The 12 Best Show Chicken Breeds

Every chicken is beautiful. They can come in any color and any design. Let’s face it, some chickens are more attractive than others. Some chickens are so beautiful that they win big prizes as show chickens. We searched for the best show chickens and came up with 12 we think you will love. These are some of our favorites!

The 12 Best Show-Chicken Breeds

1. Silkie Chicken

This chicken breed is the oldest and most distinctive. You can find them in many colors including black, white, gray, and partridge. They also have very fluffy feathers that grow on their legs. They feel almost like fur, with their feathers feeling soft and silky. Although they are smaller than other breeds, these chickens still have a strong personalities.

2. Faverolle Chicken

They can lay as many as 200 eggs per year to keep your kitchen stocked. When fully grown, they can weigh between 7 and 11 pounds. They have feathered feet and interesting facial locks that make them appear to be sporting a beard. This chicken breed is the only one with five toes, and not four.

3. Sebright Bantam chicken

These birds look elegant with brown or all-white feathers, which are lined with black. The fully feathered Sebright Bantam chicken appears almost checkered. This chicken breed is one of the most diminutive on the planet. Their compact bodies and long legs give them an appearance similar to miniature ostriches.

4. Wyandotte Chickens

They were once a popular choice for chicken lovers in England. However, they are now most loved in the United States. Wyandotte chickens, which are larger than most of the others on this list, are strong and have been known to dominate poultry shows around the world. Their bright red faces are complemented by their fleshy legs and feet. They have a multi-dimensional appearance because their neck feathers and body are made of different textures.

5. Old English Game Hen

Because of their big, strong bodies and large legs, Old English game chickens were originally bred for a cockfight. These same characteristics helped them evolve into show chickens. They are distinguished by their long, luxurious feathers which make them stand out and help them win show ribbons.

6. Modern Game Hen

The modern game hen, unlike most other show chickens that are raised for meat and eggs, is only raised for its show value. These birds are very thin and have little meat. They are proud of their shiny feathers and competitive posture which makes them winners in competitions.

7. Orpington Chickens

The Orpington chicken, which originated in the United Kingdom is a well-known show bird and is now being raised by breeders all over the world. Except for a few white spots, they are almost always solid-colored. They can be either black or white overall. Their feathers are somewhat fluffy and their stalky bodies make it look like they’re a little overweight.

8. Buckeye Chickens

The Buckeye chicken impresses with its long, thick feathers and stalky legs. These chickens were originally bred in Ohio by a woman named Mary. Their thick, dense coats make them appear larger than they actually are. The Buckeye is available in one color: rich mahogany.

9. Cochin Chicken

These chickens are small in head and large in body, with prickly feathers and interesting colors. They stand out from other show competitors due to their unique stance. Their straight neck feathers give them the appearance of wearing capes. The Cochin chicken was first bred in Vietnam. They are equally adept at laying eggs and winning shows.

10. The Yokohama

This chicken breed is a descendant of Shokokus and Shamos Japanese chickens. The Yokohama wasn’t bred in this region. It was instead bred in Germany using Japanese varieties. They look like they’re wearing a skirt with long tail feathers.

11. The Barbu d’Uccle

This amazing Belgian chicken breed is a rare one. It has distinctive spotted markings and stout, compact bodies. The chickens have feathered legs and a single comb. They also have a rich color profile that makes them difficult to miss for chicken lovers. You can choose from a range of colors including black, white, blue, porcelain, and even quail.

12. Brahma Chickens

They are one of the most popular chicken breeds. The Brahma chicken seems graceful and can move and react with purpose. These birds, which are bred with good DNA and have a long history of successful breeding practices, can grow to a maximum height of 30 inches. They look muscular because of their thick wing feathers.

Conclusion

All of these chickens can be entered into show competitions. Remember that these chickens are just as intelligent and have thoughts and feelings as all living animals on the planet. They should be treated with respect and not as commodities. Do you plan to keep one or more show birds? Which breed are you looking for? If not, what’s the reason? We want to know what you think. Leave a comment below.