What Is a Cinnamon Queen Chicken? The Complete Guide to This Egg-Laying Superstar

Are you considering adding some feathered friends to your backyard flock? Let me introduce you to one of the most productive and friendly chicken breeds around – the Cinnamon Queen! These gorgeous birds have been gaining popularity among backyard chicken keepers for good reason. With their stunning cinnamon-colored plumage, incredible egg-laying abilities, and sweet personalities, they might just be the perfect addition to your coop.

As someone who’s spent years raising various chicken breeds, I can tell you that Cinnamon Queens are special. They’re not just pretty to look at – they’re practical powerhouses that will keep your egg basket full all year round!

The Origin Story: Where Did Cinnamon Queens Come From?

Cinnamon Queens are relatively new kids on the chicken block. These modern hybrids were specifically bred in the United States with one main purpose in mind: amazing egg production!

They’re created by crossing a Rhode Island Red rooster with either a Silver Laced Wyandotte or Rhode Island White hen This clever breeding strategy results in a sex-linked chicken, meaning you can tell males from females right from hatching by their coloring

• Female chicks are that gorgeous reddish-brown cinnamon color
• Male chicks are white

Since they’re hybrids rather than a heritage breed, Cinnamon Queens aren’t recognized by the American Poultry Association But don’t let that fool you – they’re still accepted in many local poultry competitions and are beloved by backyard chicken keepers everywhere!

Identifying Cinnamon Queens: What Do They Look Like?

Cinnamon Queens are medium to large-sized birds with distinct features that make them easy to recognize:

• Size: Females typically weigh around 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg), while males can reach up to 7.5 pounds (3.5 kg)
• Coloring: Hens have that beautiful reddish-brown plumage (hence the “cinnamon” name), while roosters are predominantly white
• Combs & Wattles: They sport single red combs, red wattles, and red earlobes
• Legs: Yellow legs and toes, typically clean
• Overall appearance: Elegant with bright orange and brown feathers and stylish tails

It’s worth noting that if you breed two Cinnamon Queens together, their offspring won’t “breed true” – meaning you won’t get little Cinnamon Queens. To create more of these birds, you need to go back to the original cross of Rhode Island Red roosters and Silver Laced Wyandotte or Rhode Island White hens.

Personality: Why Everyone Loves Cinnamon Queens

One of the reasons Cinnamon Queens have become so popular is their wonderful temperament. These birds are known for being:

• Docile and friendly: They generally get along well with their human keepers and other chickens
• Social butterflies: They often seek out attention and affection
• Kid-friendly: Their gentle nature makes them great for families with children
• Easy to handle: Their calm demeanor makes them easier to manage than some flightier breeds

While the hens are typically sweet-natured, keep in mind that Cinnamon Queen roosters, like most roosters, can sometimes be a bit more assertive. However, overall, these birds tend to be on the friendlier end of the chicken personality spectrum.

As one chicken keeper told me, “My Cinnamon Queens are the first to greet me when I come to the coop – they practically run up to say hello and see what treats I’ve brought!”

Egg-Laying Superstars: The Cinnamon Queen’s Claim to Fame

Let’s get to what makes these birds truly special – their egg production is seriously impressive! If you’re raising chickens primarily for eggs, Cinnamon Queens should definitely be on your radar.

Here’s what you can expect from these feathered egg factories:

• Egg quantity: 250-300 large brown eggs per year (that’s about 5-6 eggs per week!)
• Egg size: Large to extra-large brown eggs
• Early layers: They start laying at just 16-18 weeks old (much earlier than many breeds)
• Winter laying: They continue laying through winter months when other breeds might take a break
• Production lifespan: Peak production for the first 3 years, then gradually declining

The eggs themselves are not just abundant but nutritious too! Cinnamon Queen eggs have:

• Rich, nutritional profiles with vitamins A, B2, B5, and B12
• Good cholesterol that may help lower the risk of stroke and heart disease
• Choline, which is excellent for brain health
• More yolk due to their larger size

One thing to note – because they lay so prolifically, Cinnamon Queens may have shorter productive lives than some heritage breeds. Many won’t live longer than 4-6 years, though with excellent care, they can reach up to 10 years. Their egg production typically slows down after about 3-4 years.

Hardiness: Tough Birds for Any Climate

Another big advantage of Cinnamon Queens is their hardiness. These birds are tough cookies that can handle various conditions:

• Temperature adaptable: They do well in both cold and hot climates
• Disease resistant: Their hybrid vigor helps protect against many common chicken ailments
• Housing flexible: They adapt well to confinement or free-ranging setups
• Low maintenance: They’re generally easy to care for with minimal special requirements

This adaptability makes them a great choice for beginners or for chicken keepers in areas with variable weather conditions. Their hardiness comes from their parent breeds – both Rhode Island Reds and Wyandottes are known for being sturdy, adaptable birds.

Caring for Your Cinnamon Queens: What They Need

While Cinnamon Queens are relatively low-maintenance, they do have some specific needs to keep them healthy and productive:

Housing Requirements

• Standard chicken housing with at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop
• Secure protection from predators
• Good ventilation while avoiding drafts
• Appropriate roosts and nesting boxes

Feeding Your Cinnamon Queen

Because they’re such prolific layers, these birds need proper nutrition:

• Protein-rich diet: Feed with at least 16% protein content
• Extra calcium: Necessary for strong eggshells (oyster shells or crushed eggshells work well)
• Fresh water: Always available and clean
• Balanced treats: Limited to 10% of their daily food intake

I’ve found that my Cinnamon Queens particularly enjoy leafy greens and mealworms as treats, but they’re not picky eaters!

Health Considerations

While generally healthy, watch out for:

• Reproductive issues: Due to their high egg production, they can be prone to reproductive tract problems
• Egg binding: More common in prolific layers
• Calcium deficiency: Can happen if not supplemented properly

Regular health checks, a clean environment, and proper nutrition go a long way in preventing these issues.

Dual-Purpose Benefits: Not Just for Eggs

While Cinnamon Queens are primarily known as egg-layers, they’re technically dual-purpose birds. Their size and body type make them decent meat birds as well, particularly the roosters. If you’re looking for a chicken that can provide both eggs and meat, Cinnamon Queens can fit the bill, though there are better breeds if meat production is your primary goal.

The roosters develop good-sized bodies with tasty, tender meat. This dual-purpose nature makes them a practical choice for homesteaders or those wanting self-sufficiency.

Pros and Cons: Is a Cinnamon Queen Right for You?

Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of raising Cinnamon Queens:

Pros:

• Exceptional egg production (250-300 large brown eggs annually)
• Beginner-friendly and easy to care for
• Docile, calm temperament
• Hardy in various climates
• Sex-linked for easy identification of males and females
• Start laying at a young age

Cons:

• Shorter lifespan than heritage breeds (typically 4-6 years)
• Need extra calcium to support egg production
• Roosters can be assertive
• Not a recognized heritage breed (if showing chickens is important to you)
• Can’t reproduce true to type

My Personal Experience with Cinnamon Queens

I added three Cinnamon Queen pullets to my flock last spring, and I’ve been amazed at their productivity and personalities. They were the first to start laying in my young flock, beginning at just 17 weeks old, and they’ve been consistent egg-layers even through the shorter winter days when my other hens took a break.

What surprised me most was how friendly they became. One of my Cinnamon Queens, who I named Ginger, actually runs to greet me when I come out to the coop and will happily perch on my arm while I do my chores. They’re definitely the social butterflies of my chicken yard!

The only downside I’ve noticed is that they do need that extra calcium supplement to keep up with their egg production. I learned this the hard way when I started getting a few eggs with slightly soft shells – adding crushed oyster shell as a free-choice supplement quickly resolved the issue.

Final Thoughts: Why Cinnamon Queens Might Be Your Next Favorite Chicken

If you’re looking for a productive, friendly, low-maintenance chicken for your backyard flock, the Cinnamon Queen deserves serious consideration. Their combination of prolific egg-laying, sweet temperament, and hardiness makes them ideal for both beginners and experienced chicken keepers.

While they may not live as long as some heritage breeds, the sheer number of eggs they’ll provide during their productive years makes them a worthwhile investment. Plus, their beautiful cinnamon coloring adds visual interest to any flock!

Whether you’re just starting your chicken-keeping journey or looking to add some reliable layers to an existing flock, Cinnamon Queens are a practical choice that won’t disappoint. Just be prepared to have plenty of egg recipes on hand – these girls are serious about their egg-laying duties!

Have you raised Cinnamon Queens? I’d love to hear about your experiences with this fantastic breed!