How to Identify Chicken Breeds

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Find out if the animal is being raised as a dual-purpose chicken. These animals can provide both meat and eggs for consumption. These varieties are common to small farms or households.
Step 2:
Choose chickens categorized as layers for best egg production. This breed will produce more eggs than a dual-purpose chicken. These chickens tend to be lighter in weight than other breeds and have ill temperaments.
Step 3:
Look for Fancy breeds to have unusual colors or special feathering. Several of the Fancy breeds can be dual-purpose or even egg layers. This chicken may simply have attributes such as five toes, beards or distinctive crests that set it aside from others.
Step 4:
Identify Bantam breeds as those that are typically smaller versions of common larger breeds. These animals are considered decorative and ornamental.

Tips & Warnings

Egg laying chickens were once used for their meat in groceries across the world.
Ask local farmers or markets about chicken breeds in the area. Many farms allow inspection of the breeds if interested in purchasing.
Always inspect breeding conditions to prevent the spread of E.coli or salmonella bacteria.

Resources

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