What Are the Best Chicken Breeds to Keep at Home?

If you’re thinking about keeping chickens, one of the first questions you’ll have is: what breed should I get? The answer depends on your priorities – and with so many chicken breeds and hybrids available in the UK, there’s no single “best” choice.

Some hens are fantastic egg layers, others are calm and friendly, and some are hardier or more hands-off than others. So before choosing, it’s worth asking:

• Do I want chickens mainly for eggs, or as pets too?
• Is this my first time keeping hens?
• Do I need a low-maintenance, hardy breed?
• Will there be children interacting with the birds?
• Am I happy with modern hybrids, or do I prefer traditional pure breeds?
• Do I want to hatch and raise chicks?

Once you’ve thought through what matters most, the suggestions below can help guide your decision.

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Best Chicken Breeds for Egg Laying

If your goal is a reliable supply of eggs, these hens are among the most consistent layers:

• Goldline – A popular hybrid that lays up to 320 brown eggs per year. Calm, friendly, and ideal for beginners.
• White Leghorn – Small, active birds that produce large white eggs. A little flighty but very productive.
• Rhode Island Red – A classic, hardy breed known for laying plenty of brown eggs and thriving in UK climates.
• Speckledy – Striking plumage and reliable laying, these hybrids are easy to manage and quite docile.
• Amber Star / Amber Link – Gentle, regular layers of good-sized brown eggs.

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Hardiest Chicken Breeds for UK Weather

If you’re keeping hens outdoors all year round, especially in colder regions, these breeds are known for their resilience:

• Light Sussex – A reliable British favourite. Hardy, friendly, and good egg producers.
• Black Rock – A robust hybrid with excellent resistance to common health issues.
• Orpington – Big, fluffy, and calm. Well suited to the cold, though less so to heat.
• Rhode Island Red – Low maintenance and weather-tough, they’re a good all-rounder.

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Most Friendly and Docile Breeds

If you’re looking for hens that are calm, gentle and happy to interact with people – especially children – these breeds are ideal:

• Orpington – Often described as the Labrador of the chicken world. Incredibly friendly and easy-going.
• Plymouth Rock – Relaxed, curious and good-natured, these are great birds for family gardens.
• Silkie – Fluffy and affectionate, Silkies are more like pets than poultry. They do need extra care in wet or cold weather.
• Light Sussex – Gentle, sociable, and great for mixed flocks.

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Best Breeds for Hatching and Raising Chicks

If you’re interested in allowing your hens to go broody and raise chicks naturally, these breeds have a reputation for strong maternal instincts:

• Silkie – Known as some of the best broodies and brilliant mothers.
• Cochin – Large, gentle and often broody, with a lovely temperament.
• Orpington – Frequently go broody and make very caring mums.

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Pure Breeds vs Hybrids – What’s the Difference?

• Hybrids are bred for performance – usually better egg layers, less broody, and more predictable in behaviour. Ideal for beginners.
• Pure breeds offer heritage, personality and often unique looks. They may lay fewer eggs, but many keepers value their charm and character.

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Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the best chicken breed for your home. Your perfect flock will depend on your lifestyle, space, and goals. Whether you want a handful of friendly egg-layers or a small backyard flock for fun and companionship, there’s a breed to suit you.

Whatever you choose, remember: with the right care, housing and attention, all chickens can thrive – and become a much-loved part of your home life.