How Many Breeds are there?

[rocking chickens]

Just out of curiosity. How many chicken breeds are their in existence ?

 

[tripletfeb]

From Cackle Hatchery: No one knows how many different chicken breeds exist in the world, because no one keeps track. Wikipedia estimates hundreds. In her book The Behavioural Biology of Chickens, Professor C.J. Nichol of the University of London has counted more than 500 “fancy breeds” worldwide, described as ranging “from the sublime to the ridiculous.” These vague numbers represent estimates, not a definitive answer to the question: How many chicken breeds are there?

 

[tripletfeb]

The APA recognizes 53 large breed and then the bantams. So who knows? Too many because I want a lot more!!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

From Cackle Hatchery: No one knows how many different chicken breeds exist in the world, because no one keeps track. Wikipedia estimates hundreds. In her book The Behavioural Biology of Chickens, Professor C.J. Nichol of the University of London has counted more than 500 “fancy breeds” worldwide, described as ranging “from the sublime to the ridiculous.” These vague numbers represent estimates, not a definitive answer to the question: How many chicken breeds are there?

Now I'm curious about what is considered ridiculous

 

[HappyClucker7]

Now I'm curious about what is considered ridiculous

Same. Maybe the Dong Tao? Or the Serama?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Well, thinking this way, probably about 150 (if you consider all the poultry standards, nor just america) recongized standards, probably a good 300+ non recognized standards, plus probably at least 100 types of sexlink hybrids sold comerically, plus any number imagined of bantams

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Same. Maybe the Dong Tao? Or the Serama?

Dong Tao I can see but I think that breed is kinda new still. Maybe the Ayam Ketwa, Ayam Cemani and the Tomaru chickens?

 

[tripletfeb]

I'm thinking polish and others with head crests? I guess it's an opinion really! My ridiculous may differ from yours.

 

[Ruthster55]

Outside the US, you will find interesting breeds or chickens that pretty much breed true, but aren’t a recognized breed yet. They usually have a name, but might be officially recognized only in one country.

I think the Beijing Fatty is an example that is only known in China. The pictures show lovely chickens, and apparently the meat is supurb.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/“beijing-fatty”a-funny-chinese-chicken.1280345/#post-20636354

I believe the Ayam Cemani were only recognized in Indonesia until fans got them in other Asian countries and, then, Greenfire imported some stock. I don’t think they’re ridiculous. I think they’re quite interesting and good ones (no non-melanistic leakage) can be used in breeding projects of various sorts. Of course, I’m partial to chickens that are black, have green sheen, or are blue or gray.

I was surprised when I found out that Polish chickens are a really old breed. They’re not some new breeding project. Yes, maybe they’re silly looking to me or you, but they have had lots of fans over hundreds of years. Same for Silkies.

There’s interest in Sebrights even outside the high-income countries. I dunno. They’re cute and a great example of selective breeding. They’re just not for me. Their eggs and meat are just a tiny snack...

Ayam Ketawa might be ridiculous, and you wouldn’t want them in a city, except in a haunted house during October!

https://greenfirefarms.com/ayam_ketawa.html