10 Best Fancy Breeds of Chickens: Do Ornamental/Fancy Chickens Lay Eggs?

Fancy breeds of chickens can add a touch of elegance and beauty to any backyard flock. While they may not be the most productive for egg-laying, their ornamental qualities make them highly sought by chicken enthusiasts. Fancy chickens are worth considering if you have space and want to incorporate unique and visually stunning birds into your flock.

Before bringing home any fancy chickens, make sure you do your research on their specific needs and requirements. With proper care and attention, these beautiful birds can thrive and become an eye-catching addition to your poultry collection. Remember that while fancy chickens may not be prolific layers like other breeds, they still have plenty of charm and personality to offer. They can bring joy through their striking appearances and captivating behaviors.

10 Best Fancy Breeds of Chickens

Silkie Chicken

Silkie chickens are perhaps the most fascinating and unique breeds you can find. Their fluffy feathers resemble silk, hence their name. What makes Silkies even more special is their gentle and docile nature. While Silkie chickens may not be the best egg layers compared to other chicken breeds, they do lay eggs. However, their egg production is relatively low compared to commercial laying hens. So if you’re looking for a chicken breed primarily for eggs, it might be better to consider other options.

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Best Fancy Breeds of Chickens: Silkie Chicken

But what Silkie chickens lack in egg-laying abilities, they make up for their ornamental value and charm. Silkie chickens will turn heads if you want to show them off at poultry exhibitions or want an eye-catching addition to your backyard flock. In terms of colors available within this breed, there’s plenty of variety, including white, blue-grey, partridge brown, and many others. Each color variation adds its unique flair to these already enchanting birds.

Sultan Chicken

Sultan chickens are a sight to behold with their exotic and regal appearance. With their abundant plumage, including an impressive crest and feathery feet, Sultan chickens are sure to turn heads. Their unique appearance is not the only thing that sets them apart. Sultans also have a gentle and friendly nature, making them great additions to any backyard flock or even as pets.

They are known for being calm and docile, which makes handling them a breeze. While Sultan chickens may not be the most prolific egg layers compared to other breeds, they still produce eggs regularly. However, it’s important to note that their smaller size means they lay smaller eggs too.

Faverolles Chicken

Faverolles chickens are known for their unique appearance and friendly personalities. These fancy chickens have a distinctive muff of feathers around their faces, giving them an adorable and fluffy look. Their feathered feet and gentle disposition make them popular among chicken enthusiasts.

One of the most fascinating things about Faverolles is their diverse range of colors. Not only are Faverolles eye-catching, but they also possess excellent egg-laying abilities. While they may not be the most prolific layers like some commercial breeds, Faverolles hens can still produce a respectable number of eggs annually.

Another interesting aspect of Faverolles is their ability to thrive in different climates. These chickens are quite hardy and can withstand cold temperatures well due to their dense plumage. This makes them suitable for backyard flocks in regions with harsh winters. In addition to being great egg producers and cold-hardy birds, Faverolles also make fantastic pets with their friendly nature towards humans and other animals.

Polish Chicken

Polish chickens are a truly unique and eye-catching breed. With their distinctive feather crests atop their heads, they certainly stand out in any flock. These fancy birds come in various colors, including white, black, buff, silver-laced, and golden-laced. One of the most fascinating features of Polish chickens is their crest. It’s like having a fluffy pouf perched on top of their head.

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The feathers can be curly or straight and charm these already adorable birds. Despite being bred primarily for ornamental purposes due to their stunning appearance, Polish chickens lay eggs. While they may not be the most prolific layers compared to other breeds specifically bred for egg production, Polish hens still contribute a respectable number of small to medium-sized white eggs throughout the year.

Frizzle Chicken

Frizzle chickens are a unique and fascinating breed known for their curly feathers that give them a distinct, frizzled appearance. These birds’ eye-catching charm sets them apart from other chicken breeds. Their feathers curl outward instead of lying flat against their bodies, creating a fluffy and whimsical look.

Aside from their striking appearance, Frizzle chickens are also beloved for their friendly and docile nature. They make wonderful pets and can easily become accustomed to human interaction. If you’re looking for a chicken breed that is visually appealing but also gentle and sociable, the Frizzle chicken may be the perfect choice.

Regarding egg-laying capabilities, Frizzles are on par with other standard chicken breeds. While they might not be top performers in egg production, they still lay a reasonable number of eggs throughout the year. It’s important to remember that individual hens’ laying abilities can vary slightly depending on factors like diet and environment.

Sebright Chicken

Sebright chickens are known for their stunning appearance and delicate size. The Sebright’s most distinctive feature is its lustrous plumage, beautifully patterned with black or gold-tipped feathers. Despite their fancy looks, Sebrights are not big egg layers. They are considered poor egg producers compared to other breeds. Their small size limits the number and size of eggs they can lay.

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However, what these chickens lack in egg production, they make up for in personality. Sebrights have a charming and friendly demeanor that makes them great pets. They are curious and intelligent birds that enjoy human interaction. Due to their small stature, Sebrights require less space than larger breeds, making them ideal for those with limited backyard areas or urban settings. They can also be easily kept with other smaller breeds without causing issues.

Houdan Chicken

Houdan chickens are a delightful and unique breed that will surely catch your eye with their striking appearance. These fancy birds have a distinct crest of feathers on their heads, giving them an elegant and regal look. Their feathers are soft to the touch and come in various colors, such as white, black, blue, or mottled.

One interesting fact about Houdans is that they have an extra toe on each foot. This genetic anomaly adds to their charm and makes them stand out among other chicken breeds. They are visually stunning, and Houdans have friendly personalities, making them great companions for children and adults. Although primarily ornamental birds, Houdan chickens do lay eggs; however, egg production may not be as high as some other breeds.

Cochin Chicken

Cochin Chickens are a beloved breed among chicken enthusiasts for their unique appearance and gentle temperament. One of the most distinctive features of Cochin Chickens is their large size and fluffy feathers that cover their legs and feet, giving them a big bird appearance. They come in various colors: black, white, buff, partridge, blue, and silver laced. Despite their ornamental looks, Cochin Chickens are known for being excellent layers of brown eggs.

Brahma Chicken

Brahma chickens are known for their majestic appearance and gentle temperament. One of the most striking features of Brahma chickens is their size. Their massive bodies are covered in abundant soft feathers in various colors, such as buff, dark, and light. Despite their impressive size and beauty, Brahmas are not just all show. These chickens also lay a respectable number of eggs throughout the year. Another characteristic that sets Brahmas apart is their calm and docile nature.

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Barnevelder Chicken

Barnevelder chickens are not only beautiful with their unique and striking plumage, but they also make great additions to any backyard flock. One of the standout features of Barnevelders is their stunning feather patterns. They come in shades ranging from deep browns to rich mahogany hues. Their feathers are often laced with intricate black or white markings, adding elegance to their appearance. Whether you live in a colder region or experience hot summers, Barnevelders can withstand both extremes without much trouble.

Conclusion

While ornamental or fancy chickens may not be the top egg-laying performers, they bring a unique and charming element to any backyard flock. You might want to consider other options if you’re looking for a breed that lays eggs consistently. However, adding some fancy chickens to your flock can be a delightful experience if you value aesthetics and enjoy having eye-catching birds in your coop.

10 Best Fancy Breeds of Chickens: Do Ornamental/Fancy Chickens Lay Eggs?