Choosing which breed(s) of chicken to raise can be a tough decision. These resources are gathered to help you understand your options.
NC State Extension resources
Keeping Garden Chickens in North Carolina
This article from N.C. Cooperative Extension covers all aspects of starting and managing a backyard or garden flock of chickens in North Carolina.
This resource can be viewed online or downloaded for free.
Other resources
Best Breeds of Chickens
This brief article from Mississippi State University Extension ties breed choice to intention (meat, eggs, dual-purpose).
This resource can be viewed online or downloaded for free.
Choosing a Chicken Breed: Eggs, Meat or Exhibition
This article from Purdue Extension ties breed choice to intention (meat, eggs, exhibition/showing). Charts make comparison quick and easy.
This resources can be downloaded for free.
This article from University of Illinois Extension gives an extensive list of chicken breeds, with their history. A brief glossary of terms is included at the end of the article.
This article can be viewed online.
This article from University of Illinois Extension gives an overview of chickens as animals, including important information about physiology and basic functions.
This article can be viewed online.
If you have questions about choosing breeds for your backyard flock, contact an Area Specialized Agent for poultry or your county's livestock agent.
