What is the Biggest Chicken Breed? A Look at the Largest Chickens Around

When it comes to chickens, most people are familiar with common breeds like Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Plymouth Rocks. But did you know there are some truly massive chicken breeds out there that dwarf even the largest specimens at your local farm?

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest chickens in the world From gentle giants bred for meat and eggs to flashy show chickens meant to impress, these big birds are sure to make your regular ol’ hens look tiny in comparison

Defining “Biggest”: Weight vs Height

When talking about the biggest chickens, there are two key metrics – weight and height Some chickens are bred to be incredibly heavy, packing pounds upon pounds of meat onto their large frames The Jersey Giant, for example, can weigh over 15 pounds!

Other big chicken breeds are more known for their height than sheer bulk. Breeds like the Malay can grow taller than 3 feet, but don’t weigh much more than your average chicken.

So while the Jersey Giant may be the heaviest chicken, the Malay is taller than just about any other breed out there. Different priorities for different chickens!

The Biggest Meat Chickens

For those looking to raise chickens for meat production large size is a desirable trait. The more meat per chicken the better! Here are some of the heavyweight champions of the chicken world

• Jersey Giant – The Jersey Giant holds the world record as the largest purebred chicken, with roosters weighing up to 15 pounds. These chickens were originally bred in the late 1800s to replace turkeys at the dinner table.

• Brahma – Originally from India, the Brahma chicken is another gentle giant that can weigh up to 14 pounds. They are good egg layers as well.

• Cornish – The Cornish chicken is a very large and muscular breed reaching weights over 10 pounds. It is often used in commercial crossbreeding to produce broiler chickens.

• Cochin – The Cochin is a fluffy, feather-footed chicken hailing from China. Roosters can exceed 10 pounds. These chickens sparked a poultry craze for Queen Victoria in the 1800s.

Lean and Lofty Chickens

While meat breeds focus on bulk, other giant breeds emphasize height and an elegant upright posture. Though they aren’t as heavy, these tall chickens are still giants in their own right:

• Malay – As mentioned earlier, the Malay breed holds the record as the tallest chicken. Fully grown roosters stand over 3 feet tall at the shoulder.

• Modern Game – The Modern Game fowl is a sleek and athletic breed developed in England. Roosters stand very tall and upright.

• Cubalaya – The Cubalaya breed originated in Cuba and is thought to have some gamefowl ancestry. Like the Modern Game, it has an upright stature.

• Shamo – The Japanese Shamo breed was once used for cockfighting. It develops incredibly tall legs and stands very erect.

Giants of the Chicken Show Circuit

Many giant chicken breeds got their start on the poultry show circuit, as breeders vied to develop the biggest and best birds. Here are some massive show bird breeds:

• Cochin – As mentioned earlier, the Cochin originated in China but became immensely popular as an exotic show bird in Victorian England. Their fluffy plumage tends to accentuate their large size.

• Brahma – Both the Light and Dark Brahma were bred in the US in the 1850s for exhibition. They remain a top show bird today.

• Orpington – Orpingtons were created in England in the 1880s and their large size quickly made them competitive show birds. They come in several color varieties.

• Langshan – Hailing from China, the Langshan breed impressed Western poultry fanciers in the late 1800s with its heavy build and stately carriage.

Best Big Birds for the Backyard

While giant exhibition breeds are impressive, they aren’t always the best fit for small home flocks. If you want to add a little size to your backyard flock, these gentle giants are great options:

• Orpington – Orpingtons are known for being calm, friendly birds that are perfect for families and mixed flocks. They are very cold hardy as well.

• Brahma – Brahmas are docile, get along well in confinement, and lay plenty of large brown eggs. A great dual purpose bird.

• Cochin – Cochins are mellow chickens that make wonderful pets. All that fluff also helps them withstand cold winters.

• Faverolles – Originating in France, the Faverolles is a large, fluffy breed known for good egg production and an extremely docile temperament.

Going Big With Chickens

Clearly when it comes to chickens, bigger can definitely mean better – whether you want a bulky meat bird, a statuesque show specimen, or just a bit more chicken to cuddle. From feathered feet to massive combs, these plus-sized poultry provide a little something extra. Just make sure to provide them with some extra spacious living quarters!

So next time you’re browsing baby chicks or simply daydreaming about your ideal flock, consider adding a touch of giant glamour with one of these spectacular large chicken breeds. Your regular hens will be green with envy!

The Jersey Giant is generally considered the largest breed of chicken.