Ornamental chicken breeds are not known for their dual purpose of egg or meat production but have value in their unique appearance or other characteristics. Ornamental chicken breeds are kept to exhibit at shows and add color to a backyard flock. These charming birds are living art pieces in your garden or coop, bringing joy through their fascinating behaviors and personalities.
10 Most Popular Ornamental Chicken Breeds
Cochin
Cochin is a gorgeous ornamental chicken breed that originated in China. These birds are known for their large size, feathered feet, and docile personalities. They come in various colors, including buff, black, blue, and white. They were also used as brooders because of their gentle nature. Cochins make wonderful pets thanks to their calm demeanor and affectionate personality.
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They love being picked up and held by people, making them perfect for families with children who want to experience raising chickens. Despite their large size, Cochins are known for being docile and friendly towards humans. They make great pets for families with children or those looking for a laid-back addition to their flock. Additionally, Cochins are excellent brooders and make attentive mothers.
Araucana
Araucana is a unique breed of ornamental chicken with roots in South America. Known for their distinct appearance and blue-green eggs, Araucanas are popular among backyard poultry enthusiasts. One of the most notable features of this breed is their ear tufts. Aside from their striking looks, Araucanas make good pets due to their docile temperament.
They are friendly birds that enjoy human interaction and can be easily trained to come when called or even do tricks. Regarding egg production, Araucanas may not lay as many eggs as some other breeds, but what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality.
Phoenix Chicken
Phoenix chicken is a breed that has its roots in Germany. These chickens are known for their long tails and beautiful plumage, which makes them quite popular among ornamental chicken enthusiasts. Phoenix chicken is a unique and fascinating ornamental breed that chicken enthusiasts have cherished for centuries. These birds are known for their stunning appearance, which includes long tail feathers that flow behind them as they walk.
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Phoenix chickens are relatively easy to look after. They do well in free-range and confined environments, but it’s important to ensure they have plenty of space to move around if you keep them indoors. The Phoenix chicken is an excellent choice for a visually appealing addition to your flock or an eye-catching garden feature. With proper care and attention, these birds will undoubtedly catch the attention who visits your farm or backyard.
Naked Neck
Naked Neck chicken, also known as the Transylvanian Naked Neck or Turken, is a unique and exotic-looking breed of ornamental chicken. As its name suggests, this bird has a naked neck with only a few feathers at the base. The Naked Neck’s lack of feathers on its neck is due to a genetic mutation that occurred naturally in Southeast Asia. This trait provides an advantage in hot climates, allowing for better heat dissipation.
Despite their unusual appearance, Naked Neck chickens are hardy and adaptable birds. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, including both extreme cold and heat. In terms of personality, these birds are known to be friendly and curious but can also be quite assertive when necessary. They make excellent pets for those looking for an interesting addition to their backyard flock.
Black Sumatra
Black Sumatra chickens are an ornamental breed originating in the Sumatra region of Indonesia. These birds are known for their striking appearance, with glossy black feathers and a unique upright posture. Their slender bodies and long tails make them stand out from other breeds.
One of the most distinctive features of Black Sumatras is their comb. Unlike most chicken breeds, which have a single comb on top of their head, these birds have multiple small combs running down the length of their heads. Black Sumatras are a great choice for anyone looking to add variety to their backyard flock or admire the beauty of this unique breed.
Sebright Bantam
Sebright Bantams are a popular and beloved ornamental chicken breed among hobbyists and enthusiasts. Known for their striking appearance, these small chickens have an eye-catching, laced feather pattern. Sebright Bantams are known for their spunky personalities and can hold their own in a mixed flock. They also make great pets due to their friendly nature and easy-going temperament.
Silkie
Silkie chickens are a unique and fascinating breed known for their soft, fluffy feathers. These ornamental chickens have a distinct appearance. Their feathers lack barbicels which give them an almost fur-like texture. One of the most endearing features of Silkies is their gentle personality. They make great pets because they are docile birds that enjoy human company.
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Their calm temperament makes them good mothers as they sit on eggs until hatching without getting agitated. Another interesting fact about Silkies is their high tolerance for cold weather due to their dense feathering, which keeps them warm throughout winter. However, their feathering can also be a disadvantage during hot temperatures when it may cause overheating.
Ayam Cemani
Ayam Cemani is a unique and fascinating ornamental chicken breed. Originating from Indonesia, this bird is known for its black feathers and skin. Aside from their striking appearance, Ayam Cemanis are also known to be excellent foragers and can adapt well to different environments.
They have strong immune systems, making them resistant to common diseases that affect other breeds of chickens. The exotic beauty of Ayam Cemanis makes them an attractive addition to any backyard flock. However, they are not recommended for those who rely solely on egg production or meat, as they produce fewer eggs than other breeds and are smaller.
Russian Orloff
Russian Orloff is one of the most interesting and unique ornamental chicken breeds. It originated in Russia and was originally used for meat production, but now it’s mostly kept for its beautiful appearance. The bird has a very distinctive look: it has a large body with broad shoulders, a full chest, skinny legs, and feathered feet.
The plumage of Russian Orloffs is also quite remarkable: they have black or dark brown feathers with a metallic green sheen that adds more appeal to their overall physical appearance. In terms of temperament, these birds are known for being friendly and easy-going towards humans, making them great pets and show birds.
Brahma
Brahma chickens are known for their massive size and unique feather patterns, making them popular among ornamental chicken enthusiasts. Their feathers are also very distinctive, with mottled or laced patterns that give them a regal appearance. In addition to being visually impressive, Brahma hens are good layers that produce large brown eggs.
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Despite their size and beauty, Brahma chickens are relatively easy-going and not particularly high maintenance. They do well in hot and cold climates and don’t require any special care beyond what you would provide for other breeds if you’re looking for an eye-catching bird
Conclusion
Ornamental chicken breeds offer a delightful visual treat to poultry enthusiasts all around the globe. These birds also make great pets because they tend to be more docile and friendly than commercial breeds. They enjoy being held and petted by humans, making them excellent companions for children.
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