Chickens come in all shapes and sizes, from the diminutive bantams to the colossal giants. These majestic birds not only capture our attention with their enormous size but also offer valuable insights into the diversity of the poultry world.
Popular chicken breeds like Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Plymouth Rocks are well known to most people. Did you know, though, that there are breeds of chicken that are so big that they dwarf even the biggest ones at your local farm?
We’ll look at some of the world’s biggest chickens in this article. These birds are bred for meat and eggs, and some are flashy show chickens meant to impress. They’ll make your regular hens look small 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.
The Jersey Giant may be the heaviest breed of chicken, but the Malay is the tallest. Different priorities for different chickens!.
The Biggest Meat Chickens
Large size is a good thing for people who want to raise chickens for meat. I like chickens that have a lot of meat. These are some of the best chickens in the world.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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Modern Game – The Modern Game fowl is a sleek and athletic breed developed in England. Roosters stand very tall and upright.
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Cubalaya – The Cubalaya breed originated in Cuba and is thought to have some gamefowl ancestry. Like the Modern Game, it has an upright stature.
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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:
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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.
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Brahma – Both the Light and Dark Brahma were bred in the US in the 1850s for exhibition. They remain a top show bird today.
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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.
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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:
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Orpington – Orpingtons are known for being calm, friendly birds that are perfect for families and mixed flocks. They are very cold hardy as well.
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Brahma – Brahmas are docile, get along well in confinement, and lay plenty of large brown eggs. A great dual purpose bird.
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Cochin – Cochins are mellow chickens that make wonderful pets. All that fluff also helps them withstand cold winters.
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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!
Australorp Chickens: Black Beauty
Australorp chickens, often admired for their glossy black feathers, offer a unique blend of beauty and utility. Weighing 8 to 10 pounds and standing at 17 inches tall, they are medium-sized birds with a striking appearance.
These chickens are lauded for their excellent egg-laying abilities, often setting records in the realm of egg production. Beyond their practical qualities, their friendly disposition makes them a popular choice among backyard flock owners who value both form and function.
Cochin Chickens: Fluffy and Fabulous
The Cochin chicken isn’t the heaviest of the giant breeds, but its fluffy feathers make it look like it wants to be. They stand 15 to 22 inches tall and weigh 8 to 11 pounds. Their feathery appearance makes them look even bigger than they are. Cochins are beloved for their gentle temperament and make delightful pets, not to mention their penchant for brooding and raising chicks, which adds a practical touch to their charming demeanor.
10 Largest Chickens in the World You Never Knew Existed | Wildlife Documentary | BBTV Official
FAQ
What is the largest breed of chicken?
The Jersey Giant is generally considered the largest breed of chicken.
Is the 200 pound chicken real?
The chicken is not a person in a costume. Nor it is a feathery dog. It appears to be a Brahma chicken, a type of breed that was developed in the 1800s in the United States from chickens imported from China. Males have weighed as much as 18. 25 pounds, though this one could be even larger.
What is the largest chicken available?
Originally called the Jersey Black Giant after the brothers who developed the breed, the Jersey Giant is the worlds largest chicken.
Which is bigger, Brahma or Jersey Giant?
Other big breeds of chicken, like the Brahma Jersey Giant Chicken, aren’t as tall or heavy as Jersey Giants. Their large body size and easygoing nature make Jersey Giants excellent birds for both meat production and backyard companionship.