The 21 Best Dual-Purpose Chicken Breeds With Prolific Eggs And Delicious Meat!
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Welcome to the ultimate guide to dual-purpose chickens! These birds are magnificently feathered multitaskers that turn your backyard into a self-sustaining wonderland. They aren’t your one-trick ponies of the poultry world – oh no! These clever birds are the homesteader’s dream team. They deliver farm-fresh eggs for your breakfast table and hearty meat for your Sunday roast.
Does that sound worthwhile?
Then, let’s explore these epic dual-purpose chooks!
21 Best Dual-Purpose Chicken Breeds
Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting your homesteading journey, these breeds are about to become your new best friends in the quest for self-sufficiency!
1. Jersey Giant
These gentle giants are the most enormous purebred chickens in America! But there’s no need to stress. Despite their intimidating size, they’re total softies who’ll follow you around the garden like puppies. Their vast size means plenty of meat, and while they’re not egg-laying champions, they reliably produce large brown eggs year-round.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 150 to 200.
- Egg Color: Brown.
- Hen Weight: Around 10 to 15 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 13 to 20 pounds!
- Super Power: Massive size with excellent meat production and cold hardiness.
Jersey Giants are one of our favorite overall chicken breeds. Just be ready to feed these big birds – they’ve got appetites to match their stature!
2. Easter Egger
The legendary Easter Eggers are the mixed heritage artists of the chicken world! These colorful characters lay eggs in shades ranging from blue to green to pink. While not technically a breed (Easter Eggers are hybrids with the blue-egg Araucana gene), they’re hardy, friendly, and full of personality.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 200 to 280.
- Egg Color: Varied (blue, green, or brown).
- Hen Weight: 4 to 5 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 5 to 7 pounds.
- Super Power: Produces a rainbow of egg colors with a friendly, adaptable temperament.
Each Easter Egger bird is unique in looks and character. They make your flock (and egg basket) look like a living rainbow!
3. Australorp
Australorps are the heavy-hitting egg layers of the dual-purpose chicken lineup! These glossy black beauties hold the world record for egg laying (364 eggs in 365 days). They also have other benefits. Initially developed in Australia from Black Orpingtons, they’re calm, friendly, and adaptable to free-range and confined spaces.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 250 to 300 (some exceed 300).
- Egg Color: Light to medium brown.
- Hen Weight: 5 to 8 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 7 to 10 pounds.
- Super Power: Legendary laying performance. Can tolerate cold and hot weather.
Australorp hens are most famous for their legendary egg production. Don’t be shocked if they lay more than 300 eggs per year. I hope you’re hungry!
Read More – 10 Vital Things You Need To Know Before Raising Or Buying Chickens!
4. Faverolle
Faverolle chickens are like French aristocrats of the homesteading world. They’re super elegant and chic! Their fluffy beards, muffs, and feathered feet make them look like they’re wearing adorable Victorian outfits. These salmon-colored charmers are exceptionally gentle and docile, perfect for families with children.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 180 to 240.
- Egg Color: Light brown to pinkish.
- Hen Weight: 6 to 7 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 8 to 9 pounds.
- Super Power: Unique appearance (bearded, feathered legs, five toes) and balanced production.
Faverolle hens have tons to admire. They also lay plenty of light brown eggs and sport unique five-toed feet!
5. Delaware
America’s forgotten treasure! Developed in the 1940s, these white birds with black bars nearly went extinct but are returning. They’re excellent foragers, fantastic mothers, and mature quickly for meat production. Plus, they lay large brown eggs with impressive consistency.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 200.
- Egg Color: Brown.
- Hen Weight: 6 to 7 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 7 to 8 pounds.
- Super Power: Consistent dual-purpose performance with excellent foraging ability.
Think of Delawares as dignified career chickens. They excel at everything they do!
6. Dorking
The ancient Romans’ choice of bird! This heritage breed has flourished since Roman times and is still going. They sport a unique appearance with fancy rectangular bodies and five toes instead of the usual four. They’re also superb table birds with yummy, succulent meat.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 140 to 160.
- Egg Color: Light brown.
- Hen Weight: 6 to 8 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 8 to 12.
- Super Power: Superior meat quality and distinctive heritage traits (notably five-toed feet) with robust free-range ability.
While Dorkings are well-established, they’re also somewhat rare in modern times, which is surprising since they’ve been around for centuries. They’re also calm and dignified and lay respectable numbers of yummy white eggs.
Read More – How To Keep Foxes Away From Your Chickens Easily!
7. Wyandotte
Wyandottes are beautiful, stately birds. They’re the queens of your chicken coop! With their stunning rose combs and intricately laced feathers, they’re gorgeous to look at. But they’re not just pretty faces – these sassy ladies are excellent layers of brown eggs and make fantastic mothers.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 200 to 280.
- Egg Color: Brown.
- Hen Weight: 6 to 8 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 8 to 10 pounds.
- Super Power: Versatile and attractive with excellent foraging skills and reliable dual-purpose performance.
Wyandottes have lovely, fancy designs. And they come in more color varieties than you can shake a stick at! (The American Poultry Association recognizes Partridge, Blue, Silver Penciled, Black, White, Buff, Golden Laced, Columbian, and Silver Laced.)
8. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are the all-American workhorses of your chicken coop! These reddish-brown powerhouses are what most people think of when they imagine a chicken. They’re energetic, hardy, and lay loads of brown eggs. Initially developed in Rhode Island (surprise!), they’re the perfect “starter chicken” for new homesteaders.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 200 to 300.
- Egg Color: Brown.
- Hen Weight: 6.5 to 8.5 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 8.5 to 10 pounds.
- Super Power: Extremely hardy and adaptable. Superb free-range foraging with balanced production.
Rhode Island Reds are fun birds to raise. But just be ready for some sass – they’ve got personality to spare!
9. Buckeye
Buckeyes are arguably one of the rarest breeds on our list. But don’t let their low profile stop you from enjoying their unique benefits. These mahogany-red beauties came about via Nettie Metcalf in Ohio. They’re exceptional in cold weather, great mousers (yes, they hunt mice!), and have a unique game-bird personality.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 180 to 260.
- Egg Color: Brown.
- Hen Weight: 6 to 8 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 8 to 10 pounds.
- Super Power: Exceptionally adaptable and robust, with substantial egg and meat production performance.
Buckeyes are another rare dual-purposed breed. But their meat is remarkably flavorful. And they lay plenty of brown eggs while entertaining you with their active, curious nature.
Read More – Our Top Ten Tips For Raising Happy Hens, Roosters, And Chickens!
10. Sussex
The legendary British countryside classic! These calm, collected birds come in eight gorgeous colors and have been strutting around English farmyards for centuries. They’re excellent foragers, friendly, and lay plenty of light brown eggs.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 180 to 250.
- Egg Color: Light brown or cream.
- Hen Weight: 7 to 9 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 9 to 12 pounds.
- Super Power: Excellent free-range foraging and a calm, friendly temperament ideal for backyard flocks.
These birds are super fancy. The Speckled Sussex also looks like they have white confetti sprinkles.
11. Marans
Our favorite chocolate egg layers! Famous for their incredibly dark brown eggs (imagine the color of cocoa!), these French beauties are calm and collected. They come in several varieties, but the Black Copper is arguably the most striking.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 180 to 220.
- Egg Color: Dark brown/chocolate.
- Hen Weight: 5 to 7 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 7 to 9 pounds.
- Super Power: Famous for uniquely dark eggs and rich-flavored meat. They sport visual and culinary appeal.
Marans are not the most prolific layers. But those dark eggs make up for it in the wow factor!
12. New Hampshire Red
The New Hampshire Red is the Rhode Island Red’s more relaxed cousin! Developed from RIR stock, they’re calmer and mature faster. They’re superb meat birds. They also lay plenty of light brown eggs and are more docile than their feisty relatives.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 220.
- Egg Color: Brown.
- Hen Weight: 6.5 to 7 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 8 to 9 pounds.
- Super Power: Fast-growing with robust dual-purpose performance. They excel in egg and meat production.
New Hampshire Reds are chill, relaxed, and peaceful birds. They’re great for homesteaders who want reliability without the attitude!
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13. Brahma
Brahmas are adorable – think of them as gentle giants with feathered feet. These massive birds look intimidating but are total sweethearts. Their velvety feet make them look like they’re wearing fluffy slippers! These birds lay through winter when other breeds take a break, and their size makes them excellent meat birds.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 150 to 200.
- Egg Color: Brown.
- Hen Weight: 9 to 12 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 12+ pounds.
- Super Power: Impressive size and cold hardiness. Excellent meat production with a distinctive appearance.
Brahmas are another one of the heavy-hitting birds on this list. They’re not as big as Jersey Giants. But just be prepared to build bigger nesting boxes!
14. Langshans
These elegant Asian aristocrats are so fancy that they look like supermodels! Langshans stand tall and proud with their glossy black feathers and feathered legs. They’re excellent layers of large dark brown eggs and keep laying right through winter when other breeds have gone on strike. Their meat is also renowned for its superior flavor and fine grain.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 180 to 220.
- Egg Color: Mid to dark brown. Sometimes, with a purplish bloom.
- Hen Weight: 7 to 8 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 8 to 9 pounds.
- Super Power: Friendly personalities that adapt well to confinement or free range. Tolerant of cold weather.
Langshan chicken bodies have a unique shape that yields plenty of breast meat. Despite their regal appearance, they’re surprisingly down-to-earth and make fantastic foragers. They also work splendidly as pets.
15. Welsummer
Welsummers are the breakfast cereal chicken mascots! Remember the original Kellog Cornflakes rooster? That was a Welsummer! These gorgeous (and iconic) birds lay dark terracotta-colored eggs and have stunning feathering.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 200.
- Egg Color: Dark brown/chocolate.
- Hen Weight: 5 to 7 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 6 to 8 pounds.
- Super Power: Produces striking, richly colored eggs and performs well in free-range setups.
Welsummers are active foragers with friendly personalities. But they can be chatty. (Consider them your morning alarm clock)!
Read More – The Ten Best Chicken Breeds For Small Backyards, Homesteads, Farms, And Ranches!
16. Bielefelder
The German efficiency experts! Developed in Germany, these relative newcomers combine the best of several breeds. You can readily identify the males after hatching, which is super helpful. The hens lay many brown eggs, and the breed grows quickly for meat.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 200 to 230.
- Egg Color: Brown.
- Hen Weight: 7 to 8 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 8 to 10 pounds.
- Super Power: Docile nature with excellent free-range performance and balanced dual-purpose production.
Bielefelder chickens are calm, friendly, and as reliable as a German automobile! They’re also tremendous foragers – and can lay ample eggs in winter.
17. American Bresse
The American Bresse is the chicken equivalent of Wagyu beef. Originally from France (where they command astronomical prices), these birds are renowned for their extraordinary meat quality. They’re good layers of cream-colored eggs, but their claim to fame is their meat flavor.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 200 to 250.
- Egg Color: Brown.
- Hen Weight: 5.5 to 6.5 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: Around 8 pounds.
- Super Power: Exceptional meat quality, rich flavor, and decent egg production.
French Bresse chickens and their American descendants are a fantastic choice for homesteaders due to their hardiness, foraging ability, and dual-purpose nature. They also thrive in a variety of environments.
18. Barred Plymouth Rock
Barred Plymouth Rocks are the quintessential American homestead chicken! These beautiful black-and-white striped birds are the gold standard for dual-purpose breeds. They combine remarkable egg-laying prowess with excellent meat production. They’re famously docile, phenomenal foragers, and so hardy they practically laugh at cold weather.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 200 to 280.
- Egg Color: Brown.
- Hen Weight: 7 to 10 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 9 to 10.5 pounds.
- Super Power: Reliable dual-purpose performance with a friendly temperament and strong free-range adaptability.
Barred Rocks have funny, distinctive stripes that make them look like they’re wearing prison uniforms. But they’re model citizens!
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19. Standard Cochin
Cochins are like the fluffy bunnies of the poultry world. Originally from China, these incredibly feathered birds look like they’re wearing pantaloons. They’re not the most productive layers. But they’re excellent mothers, and their sweet personalities make them perfect pets.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 110 to 160.
- Egg Color: Brown.
- Hen Weight: 5 to 7 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 8 to 10 pounds.
- Super Power: Incredibly friendly and docile with impressive cold weather tolerance and a striking, fluffy appearance.
Cochins aren’t the most prolific egg producers on this list. And they don’t grow as fast as other meat birds. But they have a few perks, like their superb maternal instincts. Plus, they’re so fluffy you’ll want to hug them!
20. Orpington
Orpingtons are legendary chickens with superb personalities – think of them like golden retrievers. These big, fluffy birds (especially in their famous Buff color) are known for their exceptionally friendly personalities. They’ll follow you around the garden, lay plenty of brown eggs, and make excellent meat birds.
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 200 to 280.
- Egg Color: Brown (often light brown).
- Hen Weight: 8 to 10 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 10 to 12 pounds.
- Super Power: Exceptionally docile and friendly. Great mothering instincts and free-range capability.
Orpingtons are another fantastic backyard breed with excellent motherly instincts. They also look magnificent as they strut around your yard!
21. Dominique
We saved one of our favorite dual-purpose breeds for the last. The Dominique – America’s oldest breed! These black-and-white barred beauties helped build the USA, surviving alongside pioneers. They resemble barred rock but have rose combs instead of single combs. They’re excellent foragers, have good layers of brown eggs, and are so hardy they practically take care of themselves!
- Eggs Per Year: Approximately 200 to 250.
- Egg Color: Light to medium brown.
- Hen Weight: 5 to 7 pounds.
- Rooster Weight: 7 to 8 pounds.
- Super Power: Exceptional hardiness and classic, old-fashioned character with superb foraging ability.
Dominiques are perfect for homesteaders in chilly environments like New England, where these legendary birds originated. Plus, they’re adaptable to warmer climates, making them a versatile choice for any region!
Read More – The Ultimate Guide To Golden Comet Chickens! Price, Uses, And History!
Conclusion
And there you have it, homesteaders. These dual-purpose hens are the cream of the crop, the champions of the chicken world, the Renaissance birds of the backyard! They all bring something unique to the barnyard party, from the gentle giants to the pint-sized powerhouses.
What about you?
- Are you looking for the perfect dual-purpose chicken breed for your homestead?
- Do you know any suitable dual-purpose chickens that we missed?
- What’s your favorite dual-purpose chicken breed?
Thanks for reading.
Have a great day!
