Chickens
Species that are best for laying eggs (There are 500 species of chickens):
Hybrid chickens (These lay vast amounts of eggs (about 280 eggs per year), and they have their species). They are highly cross-bred chickens. Most hybrids are based on the classic Rhode Island Red, Maran, Plymouth Rock, Sussex, or Leghorns. The development of hybrid chickens started in the 1950s when there was a huge demand for eggs and meat. Lifespan: Expect them to live for six years
Leghorn chickens are adventurous, spirited, friendly, and wondrous egg-layers (laying 280-320 eggs yearly). First developed in Livorno (Italian for Leghorn) in Tuscany and brought to Britain in the late 1800s, they became a famous purebred chicken in America and later Australia. The Leghorn chickens egg laying prowess, savvy attitudes, and bold personalities made them the most familiar purebred fowl in Australia in the early to mid-1900s. We love Leghorn chickens, not just for their ability to regularly lay generously sized, bright white eggs. These chickens live for around 4-6 years.
Buff Orpington (Buff Orpington is 1 of the varieties of the Orpington chicken). They start laying eggs when they're five months old, which thats very young for a chicken. This variety is the most popular one of this specie of chicken. They don't even fly very often. They are very friendly with humans and might live for 5-6 years. They lay 190 large eggs annually.
Chickens will lay more eggs when they're younger (They might lay lots of eggs during their 1st year).
Chickens that are best for meat:
Ardennaise (They are also suitable for laying eggs and might lay 180 eggs in 1 year). There are two varieties of this chicken.
Cubalaya chickens. They were developed in standard and bantam size and can tolerate all climates. They may be friendly, but they can still be aggressive. Lifespan: It takes three years to reach full maturity, which might be half of their life. They lay 150 eggs per year.
Houdan chickens are dual-purpose chickens for eggs and meat and have a good temperament. These chickens live for 7-8 years. They lay 150 eggs annually.
You will need 3-4 square feet in the chicken coop/run area for chickens that free range out in the garden.
Chickens that are best for both:
Australorp chickens will lay 250 eggs per year (sometimes they might even lay 364 eggs in 1 year). Expect them to live for 6-10 years.
Braekel chickens can...
