Big Chicken breeds (chunky/fluffy)

[DireC]

I was wondering if there is a good breed that is big and a great egg layer we are looking for big breeds but great to look at as well... I hear JG are pretty good but at a fair I seen this HUGE rustic red colored hen but couldn't find out the breed. If this rings a bell for anyone any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

My production reds are pretty big, and a very pretty rusty color! Good layers too. I like my black-sex-links, also big and good layers. Orpingtons are bigger, but mine aren't the best layers. Probably 4-5 eggs a week. Wyandottes are also big and good layers, but I find mine are bullies to the other chickens.



On the left is a black sex-link and on the right is a production red. (Can you spot the white chicken?

)

 

[DireC]

It looked exactly like a production red but was much plumper

. It took me a minute to find the white chicken lol I thought it was a cloud at first!

 

[Chicks Galore3]

The chicken in the picture isn't quite full-grown/filled out yet, so she will get plumper! Are you looking for a dual-purpose breed or just fluffy egg layers?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

It looked exactly like a production red but was much plumper

. It took me a minute to find the white chicken lol I thought it was a cloud at first!

A lot of the difference one can see can be a matter of if a bird of the same breed is from production lines or from exhibition/heritage lines. The former can be quite astray of what the breed *should* look like (per the breed standard of perfection) as they are bred not for adherence to the standard but for straight up production (of eggs or meat).
A true RIR (Rhode Island Red) may be up your alley.

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Quote:

I got mine from the local TSC so that could be part of it.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

OP - do you like birds with feathery feet/legs or bare (called "clean")? Are there particular colors (aside from rusty red) or patterns you like? Are you looking at their size as a source of meat (in addition to eggs) or just that you like big birds?

 

[DireC]

OP - do you like birds with feathery feet/legs or bare (called "clean")? Are there particular colors (aside from rusty red) or patterns you like? Are you looking at their size as a source of meat (in addition to eggs) or just that you like big birds?

I have never had the chance to try my hand at the feathery feet/legs but may down the line. I really like black/black n white speckle color the rustic color mentioned was to give the idea or more of a clue as to the bird I was seeing. I really just like big birds they tend to have the greater personalities with a calmer attitude and people friendly....of course a nice egg layer would be a big plus haha.

 

[DireC]

The chicken in the picture isn't quite full-grown/filled out yet, so she will get plumper! Are you looking for a dual-purpose breed or just fluffy egg layers?

I'm going more so for a fluffy egg layer but want her to be great to look at when people see her.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

What about some nice Silver Laced Wyandottes? For really good looking birds that meet the "type" you'll be better served to find a breeder that has birds that have the look you want than sourcing from hatcheries or feed stores, etc. It might help to find some poultry shows in your area so you can go and see birds you like/find the names of the person who has bred/is showing them and network that way.