When you say chicken, you immediately picture that harmless farm animal pecking away at the ground for days but in this article, we’ll be talking about chickens in the large breed category. They’re sure to give you a shock with how big they can get. Who knows, they might even convince you to get one of your own.
1. Jersey Giant
- Average rooster weight: 13 lbs or 5.9 kg
- Average rooster height: 22 to 26 inches
- Average hen weight: 10 lbs or 4.5 kg
- Average hen height: 16 to 29 inches
- Origin: Burlington County, New Jersey, USA
The Jersey giant chicken breed was originally developed in the 1800s as an alternative to turkeys. However, Jersey giant chickens first developed strong bone structures during their first months and would take nine months to reach a good size for meat production. This made them an unideal chicken breed in the poultry world.
But because of their eye-catching large size, cold hardiness, and gentle temperament, not to mention being excellent egg layers with hens being able to lay 2 to 4 large brown eggs a week, the Jersey giant chicken became one of the most popular backyard American breed of chickens.
2. Orpington
- Average rooster weight: 10 lbs or 4.4 kg
- Average rooster height: 15 inches
- Average hen weight: 8 lbs or 3.6 kg
- Average hen height: 12 inches
- Origin: Orpington, Kent, England
The Orpington chicken is a British breed of chicken that was developed in the late 1800s in England. The very first chicken of this breed was bred in 1886 by William Cook for both a meat bird and an egg layer. They are bred to thrive in colder climates with their fluffy feathers and can come in a variety of colors including black, chocolate, blue, and the rare lavender.
They earned a reputation for being a calm and friendly breed great for families, especially those with young children because of their laid-back and gentle nature. They are also typically ranked as one of the best egg layers amongst the biggest chicken breeds.
3. Brahma
- Average rooster weight: 12 lbs or 5.5 kg
- Average hen weight: 10 lbs or 4.5 kg
- Average height: 30 inches
- Origin: United States of America
The Brahma chicken is an American breed of chicken that is bred from other large chicken breeds, most notably Malay chickens. Brahma chickens were once the primary chicken breed consumed for their meat in the United States. They were once hailed as the King of the Chickens because of their impressive weight but have become a bit lighter as they evolved into modern times.
Compared to other birds, the Brahma chickens are considered to be part of the largest chicken breed and the tallest chicken breed as well. The Brahma chicken is a great breed for their dual-purpose qualities and as a great bird to add to your poultry collection because of their striking feather pattern.
4. Cornish
- Average rooster weight: 10.5 lbs or 4.8 kg
- Average hen weight: 8 lbs or 3.6 kg
- Average height: 20 inches
- Origin: Cornwall, United Kingdom
Although developed in Cornwall in the United Kingdom during the 19th century, the Cornish chicken breed is of Vietnamese and Chinese origins. What they lack in fluff, they make up for in muscle. Cornish chickens are a stocky breed with a shortened neck and take 7 months to reach full size. They can sometimes even reach up to 11 pounds.
Although they do not produce that many eggs a year, their large breasts make an excellent source of meat so their being traditionally raised for the table is no surprise. Cornish chickens can handle a wide range of climates. They’re not as friendly as the other breeds but they are docile chicken pets. One thing you have to keep in mind when raising this large chicken breed is their need for space as they forage their food. Plus, it will help prevent dominance issues between the same breed so be sure to provide a spacious and reliable shelter.
5. Cochin
- Average rooster weight: 11 lbs or 5 kg
- Average rooster height: 21 inches
- Average hen weight: 8.5 lbs or 3.9 kg
- Average hen height: 15 inches
- Origin: China
During the 1840s to 1850s, large chicken breeds from China were brought over to the United States and Europe igniting the Hen Fever era of that time because of their impressively large sizes. The cochin chickens became so popular that Queen Victoria was given seven cochin chickens who built an aviary for the large birds along with other breeds of birds.
The cochin chickens were originally developed for their meat, nowadays these large elegant birds are not typically consumed anymore but are raised to be shown in exhibitions.
6. Dong Tao
- Average rooster weight: 13 lbs or 5.9 kg
- Average hen weight: 9.9 lbs or 4.5 kg
- Average height: 16 inches
- Origin: Dong Tao Village, Hung Yen, Vietnam
The Dong Tao chicken is a rare breed of chicken from Vietnam. They are given the name dragon chicken for their large feet covered in red scales, some can be as thick as a human forearm. Because of their rarity, this breed of chicken can fetch thousands of dollars in the poultry world. Dong Tao chickens are traditionally served to royalty.
Though this rare breed can cost a hefty penny, they are treated as local delicacies amongst the upper classes of Vietnam, increasing in popularity during the Vietnamese New Year, Tet. Hatching the eggs is difficult for Dong Tao hens because of their large feet so most eggs are typically incubated.
7. O Shamo
- Average rooster weight: 12.4 lbs or 5.6 kg
- Average hen weight: 7.5 lbs or 3.4 kg
- Average height: 30 inches
- Origin: Japan
O Shamo chicken, simply known as Shamo, is one of the large chicken breeds – a Japanese breed of gamefowl valued for their fighting abilities, as well as their meat. They have a powerful and muscular build and a strong bone structure. They’re also known for their bold and confident demeanor, suitable for fighting chickens. They’re generally calm and tolerant but it’s a different story when it comes to other birds, particularly roosters as they’re very competitive.
Did you know that O Shamo chickens are not as common outside of Japan and are considered a rare breed in many countries?
These majestic birds can make great pets and doubles as a steady source of meat. If you’re already raising chickens then you might wanna change it up to these much bigger ones. As poultry enthusiasts and backyard chicken keepers know, larger chicken breeds equally increase egg production, and more meat production turns into food. These giant chickens surely make impressive additions to anyone’s farm or backyard, plus, their formidable size and weight will have anyone do a double take.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What breed of chicken lays the largest eggs?
There’s a rule in poultry keeping that says the bigger the chicken breed the bigger the eggs but there is no chicken breed officially recognized as having the largest eggs. But general consensus agrees that these breeds of chickens consistently lay some of the largest eggs in the world: Minorca, Leghorn, and Production Red Chickens.
What is the world record for the largest chicken?
Have you heard of Weirdo the rooster? He weighed a shocking 22 pounds, 10 kilograms in January of 1973, and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Not only was he big but aggressive too. Apparently, he was so aggressive he managed to kill 2 cats and even maimed a dog.
What is the mythical giant chicken?
Basan – a mythical creature in Japanese folklore is described to be a gigantic chicken with brightly colored plumage and the ability to breathe fire that’s cold, it doesn’t burn. When flapping its wings, it makes a basabasa sound. A creature so shy and elusive that it immediately disappears after being seen. It is believed that an encounter with Basan will bring you good fortune and luck.
What is the smallest chicken breed?
The smallest chicken breed in the world is the Malaysian Serama, a bantam type of chicken breed originating in Malaysia. Their roosters weigh 370 to 540 grams and their even smaller hens weigh 230 to 540 grams on average.
What is the rarest chicken breed?
The rarest chicken breed in the world is the Ayam Cemani originating from Indonesia. Their most distinguishable feature is their hyperpigmentation, causing the entire chicken to have black coloration, even their internal organs!