Heritage Chicken Breeds

“heritage chicken breeds” are traditional, long-established breeds that were developed before industrialized farming. They’re valued for their hardiness, longevity, natural reproduction, and rich flavor.

• Loved for its calm temperament, reliability, and striking barred plumage.

• Friendly, good for families, cold-hardy, dependable layers.

• Eggs: 200–250 brown eggs per year.

• Beautifully laced feathers and a dependable dual-purpose nature.

• Hardy in cold weather, steady layers, friendly but independent.

• Eggs: 200–240 brown eggs per year.

• One of the most famous American breeds, known for being tough, hardy, and great egg layers.

• Excellent dual-purpose breed (meat & eggs), adaptable to various climates, and good for beginners.

• 250–300 brown eggs per year.

• Known for being large, fluffy, and gentle — perfect for both eggs and meat.

• Very docile, good with children, excellent mothers, and decent winter layers.

• Eggs: 180–200 light brown eggs per year.

• Once the primary broiler bird before modern hybrids took over.

• Fast-growing, cold-hardy, gentle, and efficient.

• Eggs: 200–250 large brown eggs per year.