How to Choose Chickens for a Homestead

Many homeowners have been reviewing their choice of pets since the pandemic. Greater numbers want to learn more about how to choose chickens for their homestead of backyard. Read on to learn more about how to choose between the different breeds of hen if you are considering this type of pet.

How To Choose Chickens For Your Homestead or Backyard

how to choose chickens depends on why you want hens — When you are considering how to choose chickens you need to learn the possible characteristics they offer

Image credit: Hana Oliver

The chicken world is full of options ranging from prolific egg layers to the perfect pets. Have you heard about tinted egg layers? The thrill of discovering uniquely hued eggs in the nest each morning can be nothing short of magical. Around 10 million US households have backyard chickens, which is about 8% of all households in the country.

Finding the perfect feathered friends for your property can take some serious time and consideration. Every backyard chicken keeper and homesteader has unique needs when it comes to these clucky companions. Let’s explore their various purposes and characteristics to help you discover the ideal additions to your flock.

The enchanting world of Silkies

While there are many types of unique chickens to consider, we’d start by exploring the magic of Silkies. Some pocket-sized wonders that add a touch of whimsy to any flock are the gorgeous Silkies. Hailing from the ancient land of China, these unique chickens stand out with their unique, silky appearance – fluffy feathers that lack the typical barbs found in most chicken breeds. This creates a downy, almost ethereal quality that will capture your heart.

Physically, Silkies are distinct with their small-boned frame, darker-coloured skin, and rounded crest of feathers adorning their heads. What sets them apart further is the extra toe – they boast five toes instead of the standard four, giving them a quirky charm.

But it’s not just their appearance that makes Silkies stand out. These little darlings have a temperament that’s as gentle as their feathers. Docile, calm, and known for their submissive nature, Silkies are a joy to have around, especially if you have children. They’re the living embodiment of serenity in the coop.

The glamorous and distinctive Polish Chickens

This European breed adds a touch of elegance to any homestead and turn you into a pet photography expert because they look so good. Originating from the Netherlands, these chickens are widely recognized for their remarkable crest of feathers, creating a signature look that’s both charming and eye-catching.

The hens sport a neat and tidy pom-pom hairdo atop their heads, while the roosters flaunt a dramatic mop of feathers that can even fall over their faces, adding a bit of flair to their appearance. However, this abundant fluff comes with a trade-off – it can sometimes make their vision a tad challenging.

How to Choose Chickens by Their Physical Characteristics

Crested chicken — Presentation and the looks of the chicken might be of interest to you – consider a crest and feather colours

Photo by Fred

In terms of physical characteristics, if you are thinking about how to choose chickens remember that Polish Chickens boast a round and full crest, with a variety of feather colors that contribute to their overall allure. They have a medium-sized body with a round shape, a v-shaped cone, and wattles, adding to their distinctive appearance. The abundance of plumage extends beyond their heads, enhancing their overall charm.

When it comes to temperament, Polish Chickens are a delight to have around. Calm, curious, and non-aggressive, they are social creatures that easily befriend both humans and fellow feathered friends. Their friendly nature makes them a wonderful addition to any backyard flock.

Egg-laying poultry breeds

raising chickens — Raising chickens is enormously satisfying, especially if you want to choose a chicken that regularly lays

When considering how to choose chickens for your backyard, you might be thinking of selecting the best chicken breeds for egg production, the options are overwhelming. From tinted egg layers to breeds specially designed to be egg-laying dynamos, there’s a variety to suit every homestead’s needs. The Sexlink poultry breeds are a great place to start.

Sexlink poultry breeds are great for egg production. These chickens are purposefully bred for their impressive egg-laying abilities, starting from as early as 5 to 6 months of age. The consistency is remarkable, with daily egg-laying being the norm until around 18 months of age.

Some of the star players in the Sexlink poultry league include:

ISA Brown: A reliable and prolific layer, the ISA Brown is known for its consistent egg production and friendly disposition.
Red Sex Link: With its distinctive red plumage, this breed is a top-notch egg layer and stands out in the coop.
Black Sex Link: Renowned for its exceptional laying abilities and striking black coloration, this breed adds a touch of elegance to the homestead.
Golden Comets: With golden-orange feathers and a knack for consistent egg laying, the Golden Comet is a homesteader’s dream.

The exotic elegance of Sultan Chickens

When you are considering how to choose chickens consider the Sultan Chicken. This breed embodies ornamental charm and has a rich history tied to the palaces of Turkey. The name Sultan is derived from the Turkish language (Sarai Tuvak) and literally translates to “fowls of the palace,” reflecting their regal past as favourites among the rulers of Turkey.

Sultan Chickens are a sight to behold. Their appearance is a masterpiece of fluffiness, with abundant white feathers covering their entire body, legs, and even their dainty feet. You’ll have a compact, living puff of feathers that boasts a large, upright crest rolling around the yard. Long, droopy feathers cascade near the tail, adding a nice little touch of drama to their overall appearance.

Their abundant fluffy white feathers aren’t just for show; they contribute to a calm and gentle disposition, making them a captivating addition to any flock. Their compact size and striking features make them a standout breed for those seeking a touch of exotic beauty in their homestead. Feather maintenance is crucial to ensure they remain the epitome of elegance and can be somewhat intolerant to heat.

Who will look after your chickens when you are on holiday?

Man feeding chickens and getting them ready in their coup at night — Housesitters can help you feed and protect your chickens in their coup at night while you are away

Photo by Zoe Schaeffer

If you are heading away, your chosen chickens will be safe and sound, thanks to our trusted network for pet sitters and pet owners. Our dedicated free live-in house sitters ensure pets stay safe at home while they travel so you can enjoy peace of mind on your trip.

How to find housesitters and chicken sitters

If you join one of the best housesitting websites like HouseSitMatch as a Pet Homeowner you can post an advert as soon as you know the dates you’ll be away and try to find a free good pet housesitter for this assignment. Or by using alternative networks you may also be able to find a good professional pet housesitter.

Whether you join a network or find a good pet house sitter it is basically a great investment of a small annual membership subscription. This small investment allows you to be productive without risking your pet’s safety, and keeps pets safe at home.