What is Ugly Chicken? A Look at Unconventionally Attractive Chicken Breeds

Ugly chicken refers to certain chicken breeds that have unconventional or unusual physical features that some may consider unappealing or unattractive. However, beauty is subjective, and what may seem ugly to one person can be seen as beautiful, exotic, or charming by others. Despite their controversial looks, many of these so-called “ugly” chickens have become prized for various qualities like meat, eggs, rarity, and ornamental value.

What Makes a Chicken Ugly?

There are no set standards for what makes a chicken ugly, but some features that commonly elicit that reaction include

• Disproportionate body parts like oversized feet, legs, combs, or wattles
• Lack of feathers or bare necks and skin
• Frizzled, unkempt, or unusually styled feathers
• Dark black coloration of skin, bones, and internal organs
• Abnormal head shapes or facial features
• Missing or abnormally short tails
• Overly large or misshapen combs and wattles

Essentially, any chicken that deviates drastically from the common image of a plump, full-feathered hen or rooster may get labeled as ugly by some. But again beauty is subjective.

10 Chicken Breeds Often Considered Ugly

Here are 10 chicken breeds that tend to make many “ugly” chicken lists for their unusual and sometimes unsettling looks

1. Dong Tao

This Vietnamese breed is prized for its delicious meat. However, it has strikingly large legs and feet that appear swollen or infected, earning it the nickname “dragon chicken.”

2. Ayam Cemani

This rare Indonesian breed has a genetic condition called hyperpigmentation that makes it entirely black, including its bones, organs, and meat. The dramatic black color is exotic but can seem eerie to some.

3. Serama

This Malaysian breed has a topsy-turvy, disproportionate appearance, with wings that look too large for its body and an upright stance.

4. Modern Game

This breed has long, skinny legs and a petite body, giving it an unnaturally lanky look.

5. Featherless

These genetically modified naked chickens lack feathers, leaving them resembling plucked birds.

6. Naked Neck

Having partial bare necks and tufts of feathers resembling tiny toupees, these chickens look like a cross between a chicken and turkey.

7. Polish

With an unusually vaulted skull to support an oversized crest of feathers, Polish chickens can appear top-heavy.

8. Rumpless Game

Lacking a tail and ending abruptly visually, this breed looks as if its rear was cut off.

9. Frizzle

Frizzles have curved, unkempt feathers that stick out rather than lying flat, creating a windswept look.

10. La Fleche

This French breed has unusual upright, pointed horns on either side of its comb, earning it a sinister appearance.

Why Raise Ugly Chicken Breeds?

While ugly chicken breeds may not win any beauty pageants, they are still raised and appreciated for numerous reasons:

• Unique appearance – For some owners, part of the appeal of ugly chicken breeds is simply their unusual and conversation-starting looks. These birds can add quirky character to a flock.

• Meat quality – Some ugly chicken breeds like Dong Tao are prized for their superior meat. Appearance doesn’t affect taste.

• Rarity – Many ugly chicken breeds are rare and were bred more for novelty than utility. Their scarcity increases their value to collectors.

• Ornamental qualities – Breeds like Polish and Serama are kept more for ornamental exhibition purposes rather than egg laying or meat.

• Heat tolerance – Breeds like Naked Necks and Frizzles withstand heat better thanks to their lack of feathers in certain areas.

• Pets – Some ugly chicken breeds have calm, friendly personalities that make them good pets beyond their egg and meat qualities.

So while ugly chicken breeds may not be the most visually appealing, they have plenty to offer beyond their looks to chicken enthusiasts who appreciate the whole package. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder when it comes to chickens with unconventional features.