Chickens come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny bantams to massive meat birds. For backyard chicken keepers or poultry enthusiasts, part of the appeal of raising chickens is the variety of different breeds you can choose from. Some breeds are prized for their egg-laying abilities, others for their beautiful plumage. But when it comes to sheer size, these are the giants of the chicken world.
Jersey Giants
The Jersey Giant holds the record as the largest chicken breed according to the Guinness Book of World Records Developed in the late 19th century, the Jersey Giant was bred to be an alternative to turkeys as a holiday bird
- Roosters weigh 13-15 pounds on average.
- Hens weigh 10-11 pounds.
- Jersey Giants stand tall at 22-26 inches.
Despite their large size, Jersey Giants are known for being calm docile birds. However their size does make them prone to leg problems if allowed to become overweight. Jersey Giants are a dual purpose breed, providing both meat and eggs. Hens lay 3-4 extra large brown eggs per week. The hens are also good brooders and mothers.
Brahmas
Brahmas originate from the Brahmaputra region of India but were further developed as a breed in the United States in the 1850s, These gentle giants are more heavily built than the lanky Jersey Giants
- Roosters weigh 12 pounds on average.
- Hens weigh 10 pounds.
- Brahmas stand about 19-23 inches tall.
Their heavily feathered legs and feet along with their puffy plumage makes them appear even larger than they are. Brahmas are calm, friendly chickens that make good pets. They are dual purpose, providing medium-sized brown eggs as well as meat. Hens lay 3-4 eggs per week.
Cochin
The Cochin breed traces its origins to China. Cochins sparked a poultry craze in Victorian England after being first imported from Shanghai in the 1840s. Their exotic appearance caused quite a stir.
- Roosters weigh 11 pounds.
- Hens weigh 8.5 pounds.
- Cochins stand about 24 inches tall.
With their fluffy, abundant plumage from head to toe, Cochins appear like they are wearing pantaloons. All that feathering makes them well-suited for cold winters. Though originally bred for meat, they are now kept more commonly as ornamental chickens. Hens lay 3-4 extra large brown eggs per week.
Langshan
Langshans were named after the Langshan district of China where they were first bred. They arrived in Europe and America in the late 1800s.
- Roosters weigh around 9-10 pounds on average.
- Hens weigh 7-8 pounds.
- Langshans stand about 26-28 inches tall.
Langshans have a stately, upright posture and are solid heavy birds with a single comb and minimal wattles. They are a dual purpose breed, providing medium-sized brown eggs as well as meat. Hens lay 4-5 eggs per week. Langshans are calm, friendly chickens that do well in confinement or free-range environments.
Orpington
Orpingtons were first bred in England in the late 1800s, likely as a result of crossing Minorcas, Cochins, and Langshans. Their popularity peaked in the 1920s.
- Roosters weigh 10 pounds on average.
- Hens weigh 8 pounds.
- Orpingtons stand about 22-26 inches tall.
With their soft, abundant buff-colored plumage, Orpingtons appear even larger than their already substantial size. They are docile, quiet birds that are hardy and make good mothers. Orpingtons are dual purpose, providing 4-5 extra large brown eggs per week as well as meat.
Cornish
The Cornish breed originated in Cornwall, England and was first used for meat production. It played a key role in the development of modern commercial broiler chickens.
- Roosters weigh about 10.5 pounds on average.
- Hens weigh around 8 pounds.
- Cornish chickens stand about 20-22 inches tall.
Cornish are stocky meat birds with broad breasts and short legs. Their very fast growth rate makes them ready for processing at 6-8 weeks. Hens lay 3-4 medium brown eggs per week. Though still used in some commercial meat production, purebred Cornish are rare today.
Brakel/Braekel
The Brakel (also known as Braekel) chicken comes from the village of Brakel in Belgium where it was developed in the late 1800s.
- Roosters weigh approximately 9 pounds on average.
- Hens weigh around 7 pounds.
- Brakels stand about 22-26 inches tall.
With their large combs, muffs, and beards, Brakels have an imposing presence. They come in a range of color varieties. Brakels are reared mainly for meat production but hens lay a decent number of cream or tinted eggs (3-4 per week). Brakels are a rare breed outside of Europe.
Modern Commercial Broilers
Modern meat chickens raised for commercial production bear little resemblance to their heritage chicken ancestors. Through intensive selective breeding, broilers now grow from chick to processing weight in just 6 weeks.
- Roosters weigh 9-12 pounds at time of processing.
- Hens weigh 7-10 pounds.
Kept in large numbers in indoor systems, broilers are fed high protein rations to fuel their extremely rapid growth. Their size comes at a cost, however, compromising their health, mobility, and welfare.
Choosing the Right Big Breed
While commercial broilers are all about fast growth and meat production, raising one of these gentle giant heritage breeds lets you enjoy their personalities as well as their meat and eggs. Brave the cold winters with a Cochin, or add a friendly Langshan or two to your backyard flock. Just be sure to provide enough space and exercise for these sizable birds. With their dual purpose abilities, stately presence, and calm personalities, one of these big beauties may be the perfect addition for chicken keepers who like their birds supersized.
Malay Chickens: Towering Over Others
Malay chickens, originating from Malaysia, are giants among poultry. Their towering presence is undeniable, with males weighing between 9 to 11 pounds and reaching astonishing heights of 26 to 36 inches. These long-legged, slender birds are a testament to nature’s diversity and ingenuity. They possess a unique charm that draws enthusiasts worldwide, making them a fascinating addition to any poultry collection.
Brahma Chickens: Majestic and Mighty
When it comes to majestic size and regal appearance, Brahma chickens reign supreme. Weighing in at a substantial 8 to 12 pounds and standing tall at 30 inches, these chickens are undeniably heavyweights. Originating from the United States, Brahma chickens have garnered a reputation for their friendly disposition and striking appearance.
Their distinctive plumage and imposing stature make them an impressive addition to any flock, not to mention their contributions to the backyard egg basket.
World’s Largest Chicken Nugget (Official World Record)
FAQ
Which is the largest breed of chicken in the world?
1. Jersey Giants: The Gentle Giants. Among the behemoths of the poultry world, Jersey Giants stand out as some of the most substantial chicken breeds. Weighing in at an impressive 13 to 15 pounds and towering 16 to 26 inches tall, these birds are truly awe-inspiring.
What is the biggest chicken you can buy to eat?
Origins of the Jersey Giant
This chicken breed is renowned for being one of the largest and heaviest, with males capable of reaching up to 13 pounds and females often weighing around 10 pounds. Their substantial size was deliberately developed for the purpose of producing hefty chickens for meat.
What is the world record for the largest chicken?
The Story of Weirdo, the “Giant Rooster”
In January 1973, the world was introduced to Weirdo, an enormous rooster weighing an astonishing 23 pounds! This cat-killing super chicken was born in 1970, but the story begins with Grant Sullens, a teenage boy from West Point, California.
What is the largest breed of broiler chicken?
Originally developed in the United States to replace turkeys for meat, Jersey Giants are the largest chicken breed, with roosters weighing up to 13-15 pounds. They grow slower than other meat breeds, taking up to 6 months to fully mature, but they produce a large quantity of meat.