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17 Black and White Chicken Breeds – Our Chanel Poultry List!

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Let’s explore 17 beautiful black and white chicken breeds! Or, as we call them, Chanel chickens. These chickens are fancy. And fashionable!

For centuries, homesteaders have been keeping poultry not just for utility – meat and eggs, that is – but also for their beauty. There are chicken breeds kept purely for ornamental purposes.

Beautiful Dominique or Barred Rock chicken foraging in the backyard garden.

“I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is perfect harmony.”

Coco Chanel, who founded a fashion empire on her black and white creations.

If we go back to Coco Chanel’s quote – undeniably, there is so much beauty and elegance in the contrast of black and white. It is no wonder that farmers adore black and white animals in their yards, chickens included.

Besides the striking color patterns of the following black and white chicken breeds, many are superb chicken meat and egg birds. But which black and white chickens are our favorite?

We propose that the following black and white chicken breeds are some of the most breathtaking!

(And bedazzling!)

Let’s take a look.

17 Black and White Chicken Breeds

We scoured our favorite feathered farmyards to research these 17 black and white chicken breeds.

We’re starting with one of the most remarkable – and we also saved some of the best (and rarest) for last.

Let us know which black and white chooks you like the most!

1. Lakenvelder

male lakenvelder chicken foraging in the backyard sand
Let’s start our list of black and white chicken breeds with an undeniably beautiful bird. The Lakenvelder chicken! These striking chickens are famous for being slightly undersized compared to other feathered farmyard friends – and for beautiful plumage with black and white feathers. We also discovered that Lakenvelder chickens likely originated from Southern Holland (near Germany) around 1700 when researching these lovely backyard hens. We know them to lay white, delicious eggs. However, Oklahoma State University’s Breeds of Livestock website (one of our favorite chicken-raising resources) says Lakenvelder eggs also come in light brown shades.
Breed NameLakenvelder
OriginNetherlands/Germany
UseEggs, meat, ornamental
WeightCock: 5 lbs; hen: 4 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsWhite or tinted, small to medium, 150+ per year
CharacteristicsActive, wary, good foragers, prefer to be out in the open.
Lakenvelder Chicken Profile

The Lakenvelder chicken is an old breed – the official records go back to the 18th-century Netherlands-German border region. But its direct ancestors have likely arrived there in the 1st century BCE, with the first Jewish settlers.

The breed’s name means white spread over a black field in Dutch. Some homesteaders also refer to them as a shadow on a sheet. You’ll see why if you look at the stunning contrast between their glistening white body and black tail and hackle feathers.

The bird was selected for its tasty chicken meat and eggs and was considered excellent for both purposes. However, it is not a superb producer by today’s standards (note that those standards may be too high!). Due to its handsomeness, it was also popular in poultry shows.

Lakenvelder is an active breed that likes to do lots of foraging. They are best free-range – keeping the birds confined seems to contribute to their inborn flightiness. Be careful if you have a mixed flock, as the Lakenvelders are likely to dominate over more docile chicken breeds.

Fun fact: if you’re looking for a farm animal collectibles set, there are the Lakenvelder cattle and Lakenvelder goats as well!

2. Scots Dumpy Chicken

black and white dumpy chicken with green grass and yellow wildflowers
Scots Dumpy chickens are one of our favorite black and white breeds. They’re from Scotland and have a reputation as delicious white or cream egg layers. Scots Dumpy chickens are also famous and adorable low riders! Their bodies often hover only a few centimeters above the ground due to their short legs. Most Scots Dumpy chickens that we’ve seen are black and white. But other color variations (which are arguably random due to uncommonly relaxed breed specifications) exist.
Breed NameScots Dumpy
OriginScotland
UseMeat, eggs, ornamental
WeightCock: 7 lbs; Hen: 6 lbs. 
Bantam varietyYes
EggsWhite or tinted, 180+ yearly
CharacteristicsExtremely short legs, check for external parasites
Scots Dumpy Chicken Profile

Scots Dumpy is one of the two Scottish heritage chicken breeds. This ancient curiosity belongs to the type called creeper chickens due to the extremely short legs – not more than 1-1/2 inches long! 

This characteristic is a hereditary genetic condition called chondrodystrophy. It is recessively lethal – if you breed two short-legged Dumpys, about a quarter of embryos will fail to develop. Thus, the breeders tend to cross-breed a short-legged Dumpy with a long-legged one.

Scots dumpy is a hardy breed and a decent egg producer. The chickens can be confined but are better kept free-range (although they can get noisy) – their short legs make them unable to accomplish much damage to the yard. Due to being so close to the ground all the time, they are vulnerable to external parasites, so double-check regularly for mites, fleas, and ticks.

3. Wyandotte

black and white wyandotte chickens standing in front of a chicken house
The Wyandotte is a famous American chicken breed with striking white and black feathers. They have reputations as hardy birds that developed in northern US states and Canadian territories – so they can withstand cold wintry weather without fuss. Wyandotte chickens are also surprisingly friendly and sociable birds for their hardy composure – yet some may not tolerate much tomfoolery from boisterous flockmates. Wyandotte hens are an excellent choice for rural homesteaders seeking a reliable meat bird that also produces baskets of delicious brown eggs. 
Breed NameWyandotte
OriginUnited States
UseMeat, eggs
WeightCock: 8.5 lbs; Hen: 6.5 lbs. 
Bantam varietyYes
EggsLight to dark brown, 200-280 yearly
CharacteristicsFriendly, noisy, cold-hardy (and may continue to lay into the winter)
Wyandotte Chicken Profile

Originally called the American Sebright, Wyandotte was one of the early American breeds developed at the end of the 19th century. The silver-laced variety (black and white) is the original from New York State. More chicken varieties developed later in other regions.

Wyandotte is a dual-purpose breed with chicken meat that has characteristically yellow skin. The eggs are brown(ish). Because this breed is notoriously cold-hardy, it can continue laying into the winter. It has a friendly disposition and is a perfect choice for families. However, if you have nervous neighbors, know it can get noisy.

Read More!

4. Wybar

Wybar project by PoultryTown Farm
Wybars are a tremendously rare autosexing black and white chicken breed. We read from The Poultry Club that Wybar chickens are part barred Rocks, laced Wyandottes, and Brussbars. The result is a beautiful plumage with a stunning black and white feather pattern. They’re also active birds and fair layers. Despite their many features and benefits, Wybars are still tremendously rare, and you may have trouble sourcing them for your farm or homestead.
Breed NameWybar
OriginUnited Kingdom
UseMeat, eggs, ornamental
WeightCock: 6.5 – 9 lbs; Hen: 5.5 – 7 lbs. 
Bantam varietyYes
EggsTinted, 200+ yearly
CharacteristicsAutosexing breed. Friendly temperament
Wybar Chicken Profile

In the mid-20th century, British breeders wanted to create a triple-purpose breed from Wyandotte – heavy enough for meat production, a proficient layer, and an ornamental show bird. Also, they made it an autosexing chicken breed. In other words – male and female chicks differ in their coloring as soon as they hatch. Wybar was the result of the experiment.

The laced-patterned Wybar has a friendly disposition and can get very tame with the owner. It loves to forage and is a proficient digger. It is best kept free-range but can stand some confinement if enough space is available. 

Unfortunately, despite all its qualities, Wybar wasn’t a drastic improvement from Wyandotte. And it never really became popular. Consequently, it is surprisingly rare today – seldom encountered even at shows.

5. Silver Laced Polish

lovely silver laced chicken standing in the grass
Silver Laced Polish chickens are one of our favorite breeds. They’re not famous for being hardy chickens like some of our favorite New England and Northern US chicken breeds. However, Silver Laced Polish Chickens are easily one of the most beautiful breeds on our list. Their fancily-feathered crests are one of their standout features. (You can also find other fancy-feathered Polish chickens with different color variations. Some Polish chicken breeds have beards, too!)
Breed NameSilver Laced Polish
OriginNetherlands/Unknown
UseOrnamental, Eggs
WeightCock: 6 lbs. Hen: 4.5 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsSmall, White, 200+ yearly
CharacteristicsActive, soft-feathered, needs enough space to avoid picking
Silver Laced Polish Chicken Profile

Have you ever wanted a chicken that sports an afro? Look no further. Polish chicken is a crested breed with a wildly lush feathery crest that covers almost the entire head and tends to have a lovely beard.

Despite its name, this tremendously attractive and unusual breed is not from Poland. No one knows where it came from, although it has been with us (at least) since the 1600s, according to paintings. There is a theory that they were transported to the Netherlands by the Spanish. However, it’s tricky to prove these theories with certainty.

Out of the nine recognized varieties, most are black-and-white or silver-white – and the Silver-laced Polish is one of them. Still, there are other colors in the Crested Polish palette, such as golden.

Homesteaders used to prize them for eggs, but today they are predominantly an ornamental breed. They need a lot of space to avoid picking and damaging each other’s crests.

6. Sussex

free range sussex chicken foraging in the garden looking for yummy chicken treats
Sussex chickens are perfect mid-size homestead chickens with lovely personalities, black and white feathers, and rose combs. They’re also popular. Homesteaders can find Sussex chickens throughout Great Britain, Canada, and the US. They’re delightful and friendly dual-purpose birds with yummy meat and can also become a prolific layer for your coop. (They’re also as cold-hardy as Dominique chickens. Or pretty close!)
Breed NameSussex
OriginSussex, United Kingdom
UseEggs, meat, show
WeightCock: 9 lbs. Hen: 7 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsCream or brown, ~60g, 180-250 yearly
CharacteristicsAlert, good foragers, productive, easy to handle.
Sussex Chicken Profile

The Sussex originated in its namesake town in England more than a century ago. Their stout bodies made them an excellent meat breed. Unlike many other old chicken breeds that have become a rarity, Sussex is still famous today as a dual-purpose breed, especially in the UK and Canada.

Sussex is a very productive fowl and an exemplary all-around farm breed, with quality chicken meat and hens of some strains producing up to 250 eggs per year. They are alert, good foragers, and easy to handle. Hens will go broody regularly and are great mothers.

7. Dominique

curious dominique chicken exploring the backyard free ranging
Dominique is another black and white chicken breed said to share a similar lineage with Sussex chickens. They developed across New England and molded to withstand frigid temperatures – so they’re another cold-hardy breed perfect for snowy homesteaders or anyone enduring cold wintry elements. You can find full-sized Dominique chickens or also bantams. (The full-sized Dominique chickens are medium-sized, like Sussex chickens. However, you may find that they appear surprisingly stout and thick, thanks partly to their dense plumage.)
Breed NameDominique
OriginUnited States
UseEggs, meat, feathers (historic)
WeightCock: 7 lbs. Hen: 5 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsLight-brown, medium, 230-270 yearly
CharacteristicsHardy, good-tempered, adapts well to hot, humid climates.
Dominique Chicken Profile

The Dominique is a special breed because it’s officially the first and the oldest American chicken breed, with several theories of its origin. This medium-sized fowl is well-known for its striking barred plumage color, also known as hawk-colored or cuckoo-patterned. Besides looking pretty, it makes Dominique less vulnerable to predators – think optical illusions! 

Besides being a good medium-sized table (meat) chicken, Dominique is an excellent egg producer, making it a true dual-purpose breed. Historically, it has been a multi-purpose breed. Due to the firm yet fluffy structure, the feathers also got used for stuffing pillows.

8. Russian Orloff

white black and brown spangled russian orloff chicken with lush green background
Check out this gnarley-looking spangled Russian Orloff chicken! (Pure black and white Russian Orloff chickens exist. But this one is spangled.) Either way, Russian Orloff chickens have reputations for surviving ludicrously freezing weather. You’ll notice that these white, brown, and black chickens have tremendously thickly feathered necks. They’re perfect for cold-weather coops. Russian Orloffs are not prolific egg layers or egg brooders. However, they’re markedly friendly, adaptable to nearly any environment, and rarely cause trouble in the henhouse. They’re the ultimate survivalist chicken.
Breed NameRussan Orloff
OriginRussia 
UseMeat, Ornamental
WeightCock: 8 lbs. Hen: 6.5 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsLight-brown, small, ~100 yearly
CharacteristicsGame-like, tall, calm, non-broody
Russian Orloff Chicken Profile

If you seek chickens with headgear, here’s another one. Thought to originate from ancient Persia, Russian Orloffs got named after the Russan count Alexei Grigoryevich Orlov, who fiercely promoted the breed in the 19th century and (supposedly) made it cold hardy by crossing it with other game-like chickens.

Today, Orloff is used primarily for yummy chicken meat but doesn’t have an exceptional growth rate and matures slowly. Thus, it is not immensely popular and is a Threatened breed.

Top 10 Largest Chicken Breeds In the World [+ Some Record Holders!]

As a layer, it produces only about 100 eggs per year. However, its plumage makes it a lovely ornamental breed. Also, they have a calm temperament (but aren’t considered docile) and like to forage, making them suitable for free-ranging. However, they also handle confinement. 

Note that the spangled Orloff variety (with splashes of brown) is the most common. Black and white mixtures include Cockoo and Black molted.

9. Thüringian Chicken

Thüringer Barthühner in Bad Brückenau Staatsbad Januar 2019  ( Thuringian Bearded Chickens )
Thüringian chickens are one of the rarest European breeds on our list of black and white chicken breeds. We’re unsure why they’re not more popular in the US since they possess striking black feathers, delicious white eggs, and a stout body physique. Due to their rarity – finding reliable information about the genesis of these little-known farmyard birds is shockingly burdensome. However, according to The Rare Poultry Society, Thüringian chickens existed as far back as 1793 in Germany and were later formally standardized in 1907. Their popularity has yet to catch on since that time. We’re still happy to promote their cause and hope to help spread the word about these lovely birds and their graceful black body feathers.
Breed NameThüringian or Thuringian
OriginGermany
UseOrnamental, Exhibition; Meat, eggs (historical mostly)
WeightCock: 4.5-5.5 lbs. Hen: 3.5-4.5 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsWhite, 140 -180 yearly
CharacteristicsCold hardy, good foragers, friendly
Thüringian Chicken Profile

An old breed hailing from the German Thuringer forest, Thuringian is a rare beauty with a small and undeniably elegant body. And a distinct feathery beard and ear muffs. The specific facial expression due to the beard earned them a cute nickname – chubby cheeks.

Once used as a dual-purpose breed for tasty chicken meat and eggs, today, Thuringian is mostly an exhibition breed, popular with keepers interested in rare breed conservation. They are good foragers, suitable for free-range keeping, but can also stand confinement if large enough.

Thuringians come in several varieties – the black and white include cuckoo, silver-spangled, and the majestic all-black Thuringian.

10. Iowa Blue

iowa blue chicken with black and beige feathers
The Iowa Blue is another insanely rare black and white chicken breed you likely won’t encounter that often. Most Iowa blue chickens we’ve seen have been black and white. However, this one appears black and beige. It’s hard to find reliable information about Iowa Blue chickens – even more so than the Thüringian chicken. However, we gather that they’re highly adaptable birds capable of delivering many savory eggs per week. If we find more information, we’ll add it here!
Breed NameIowa Blue
OriginUnited States (Decorah, Iowa)
UseMeat, eggs
WeightCock: 7 lbs. Hen: 6 lbs
Bantam varietyNo
EggsBrown, ~180 yearly
CharacteristicsGood foragers, bit skittish, flock guardians
Iowa Blue Chicken Profile

Iowa Blue is an early 20th-century species that originated around Decorah, Iowa. This chicken is not blue, as the name suggests. It comes in four varietiesSilver, Charcoal, Smoky, and Birchen. All are black and white but may have a slightly brownish tint.

This breed has a reputation as a dual-purpose chicken. A handful of local enthusiasts have brought it back from the brink of extinction – although it’s still insanely rare. Strangely, Iowa Blue hasn’t been recognized by any relevant national poultry association (for now), so its conservation status is unknown; however, there is the Iowa Blue Chicken Club, petitioning for the breed’s recognition.

11. Appenzeller Spitzhauben

black and white appenzeller spitzhauben hen with lovely feathers
Ready for another wild-feathered chicken with black and white feathers? Then feast your eyes on this mighty bird. The Appenzeller Spitzhauben! Appenzeller Spitzhauben chickens are the national chicken of Switzerland, and The Livestock Conservancy says they date back to the 16th century. They’re an ancient and legendary breed! Appenzeller chickens are small, yet they’re also excellent egg layers. They produce many medium-sized and white eggs – and the hens are broody. However, they’re not perfect. Some homesteaders complain that they’re active and noisy birds. And they’re agile and flighty – so we advise securing their coop!
Breed NameAppenzeller Spitzhauben
OriginSwitzerland
UseEggs
WeightCock: 3.3 lbs. Hen: 2.2 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsWhite, ~55g, 150 per year
CharacteristicsLight, good forager, will roost in trees
Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chicken Profile

If you’re not a German speaker, prepare for some tongue-twisting. 

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is one of the few Swiss heritage breeds. It has a distinct pointy V-comb and a feather crest, making it probably the most punk-looking chicken on this list. Although it comes in multiple color varieties, the black and white silver-spangled is the most common.

To break some mystery, the word Spitzhauben comes from a pointed ceremonial hat worn by Appenzeller region women.

Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a light chicken. A good forager, it doesn’t fare well when confined. So it’s best-kept-free rage. It is a tremendously rare breed, saved from the brink of extinction in the 1980s. Even rarer in North America, the Appenzeller is currently not recognized by national registries such as the American Poultry Association.

12. Ancona

black and white ancona chicken standing on a fence perch
We love Ancona chickens! They’re famous black and white chicken breeds from Italy and the Mediterranean. They lay a tremendous amount of tiny (yet delicious) white eggs. You’ll notice that most Ancona chickens have black body feathers and contrasting yellow feet. Some also have lovely rose combs.
Breed NameAncona
OriginItaly (Ancona)
UseEggs, Exhibition
WeightCock: 6 lbs. Hen:4.5 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsLarge, white, 220 yearly
CharacteristicsActive, hardy, prolific; the rooster’s large combs can suffer frostbites
Ancona Chicken Profile

An ancient Mediterranean breed from the Ancona region of Italy, Ancona is an elegant chicken breed that was once a primary egg producer in neighboring parts of Europe. Today, they are still praised for their laying abilities, hardiness, and foraging skills, but also as an exhibition breed. 

Coming primarily in mottled patterns, Anconas have a highly detailed and strict standard, making it challenging to produce a high-quality exhibition chicken. The plumage color is distinct – black ground color-mottled white – with v-shaped specks. The birds with one in five feathers tipped white is considered ideal. The mottles will likely get more sizeable as they age, making older birds more white – as if they were going grey. (It happens to the best of us!)

13. Dorking

silver dorking chicken standing and exploring the grassy forage area
The Dorking chicken is an ancient black-and-white chicken breed. The Dorking chicken you see in the image is a silver Dorking color variant. These birds are famous for having five toes! They also have delicious eggs and loving personalities. Despite their many qualities – the Livestock Conservancy lists Dorking chickens as threatened. We’ve also noticed that some homesteaders argue about the Dorking chicken’s origin. We believe Dorking chickens hail from Rome and later developed in Great Britain – but their exact origins are difficult to prove with certainty.
Breed NameDorking
OriginDorking, England 
UseMeat and eggs
WeightCock: 8 lbs. Hen:4.5 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsTinted, medium to large, 170-190 yearly
CharacteristicsGood foragers, Friendly, Very tasty meat
Dorking Chicken Profile

The Dorking breed is said to have ancient roots that trace back to the Roman conquering of Britain. Since Roman times, Dorking ancestors and the modern English version have enjoyed high demand for the exquisitely tasty chicken meat. They have an additional perk. Dorking chickens also have decent laying abilities, making Dorking an ideal dual-purpose breed that takes well to free-ranging. They are friendly and submissive chickens, and hens make great mothers. 

Dorking roosters are large, with deep chests, and are silver-laced/black and white. Hens are differently colored – lighter and fine-laced, and also with brown-white chest and belly instead of the black and white pattern typical of males.

14. Plymouth Rock

black and white rooster chicken standing inside wooden barn
Here’s a black-and-white chicken breed with lovely black-and-white feathers and delicious meat. The Plymouth Rock chicken! Plymouth Rocks are one of the most popular all-purpose chicken breeds for homesteaders. They’re ample layers of tasty brown chicken eggs. They’re also hardy, docile, friendly, and broody. And their meat tastes delicious. For these reasons, Plymouth Rocks are some of the best chickens for new homesteaders and make excellent farmyard additions.
Breed NamePlymouth Rock
OriginUnited States
UseEggs and meat
WeightCock: 9.5 lbs. Hen:7.5 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsTinted or brown, large, ~200 yearly
CharacteristicsHardy, docile, good producer
Plymouth Rock Chicken Profile

This old-school barred darling is still one of the favorite all-around farm chickens. It is a prolific egg producer, an excellent, large-bodied meat bird, and a great family backyard chicken due to its great temperament. Also, it was one of the most common farm chicken breeds up to World War Two.

Ironically, Plymouth rock chicken contributed to the industrial leap that has made many heritage breeds rare or extinct – it was one of the breeds used for creating Broiler chickens.

Depending on whether you wish to emphasize meat production or egg production, ask the breeders if they can recommend a particular Plymouth strain – different strains excel at various aspects of production. As for the colors, black-and-white barred was the original variety – others developed later.

15. Hamburg

black and white hamburg hen perched in a tree on a cloudy day
Check out this beautiful free-range Hamburg hen enjoying a cloudy landscape from a lofty perch. As you may guess by appearances, Hamburg chickens are energetic and flighty. If you keep Hamburg hens in your coop, ensure you give them plenty of perching opportunities! But we’re not knocking these lovely black and white chickens. They’re worth the effort of keeping – they’re gorgeous looking, for one thing. And we read that Hamburg chickens are some of the best egg layers in any coop. They’re also expert foragers, probably because they’re naturally curious, alert, and active.
Breed NameHamburg
OriginThe Netherlands
UseEggs, exhibition
WeightCock: 5 lbs. Hen:4 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsWhite, 150-200 yearly
CharacteristicsActive, alert, predator-savvy, great foragers
Hamburg Chicken Profile

If you are looking for a black-and-white chicken on the wild side, look to the mighty Hamburg. Despite its name, it doesn’t originate from Germany but most likely from the Netherlands, although the origins are murky. 

This elegant bird is an excellent forager, alert, flighty (with strong long-distance flying abilities), and highly predator-aware, making them great for free-range keeping. When you consider its lean body shape and the bird’s temperament, you could say they are unquestionably wild. 

Of all the color varieties, the most blatant black-and-white ones are Silver Spangled and Silver Penciled.

16. Egyptian Fayoumi

welsummer rooster and fayoumi chickens foraging on grass
Here you see two chicken farmyard colleagues enjoying a free-range lifestyle. The first black and white chicken is the Egyptian Fayoumi. The brown and black chicken in the background is of the Welsummer influence. Fayoumi chickens are tiny and adorable chickens. We’ve noticed most Fayoumi chickens have gold or silver etching or penciling. Fayoumi chickens are famous for adapting to warm climates and for being skillful foragers. But we would not recommend them for cold-weather homesteaders and farmers.
OriginEgypt
UseEggs, exhibition
WeightCock: 4.5 lbs. Hen: 3.5 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsSmall, cream or white, 150-200 yearly
CharacteristicsTall and lean, hardy, heat-tolerant; quality eggs
Egyptian Fayoumi Chicken Profile

Fayoumi is an ancient Egyptian breed that didn’t reach the West until the 1940s (USA) and 1980s (UK). It gets characterized by its tall neck, large eyes, and tail held high. The typical color pattern appears penciled, with a silver variety (black and white chickens everywhere!) and a golden Fayoumi chicken.

Fayoumi is a hardy and healthy chicken, well-adapted to hot climates (but doesn’t fare well in the cold). Because they are excellent foragers, athletic and alert, they are perfect for free-range management. They get kept mostly for laying abilities. The eggs are on the smaller side but are said to be of superb taste with lower cholesterol.

17. Brahma

black and white brahma chicken in lush green verdure
We’re finishing the list of our favorite black and white chicken breeds with a heavy hitter. The Brahma chicken! Brahma chickens are another heavier chicken breed with excellent personalities. And luckily, even though they have hearts of gold, they’re large enough to prevent tinier (and more aggressive) farmyard fowl from pushing them around. Brahma chickens also love free-range foraging but aren’t quite as active as Fayoumi or Ancona chickens.
OriginChina/US
UseMeat, eggs, exhibition
WeightCock: 11 lbs. Hen: 8.5 lbs
Bantam varietyYes
EggsBrown, medium, up to 200 yearly
CharacteristicsVery large, slow to mature, docile, hardy, need large quantities of feed.
Brahma Chicken Profile

This list ends with a heavyweight champion of black-and-white chickens and one of the most popular black-and-white farm breeds. 

The Brahma is a gentle giant of the chicken world, with cocks weighing as much as 11 pounds!

Their size makes them excellent table birds! But they are shunned by the industry due to their slow maturation. The Brahma doesn’t stall with laying either and can produce up to 200 medium-sized eggs yearly.

The breed is also cold-hardy, and the feathered feet help them keep the warmth even during frosty weather. On the other hand, they don’t tolerate hot weather well.

Besides utility uses, their intricate color patterns and elegant disposition have made them a fave among ornamental poultry fanciers.

Last but not least, the docile temperament of the Brahma. They are said to be gentle with children, although they may look scary to the youngest ones due to their size!

Conclusion

We believe not even Coco Chanel could deny the vivacious delight and bountiful beauty of these black and white chicken breeds.

Do you agree?

If so – which black and white chickens are your favorite?

Or, perhaps we overlooked your favorite white and black-feathered breeds?

Let us know!

And thanks again for reading.

Have a great day!

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2 Comments

  1. The light Brahma is my favorite by far, so far for roosters. They are an excellent dual purpose bird for a homestead flock. The Speckled Sussex is my favorite breed. They look similar to the Russian Orlaff. I think, in my opinion, that the RIR and the Orpingtons are the best layers. I have had several colors of the Orpingtons and they are great mothers and prolific layers. The RIR is the same, but give many double yoked eggs.

    1. Hi Druid Jo! Thank you so much for your insight and feedback! That’s a really great tip about the RIRs and double-yolked eggs. There’s just something about eating a double-yolked egg that’s infinitely more satisfying and exciting than just one, in my opinion. 🙂

      Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

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