Searching for a giant chicken to complete your flock? Don’t be distressed! We’ve compiled the 10 Largest Chicken Breeds, so you can quickly find your perfect feathered companion.
1. Jersey Giant
| Rooster Weight | 13 lbs. |
| Hen Weight | 10-12 lbs. |
| Best Used for | Meat Production |
The Jersey Giant breed is iconic for its gentle nature and remarkable size. As evident in the name, these chickens are native to New Jersey.
The chickens were bred in the 19th century with the intention of replacing turkey meat as a mainstay on tables nationwide. Despite its failure in achieving the goal of dethroning turkeys, The Jersey Giants still stands tall as the largest chicken breed in the whole world.
The Jersey Giant stands tall as the largest of all chicken breeds, with exceptional weights, reaching up to 13 pounds. On average, males are more likely to be heavier than females.
Not only are Jersey Giants large chickens, but they also lay an outstanding amount of eggs. Hens usually produce around 150 to 200 brown eggs annually!
They are resilient and adaptable, too, making them an excellent addition to any backyard flock. In fact, these chickens possess incredibly docile natures and excellent foraging abilities, which make them effortless to take care of.
2. Brahma
| Rooster Weight | 12 lbs. |
| Hen Weight | 10 lbs. |
| Best Used for | Show Bird, Meat Production |
If you are scouring for a large breed to add to your flock, then Brahma chickens are a perfect choice. Brahma hens can reach up to 12 pounds, and hens can weigh as much as 10 pounds! With their impressive size, this breed makes a superb addition that will impress anyone.
Brahma chickens are perfect for those just starting with chicken keeping, as they’re pretty easy to raise and manage. They also possess an adaptable hardy nature that allows them to thrive in cold and humid climates, making these birds uniquely equipped for whatever environmental conditions you may have!
Brahma chickens are the perfect match for families with children due to their gentle and friendly nature. Furthermore, they have fantastic foraging skills that make them easy to care for while also reducing the amount of feed necessary to keep them healthy—a great benefit!
Brahma chickens are excellent layers, laying around 150 to 200 brown eggs yearly—making them an ideal choice for anyone who needs an ample supply of eggs. If you seek an all-purpose chicken to join your flock, Brahma is a perfect choice.
3. Plymouth Rock
| Rooster Weight | 7-9 lbs. |
| Hen Weight | 5-7 lbs. |
| Best Used for | Meat and Egg Production |
Plymouth Rock belongs to the long list of American chicken breeds. It’s highly sought after for its friendly quality, exceptional egg-laying capacity, and aesthetically pleasing look. Roosters typically weigh between 7 to 9 pounds, whereas hens clock in at a lighter 5 to 7-pound range.
Visually stunning, Plymouth Rocks are easily identifiable by their definite black and white striped feathers. Quite distinctive, they also possess a defined red ear lobe—a trait solely theirs!
Not only are Plymouth Rocks known for their docile, friendly nature, but they also make excellent layers! Their hens typically lay over 200 brown eggs annually, and they possess an ability to adapt, making them ideal chickens no matter the living conditions.
The Plymouth Rock is ideal if you’re a chicken buff looking for an attractive, high-performing bird to add to your flock. Not only are they great egg layers, but these birds also make excellent pets as they tend to be docile and affectionate—perfect for families with children!
4. Orpington
| Rooster Weight | 8-12 lbs. |
| Hen Weight | 6-10 lbs. |
| Best Used for | Meat Production |
The Orpington is a beloved British poultry breed known for its docile personality and impressive size. It has four distinctive types: Black and Blue. These chickens vary in size and coloring to bring a unique flair to your flock.
Orpingtons are a compact bird variety, with roosters typically reaching 8-12 pounds and hens ranging from 6-10 pounds in weight.
Orpingtons proudly show off their amazingly soft, fluffy feathers, making them stand out from other breeds. Additionally, they are incredibly hardy and can easily adjust to various living conditions, making them the perfect breed for any backyard flock!
5. Langshan
| Rooster Weight | 9-11 lbs. |
| Hen Weight | 7-9 lbs. |
| Best Used for | Meat Production |
Originating from China, the Langshan chicken is a sizable breed of domestic chickens that come in three distinct varieties: Black, Blue, and White.
Male roosters weigh between 9 and 11 pounds, while hens measure 7 to 9. If you want a unique addition with charming features and eye-catching colors, then consider adding this majestic bird to your family!
Langshans boast an elegant, streamlined build and are adorned in black feathers with special red combs and wattles. Not only is their appearance captivating, but they possess a gentle and amicable character that makes them perfect for both backyard flocks as well as more commercial operations.
Plus, these birds have proven to be not just resilient but also highly adaptable, making them an ideal pet. And if all of this wasn’t enough—Langshan chickens lay beautiful brown eggs too!
6. Rhode Island Red
| Rooster Weight | 8-10 lbs. |
| Hen Weight | 6-8 lbs. |
| Best Used for | Egg and Meat Production |
Rhode Island Reds are a big poultry breed, with roosters averaging 8 to 10 pounds and hens weighing in at an impressive 6 to 8 pounds.
The Rhode Island Red is a poultry breed that has earned its fame for being highly productive in terms of egg-laying and robustness. Several kinds, such as the Production Red and American Rhode Island Red, vary substantially in size and looks.
Rhode Island Reds are readily identifiable by their characteristic dark red feathers, which give them an antiquated look. They also possess a strong stature and physique with a compact body and large feet.
Rhode Island Reds have earned a reputation for being robust and resilient, making them an ideal addition to any backyard flock. Additionally, they are proficient at finding food that eases their upkeep while keeping them healthy. All in all, Rhode Island Reds are the perfect bird if you’re looking for low-maintenance poultry that can thrive in almost any condition!
The Rhode Island Red is a fantastic choice for all backyard chicken enthusiasts. Not only are they very hardy, but they also lay eggs reliably and efficiently. Plus, their rustic appearance makes them an ideal addition to any flock!
7. Sussex
| Rooster Weight | 7-9 lbs. |
| Hen Weight | 5-7 lbs. |
| Best Used for | Show Bird, Meat and Egg Production |
The Sussex breed of chicken is beloved for its excellent egg-laying qualities, friendly character, and striking looks. It has a variety of colors available to choose from – Speckled Sussex, Red Sussex, and White Sussex – each with its specific size and markings.
If you are looking for an ideal hen that can produce excellent meat, then the British Sussex is the perfect fit!
Sussex chickens are medium-sized, with roosters typically weighing 7 to 9 pounds and hens at 5 to 7 pounds. With their excellent egg-laying capabilities, the average Sussex hen can produce up to 250 brown eggs annually. It makes them an ideal choice for anyone looking for a meat and egg-laying breed!
Sussex chickens are easily noticeable, with their eye-catching feathers in an assortment of lively shades such as red, white, black, and speckled. This variety makes them an excellent choice for those interested in a
8. Australorp
| Rooster Weight | 7-9 lbs. |
| Hen Weight | 6-8 lbs. |
| Best Used for | Meat Production |
The Australorp is a unique breed of chicken first bred in Australia. This breed is among the largest, especially from its place of origin. The roosters weigh a hefty 7 to 9 pounds, and hens come in between 6 to 8 lbs.
Known for their glossy black feathers that give off a stunning emerald sheen, Australorps come in three varieties—Black and Blue. They also boast cheerful red combs, wattles, and radiant yellow legs and feet.
Their gentle and friendly nature and hardiness make them the most sought-after choice for backyard flocks. Not to mention, hens will lay an impressive average of 300 eggs per year—a fantastic feat! Choosing Rhode Island Reds is an intelligent move if you’re looking for an ideal homestead flock.
9. New Hampshire
| Rooster Weight | 7-8.5 lbs. |
| Hen Weight | 5-6.5 lbs. |
| Best Used for | Meat Production |
The New Hampshire chicken is a highly valued breed of poultry native to the Northeast United States. This medium-sized chicken offers many attractive features: roosters weigh 7 to 8.5 pounds, while hens are typically 5 to 6.5 pounds. The vibrant red feathers, gleaming yellow beaks, and legs make this breed particularly eye-catching!
These birds possess both an amiable and active temperament, producing rich brown eggs. They are renowned for their durability and versatility, making them ideal for any flock—whether a backyard or commercial!
10. Leghorn
| Rooster Weight | 4-5 lbs. |
| Hen Weight | 5-6 lbs. |
| Best Used for | Meat and Egg Production |
The Leghorn chicken is an Italian breed of domestic fowl, boasting a petite and compact physique. They range in size from small to medium-sized chickens.
Leghorn chickens typically measure between 4 to 5 pounds for hens and a slightly larger 5 to 6 pounds size range for roosters!
Leghorn chickens have three distinct varieties: White, Black, and Brown. This breed is easily discernible by their thin beaks, lengthy necks, and single combs—making them a popular choice among chicken enthusiasts!
Leghorns are an excellent selection for commercial egg and meat production, owing to their speedy growth and high number of eggs produced. Featuring white or light-colored plumage with an energetic demeanor, Leghorns make ideal companion creatures and reliable producers.
In Summary
In conclusion, there are a lot of chicken breeds to choose from. With this list of the Top 10 Largest Chicken Breeds, you can find the one for you in just a few minutes. You now have all the information necessary to select the perfect behemoth chicken for your flock!
