As egg layers, they average about three per week and can even be used to hatch the eggs of other hens. They’re that nice.
Read more about Silkie Bantam.
2. Gold Laced Wyandotte
A beautiful chicken with a classic overall shape and mesmerizing feathers. There are several species of Wyandotte in a variety of colors, but the Gold Laced is covered in striking brown-gold feathers that are individually highlighted with black around the tips.
They are dramatic-looking and hardy and do well in cold weather. They are sturdy egg layers that produce brown eggs and is commonly used as a show breed.
Read more about Gold Laced Wyandotte.
3. Modern Game Bantam
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This fowl might not have traditional good looks, but it has a rich history and with legs like that, it’s bound to get noticed! Bantams were once a breed that was used for co*ckfighting in the 1800s.
They have strong claws and long, bare legs that make them ideal as fighters. Once the practice was outlawed, owners turned to breed them instead. Purely a competition and breeding chicken, Bantams are not valued for meat nor are they good egg-layers.
Read more about Modern Game Bantam.
4. Frizzle Chicken
By far one of the strangest breeds on this list, the Frizzle chicken looks like it wandered a little too close to an electrical socket. “Frizzle” can be considered both a type of plumage (more common in the United States), but the Frizzle breed is more common in European countries and Australia. T
heir feathers, which come in a variety of colors, are light and fluffy and curled outward, giving it a unique look.
The gene that causes the frizzled look is recessive and was almost bred out of the species completely. Selective breeders brought it back, however, and they are used for exhibition shows. They are reliable egg layers and good brooders, but it is their unique feathers that make them truly stand out from the crowd.
Read more about Frizzle Chicken.
5. Barbu d’Uccle Chicken
Another notable beautiful chicken, the Barbu d’Uccle is a unique Belgian breed that is also used in poultry shows. They come in a variety of colors, are more common in Europe. They are short but have a full beard and muff. Their short necks are very strong and they have a dramatic posture with a broad breast and a short, perky tail held straight up.
The millefleur color, which is one of the most dramatic, is a mix of white, brown and black with well-defined feathers and a single comb. They are not well known for egg-laying, but their hardy nature and sturdy posture make them a beautiful chicken indeed.
Read more about Barbu d’Uccle Chicken.
6. Faverolles Chicken
If you are looking for a bird with classic good looks but is also a great family addition, look no further. The Faverolles is a favorite breed for families that are keeping chickens as pets. They are unique looking, with beards, feathered feet and five toes and fluffy plumage. Roosters are large and dramatic, with a rainbow of feathers that shine iridescent.
They are very calm and form genuine bonds with their keepers. Hens are excellent egg producers, even in winter. If you are a family with a mixed flock, however, it’s important to consider their docile nature with more aggressive birds. These beautiful chickens are a wonderful addition to any coop.
Read more about Faverolles Chicken.
7. Sebright Chicken
You really can’t beat the striking plumage on this beautiful chicken. Unlike most other breeds that have a variety of color variations, Sebrights only come in gold and silver. Like the Wyandotte chickens, the feathers on these birds are dramatically outlined in black with a light golden or silver base color underneath.
They are a miniature bird, they are considered a “true bantam” and are one of the first breeds of poultry to have their own club of enthusiasts. You could consider them the OG beautiful chicken.
They only lay around 60-80 eggs per year and are not for beginners. Adults are hardy, but chicks are difficult to raise and suffer from high mortality rates. If you are up to the challenge, however, these gorgeous birds amazing to behold.
Read more about Sebright Chicken.
8. Phoenix Chicken
If you are looking at this chicken and expecting it to burst into flames and then rise from the ashes like the mythical bird it takes its name from, you might be disappointed.
If you are looking for a beautiful chicken with impressive plumage, then you are on the right track! Phoenix chickens are actually a cross between more traditional European breeds and the Japanese Onagadori. Onagadori chickens are notable because they only molt every three to four years.
As a result, the tail feathers of roosters grow to a length of 12 to 27 feet. That’s right, feet. The creation of Phoenix chickens is credited to Hugo du Roi, a German who cross-bred the Onagadori with other European breeds to produce a golden-feathered rooster with tail feathers reaching between 12 and 18 inches.
They are hardy and well suited to roam, and hens are decent layers. They come in three striking colors; Silver, Golden and Black Breasted Red.
Read more about Phoenix Chicken.
9. Brahma Chicken
The term “Brahma bull” probably evokes a specific image in your mind. It would also be accurate to describe this enormous and impressive beautiful chicken. Roosters are called the “King of the Chicken Breeds” because they can reach a whopping 18 pounds! Hens are smaller, but can still reach 12-14 lbs.
Hardy in nature and excellent egg layers, these enormous chickens have feathered legs and come in three basic colors; standard light, dark and buff. Their size prevents them from being able to fly well, but they are gentle and docile and great in cooler, dry climates.
Read more about Brahma Chicken.
10. Hamburg Chicken
A beautiful chicken that comes in a huge variety of colors! Black and white varieties look something like a dalmatian dog disguised as a chicken. They are fast, very good fliers (for chickens) and like to roost in trees. They are prolific egg layers and mature early and they are very compact.
They explore freely, and while Hamburg might not be the most cuddly chicken for a human, they get along well with other chickens in the coop. Understanding their personalities and roving nature is key to successfully add this breed to your flock, however!
They are very strong-willed and keeping them means taking the necessary step of clipping their wings regularly to keep them out of trouble.
Read more about Hamburg Chicken.
11. Golden Polish
Another ornamental breed of chicken that stands out from the crowd is the Golden Polish. Known for their unique and, frankly, wild hair-do, these birds are a smaller breed with a very large puff of plumage covering their entire heads. The feathers are fluffy and wild-looking and give them a somewhat comical appearance.
Their head feathers can grow so puffy, in fact, that it can totally obstruct their vision! Polish chickens all share this unique characteristic, so from an egg-laying perspective, they are somewhat unreliable due to breeding.
Read more about Golden Polish.
12. Plymouth Rock Chicken
Now, this is a chicken with some royal good looks! Bred by some of America’s first European settlers, this beautiful chicken has a likeness that is used in paintings and recognizable logos. It is one of the most popular chicken breeds in the nation.
Prized for its meat, egg production and roosting ability, hens of the species boast contrasting colors of barred plumage. Roosters have a long-feathered tail that sits high on its back, giving it a graceful arch. Plymouth Rock Chickens are also commonly used as pets, because of their docile nature.
Read more about Plymouth Rock Chicken.
Conclusion
Chickens aren’t just egg layers and sources of meat anymore. They are wildly diverse, have unique personalities and histories and different needs. Some breeds are rare and wild, some are docile and family-friendly. Whether you are researching a beautiful chicken casually or looking to start a coop of your own, we encourage you to dive deeper into this fascinating world!
FAQs
1. The Ameraucana Chicken. The Ameraucana is a recognized purebred that many people have on their dream flock list. These birds have cute faces and come in a decent array of plumage colors, ranging from buff to blue and lavender to wheaten.
What's the most expensive chicken? ›
Have you thought about how expensive a chicken can cost? You will be surprised but the price of the most expensive chicken in the world reaches $5000. This is a fairly rare and expensive breed of chickens in absolutely black color called Ayam Cemani.
What chicken is all black? ›
The Ayam Cemani is a rare breed of chicken from Indonesia. They have a dominant gene that causes hyperpigmentation (fibromelanosis), making the chicken mostly black, including feathers, beak, and internal organs.
What chickens are black and gold? ›
The Black Laced Gold Wyandotte originated in Wisconsin in 1880 and was admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1888. They are a docile bird with clean legs, mostly black laced golden feathers, and a black tail.
What is the most beautiful rooster? ›
1. Brahma Rooster. The Brahma is a large and absolutely beautiful rooster. It was originally called the King of Chickens because it was the biggest breed available until the Jersey Giant came around.
What is the smartest chicken? ›
White Leghorn
The White Leghorn is a productive chicken that can produce about 280 white eggs each year. The most common chicken breed in commercial egg productions, this bird can be flighty. It is not necessarily a calm, relaxed chicken breed, but since it is so intelligent, it is easy to train.
What is the cuddliest chicken? ›
Silkie. Silkies may be one of the fluffiest, cuddliest pet chickens out there. When it comes to the calmest and friendliest birds, these little fuzzy balls with cheek feathers rank at the top. Silkies love people and are quite happy to treat you as part of their flock making them the friendliest chicken breed for pets.
Can chickens fly? ›
Chickens may have wings and fluffy feathers, but they're fairly dismal fliers, often going airborne for only a few yards before landing. The reason for their poor flight isn't as rhetorical as why they crossed the road.
What kind of chicken has crazy hair? ›
Polish chickens are easily recognizable, they have unique features with a crest of feathers covering the whole head. An origin from the Netherlands, the Polish breed is reasonably widespread in America and other countries.
What is a blue silkie? ›
The Blue Silkie Bantam is a gorgeous variety of the Silkie Bantam breed, miniature chickens that originated in China and Japan. Silkie Bantam chickens are an Asiatic, feather-footed breed covered with an extraordinary abundance of soft, fluffy, hair-like feathers.
Red Silkies are a rare variation and not recognized. The color does not exist naturally in Silkies and must be introduced by another breed. Some breeders describe them simply as darker buff variations, although there are breeders specially working on developing red Silkies in Australia.
Are Purple chickens real? ›
Lavender Orpingtons, a.k.a. Self-Blues, are a chicken breed famous for their awe-striking color: they exhibit a silvery-blue/light slate-blue, gray color that has a violet shimmer. I mean, it's a purple chicken -- there simply isn't a better chicken to look at!
How much is a Lamborghini chicken? ›
They are well known in the United States and are often called the Lamborghini of the chicken world. However, they are not documented by the American Poultry Association. They usually cost about $160 for a dozen hatching eggs. Adults cost about $5,000 for a pair, while chicks usually cost about $50 each.
What is the biggest chicken in the world? ›
#1: Jersey Giant Chicken
The largest chicken in the world is the Jersey Giant chicken. These huge birds originated in New Jersey in north east America and can weigh up to 13 pounds.
What should I name my chickens? ›
Fun Chicken Names
- Bradley Coop-er.
- Hen Solo.
- Cluck Vader.
- Princess Lay-a.
- Jaba the hen.
- Big Bird.
- Hilary Fluff.
- Dora the eggs-plorer.
The fact is that there is no chicken breed that lays black eggs. So if someone online tries to sell you a black egg at great cost, or if you see an image of a fresh black egg anywhere, rest assured - it was not laid by a chicken!
Are chickens real? ›
Chickens are one of the most common and widespread domestic animals, with a total population of 23.7 billion as of 2018, up from more than 19 billion in 2011. There are more chickens in the world than any other bird.
What chicken looks like a hawk? ›
With their large, hawk-like eyes, flattish head profile, downward turning beaks and striking feather patterns, Easter Egger chickens are often described as looking like hawks. Easter Eggers are related to Ameraucanas, which also have a somewhat hawk-like appearance.
What kind of chicken lays pink eggs? ›
Chickens That Lay Pink Eggs:
Commonly, species such as Light Sussex, Barred Rock, Mottled Javas, Australorp, Buff Orpington, Silkie, and Faverolle that lay crème colored eggs might also have a genetic variation that tints them pink. This also occurs with the Easter Egger chicken, as mentioned before.
Can chickens swim? ›
While chickens aren't natural-born swimmers like ducks, they are able to swim without difficulty and do in fact like water. Allowing your chickens to soak in water can be a great idea to help them beat the summer heat, keep them clean, or simply as a source of entertainment that's out of the ordinary.
These beautiful birds tend to be very beautifully colored with some having what we describe as ghost barring. These friendly birds tend to be a calmer brown egg layer, laying a large sized egg. They are very hardy, and great year round egg layers. Hens will lay approximately 280 eggs a year.
What is a fancy chicken? ›
Fancy chicken breeds are those that are considered exotic, rare, or unique. They are not only popular because of their beauty, but also because they are recognized by chicken groups and have standards that mean they can be shown at exhibitions and chicken competitions around the world.
What are the 3 types of chicken? ›
Chickens. Many different breeds of chickens have been developed for different purposes. For simplicity, you can place them into three general categories: Laying, meat-producing and dual-purpose breeds.
Which Brahma chicken is the largest? ›
Merakli, a Brahma rooster who lives on a farm in Kosovo, is 3ft tall or 91cm and weighs 7.7kg is believed to be the biggest chicken in the world.
Is chicken dumb? ›
The simple answer is that yes, chickens are smart. They're intelligent in ways that most people would never know. Here is a good example of chickens learning with operant conditioning (feeding them when they choose a particular colored dot).
Are chickens smarter than cats? ›
In some scientific tests, they outperform human toddlers. That's right: In multiple tests of cognitive and behavioral sophistication, chickens outperform not just dogs and cats but four-year-old human children.
What chickens lay the most eggs? ›
Here are the top chicken breeds which are most likely to give you the highest volume of eggs.
- White Leghorn. These attractive birds can lay up to 300 large white eggs in their first year. ...
- Rhode Island Red. ...
- Ameraucana. ...
- New Hampshire Red. ...
- Sussex. ...
- Goldline (Hybrid) ...
- Plymouth Rock. ...
- Golden Comet.
Many chickens love being given affection and one key way you can give it to them is by petting them. However, they usually only allow this type of contact once they get used to you and if you interact with them calmly and gently.
What chicken breeds can live together? ›
Can Different Breeds of Chickens Live Together? - YouTube
Are silkie chickens friendly? ›
Silkies are also known for their calm, friendly temperament, which makes them exceptionally great pets for homes that have children. In fact, silkies can be quite affectionate if owners take the time to handle them often.
As birds do not have a urinary bladder, their pee is non-water soluble uric acid. If you have observed your chicken's poop, their “pee” is the white paste and some liquid that's excreted out as they release their waste.
Do chickens fart? ›
Like us humans, chickens also fart as they have to pass the Air coming from the intestine and let it gas out. Not only can chickens fart, but another piece of information that you might find strange is that chickens can burp as well.
Can chickens eat chocolate? ›
Chickens should not eat chocolate.
Theobromine and caffeine are the toxic elements of chocolate and are also found in some drinks - coffee, tea and colas among them. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains and the more dangerous it is.
What is a black chicken? ›
Black chicken usually refers to a chicken with solid black plumage. Black chicken may also refer to: Ancona chicken, a breed that originated in Italy. Ayam Cemani, a breed that originated in Central Java, Indonesia. Jersey Giant, an American breed created by John and Thomas Black.
What are golden comet chickens? ›
Golden Comets are a Modern day egg laying strain of chicken. They are a cross between a Rhode Island Red and White Leghorn chicken. The hybrid vigor gives them the best traits of both breeds. Like leghorns they start laying earlier than any other breed and are prolific layers.
Are pink chickens real? ›
The USDA says that as long as all parts of the chicken have reached a minimum internal temperature of 165°, it is safe to eat. Color does not indicate doneness. The USDA further explains that even fully cooked poultry can sometimes show a pinkish tinge in the meat and juices.
Are black Silkie chickens rare? ›
Today, this breed is among the most popular and most loved because of its unique appearance and admirable temperament. In fact, Black Silkies are always present at poultry shows.
How do you get a chocolate Silkie? ›
The male requires two copies of the gene to show the chocolate coloring. The males that carry only one chocolate gene will look black like a normal black silkie BUT can still pass on the chocolate gene to his offspring.
Are blue Silkies rare? ›
Just like with most chicken breeds, the Silkie comes in a variety of colors – blue being one of them. However, unlike the more common black or white coloring, the color blue does not breed true. This makes it a very unique color for a Silkie to be and scarcer than the white or black Silkies.
What breed of chicken has 5 toes? ›
No bird has more than four toes except chickens of the Dorking, Faverolle, Houden, Sultan, and Non-bearded Silkie Bantams, all of which have five toes. In these breeds the extra toe arises above the base of the hallux and projects upward, never touching the ground.
Satins are bred to be identical to silkies in every way but feather type. This boils down to the genetic difference of Silkies that have two recessive gene for the silkie feathering trait and Satins that have either one or no genes for the silkie feathering trait.
What is the prettiest rooster? ›
Brahma Rooster
The Brahma is a large and absolutely beautiful rooster. It was originally called the King of Chickens because it was the biggest breed available until the Jersey Giant came around. A Brahma rooster will stand in excess of two feet in height.
What is a fancy chicken? ›
Fancy chicken breeds are those that are considered exotic, rare, or unique. They are not only popular because of their beauty, but also because they are recognized by chicken groups and have standards that mean they can be shown at exhibitions and chicken competitions around the world.
What are the 3 types of chicken? ›
Chickens. Many different breeds of chickens have been developed for different purposes. For simplicity, you can place them into three general categories: Laying, meat-producing and dual-purpose breeds.
