Hen Breeds

Thousands of years of domestication has resulted in hundreds of chicken breeds.
Physical traits used to distinguish these breeds include -

bullet point Size bullet point Plumage Colour bullet point Feather Quantity bullet point Comb Colour
bullet point Comb Type bullet point Skin Colour bullet point Number Of Toes bullet point Earlobe Colour
bullet point Egg Colour bullet point Place Of Origin bullet point Egg Count

Chickens are also classified according to primary use i.e. for eggs, meat or ornament or as dual or multi- purpose. In addition to these pedigree and practical divisions, an infinite number of hybrids exist - the list is endless.

Urban Chicken Coops supply Rhode Island Red hens with a slight Sussex hybrid carefully bred as high quality egg laying machines and for calm temperament.

Free range hens

Hen Breed Links

For more information on hen breeds visit - irishfowl.com
an excellent Irish poultry resource site.

Wikipedia also offers extensive information on hen breeds - Click Here

Click Here - for our hen keeping FAQ.
Click Here - tour a hens anatomy.

Caring For Your Hens

Cats And Dogs

Generally cats are not
a problem. Your hens will
probably stand their
ground and peck back.

Small domestic dogs would
probably suffer the same fate
but larger dogs can stress
hens or worse.

Other Considerations

Holidays
Is there someone who will
care for your pets when
you're away - reservoir
waterers and feeders are
available in most pet shops.

Your Garden
Free range hens are great for
eating garden pests such as
slugs, greenfly and insects

Cleaning
Coops need regular cleaning.
This chore takes both commitment and time.
While not a major task,
a clean coop is essential for
your hens laying & well-being.