Top Egg Layers
330+
eggs per year from top-performing breeds perfect for consistent, fresh production.
Dual-Purpose Power
13 lbs
is the potential weight of robust meat chickens, and roosters.
Efficient Meat Birds
8 Weeks
is all it takes for specialized meat breeds like the Cornish Cross to reach market weight quickly.
The Egg Producers: A Race to the Top
For those prioritizing a steady supply of fresh eggs, these breeds are the undisputed champions. This chart compares the maximum annual egg output of the most prolific layers and dual-purpose breeds suitable for New England's climate. The Golden Comet stands out as a true production powerhouse, while dual-purpose birds like the Plymouth Rock also contribute significantly.
Dual-Purpose Breeds: Balancing Eggs & Size
Dual-purpose breeds are the homesteader's workhorse, offering a valuable combination of eggs and meat. This scatter plot visualizes the trade-off: each point represents a breed, showing how average rooster weight relates to annual egg production. Breeds like the Plymouth Rock offer a fantastic, balanced middle ground.
The Meat Producers: A Race to the Table
When meat is the goal, efficiency and growth rate are paramount. This chart compares the average weeks required for popular meat and dual-purpose breeds to reach a suitable slaughter weight, providing an average weight at maturity in the tooltip. Note how heritage breeds like the Jersey Giant take longer but offer rich flavor.
Time to Table: Growth & Maturity
For meat production, time is a critical factor. This timeline illustrates the typical weeks needed for dual-purpose and meat breeds to reach slaughter weight. The difference between a hybrid and a heritage breed is stark.
8-10 Weeks
Cornish Cross: Unmatched speed, the commercial standard for rapid growth.
12-20 Weeks
Delaware, Wyandotte, Plymouth Rock, New Hampshire Red: The sweet spot for many homesteaders, balancing growth and flavor.
20-26+ Weeks
Brahma, Chantecler, Orpington, Jersey Giant: Slower-growing heritage giants that develop rich, deep flavor.
Breed Weight Classes
The breeds we've listed fall into distinct weight categories. This chart shows the distribution, highlighting that the majority are substantial birds well-suited for cold climates.
Which Flock is For You?
Answer these simple questions to find the breed category that best matches your homesteading goals.
What's your homestead goal?
Build Your Dream Flock
Use this intuitive tool to design your ideal flock and project its output. Add breeds, specify quantities, and get instant estimates for your annual egg and meat production.
1. Add Birds to Your Flock
2. Your Current Flock
Your flock is currently empty. Start by adding some birds!
3. Calculate Production
Add birds to your flock to see detailed production estimates.
Flock Economics: Profit & Costs
Estimate your potential profits and costs. Default values are based on average research, but feel free to adjust them to your local market for accurate projections!
Set Your Costs & Prices
Your Economic Snapshot
Add birds to your flock to see your economic projections.
Breeds and Their Characteristics
Explore the details of each chicken breed, including their typical appearance, egg-laying capabilities, size, and more.
Add a Custom Breed
Define your own chicken breed to add to your flock. Custom breeds will instantly appear in the breed selection dropdown for calculation.