There are hundreds of chicken breeds found on earth. Chickens are grouped into different classes according to their geographical origin and they are also  grouped into different breeds according to their purpose of use, different physical traits (such as shape,  size, plumage, color, comb, type, skin color, number of toes, amount of feathering, egg color) and conservation status. Roughly 500 species of hen were recognized, with varying traits.

American Class

As the name indicates, American class is breed of poultry originated from the United states or Canada. American class chickens are general purpose fowls because they are good in both egg laying properties and meat production. They have friendly temperament and can easily survive in cold weather and lay brown eggs mostly.

American class includes:

Plymouth Rock

Also known as Barred Plymouth Rocks or simply Barred Rocks, Plymouth Rock chickens are renowned for their distinctive feather colors, which include barred, white, and buff varieties. The Barred Plymouth Rock is particularly well-known for its striking black-and-white striped plumage.

Plymouth Rock chickens are celebrated for their docile, gentle, quiet, and friendly nature, making them easy to handle. They are hardy birds, resistant to cold and tolerant of high temperatures. These traits contribute to their popularity in America, where they are widely kept. Additionally, Plymouth Rocks exhibit some broodiness, adding to their appeal for backyard chicken enthusiasts.

Rhode Island Red

They are the state bird for Rhode Island. And a tribute is given to Rhode Island red chicken for dominating the domestic chicken breeds for the 19th century by making a monument in the hamlet of Adamsville of Little Compton, Rhode Island. The feather or plumage color of Rhode Island Red chicken breeds is a rich, deep mahogany red, with black tail feathers often found in roosters.These birds are hardy but show aggressiveness when provided with less space.

Wyandotte

The Wyandotte chicken breed is recognized for its rounded, full-bodied appearance and broad, curvy frame. This breed is often admired for its variety of attractive feather patterns and colors, including the popular silver-laced and gold-laced varieties.

As the first dual-purpose chickens bred in America, Wyandottes quickly became desirable pets. Their rapid growth and resistance to frostbite added to their appeal, making them a favorite among poultry enthusiasts.

New Hampshire

Developed in the 1930s, the New Hampshire chicken breed was one of the first to be used in the broiler industry. Closely related to the classic Rhode Island Red (RIR), the New Hampshire breed features a broad, well-rounded body with a deep chest and smooth, chestnut-red plumage that varies in shades of lighter and darker reds.

Breeders aimed to create a breed with early maturity, full feathering, and the ability to produce large brown eggs. Through selective interbreeding of RIRs, the New Hampshire breed emerged. Generally friendly, their temperament can vary from gentle to aggressive depending on the situation.

Mediterranean Class

This class comprises two subclasses: Italy and Spain poultry. Both subclasses have white ear lobes and are non-broody, meaning they don’t sit on or hatch eggs. Most egg-laying birds from the Mediterranean class produce white eggs. Generally, poultry in this class of chicken breeds, is smaller in size compared to other standard classes. Despite their size, these birds are hardy and have a good temperament.

Leghorn

The Leghorn chicken breed is the most popular of the Mediterranean class. Known for its slender, athletic build, the Leghorn has a prominent upright posture and striking white feathers, although brown and black varieties are also common. This breed excels in egg production, is small in size, very active, has high energy levels, and is an excellent forager.

Minorca

The Minorca chicken breed features a large, stately frame with a long body, and is distinguished by its glossy, black plumage with a greenish sheen. This breed has prominent white earlobes and red comb. Minorca chickens are larger in size than the other breeds of the same class.

They are also called Red Faced Black Chicken or Red Faced Black Spanish. Minorca chickens are hardy, can tolerate high temperature, but sensitive for low temperature and prone to frostbite because of their large size wattles, comb and ear lobes.

Ancona

Ancona chickens were originated by interbreeding of early Leghorn chicken breed and other breeds in Italy and named after the Island Ancona of the Marche region in Italy. The Ancona chicken breed has a sleek, hardy build with a striking mottled plumage of black feathers tipped with white, giving it a speckled appearance along with a prominent red comb and white earlobes.  This breed is extremely active, flighty and prolific and light weight like leghorn. Initially it was known as black Leghorn because of their black color with white blots on feathers.

Blue Andalusian

The Andalusian chicken breed is known for its graceful, slender build and striking blue-gray plumage, with darker lacing on each feather. This gives the breed a distinctive and elegant appearance, complemented by a red comb and white earlobes. Also called Blue Andalusian, are active, non-sitters, flighty, and robust, tolerating both hot and cold weather. Light in weight, they are kept for their large production of white eggs per year.

English Class

This class has breeds from the United Kingdom and Australia. Chicken breeds of this class are medium in size, they go broody and are good mothers. Mostly kept and preferred for their tasty meat. English class chickens are calm and docile.Whether roasted, grilled, or baked, English class chicken delivers an exceptional culinary experience. Almost all English class breeds lay brown colored eggs. They are hardy birds and can tolerate cold temperatures because of their extensive fluffy feathering.

Orpington

Orpington chickens, originating from Orpington, England,are known for their large, robust frame and soft, fluffy plumage, available in various colors including buff, black, blue, and white, giving them a rounded and full-bodied appearance. Orpingtons chicken breeds have docile nature and friendly temperament. This dual-purpose breed is highly valued for both its excellent egg production and high-quality meat. Orpington chickens are hardy, adaptable to various climates.

Cornish

Cornish chickens, originating from Cornwall, England, are renowned for their muscular build, distinctive appearance, and robust nature. These chicken breeds have tightly packed feathers that come in various colors such as dark, white, and buff, giving it a powerful and sturdy appearance. These chicken breeds fowl is highly valued for its exceptional meat quality and rapid growth rate. Cornish chickens are hardy and adaptable to various climates.

Sussex

Originating from Sussex, England, Sussex chicken breeds are valued for their calm temperament and attractive appearance. They feature a broad chest and long, full tail, often seen in various color patterns like speckled, red, and light, with white or pale plumage complemented by black markings. This dual-purpose breed is highly prized for its excellent egg production and high-quality meat. Sussex chickens are calm, active, and hardy, adaptable to various climates. As one of the oldest English chicken breeds, they continue to be a favorite among poultry enthusiasts.

Dorking

Dorking chickens are known for their calm and friendly nature, making them easy to manage. This chicken breed has a rectangular body, short legs, and five toes on each foot, with a variety of plumage colors including white, silver-gray, red, and cuckoo. Medium-weight and valued for their robust build and unique fifth toe, Dorking chicken breeds have historically been celebrated for their excellent meat quality and reliable egg production.

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Asiatic Class

The Asiatic class of chicken breeds is a group of large, heavy birds that originated from Asia, known for their impressive size, feathered legs, and calm temperaments. These chicken breeds are dual-purpose breeds, including the popular Brahma, Cochin, and Langshan, are prized for both meat and egg production. With their majestic appearance and unique characteristics, Asiatic chicken breeds are a favorite among poultry enthusiasts and farmers.

Brahma

Brahma chickens are renowned for their impressive size and distinctive feathered legs. These birds are highly valued for their superior meat quality and consistent egg production, making them a versatile addition to any flock. Brahmas are known for their resilience, thriving in diverse environments. Available in a range of elegant plumage colors, including buff, light, and dark, Brahma chickens are a standout choice for poultry enthusiasts. Recognized as one of the largest chicken breeds in the world, Brahmas are often referred to as the “King of Chickens.”

Cochin

Formerly known as Cochin-China, the Cochin chicken breed is a large-sized domestic chicken renowned for its massive size and abundant feathering that covers its legs and feet. Available in several colors, including buff, black, and blue, Cochins are a favorite among backyard poultry keepers. These chickens have excellent brooding abilities and are known for being docile, calm, and gentle, making them easy to manage. The Cochin chicken breed is an ideal choice for anyone looking to add a hardy, beautiful bird to their flock.

Langshan

Langshan is one of the oldest chicken breeds, gaining popularity during the ‘hen fever’ craze of Cochin and Brahma chickens. The Langshan chicken breed has a tall, elegant appearance with a long, well-feathered body and slightly feathered legs, typically seen in black, white, and blue plumage colors. These chickens are highly valued for their excellent egg-laying capabilities and unique, graceful appearance. With their friendly, calm, and manageable nature, Langshans make a wonderful addition to any backyard setup.

If you are interested in chicken rate today in Pakistan

Sources:

American Poultry Association

The Livestock Conservancy