Keeping backyard chickens is, in our experience, an absolute joy. They’ll keep your garden buzzing, provide a steady supply of fresh eggs, and charm you with their quirky personalities. Whether you’re a seasoned chook keeper or just starting out, picking the right breeds makes all the difference and is essential for a happy and productive flock.
Top Chicken Breeds for Your Backyard
We’ve rounded up our top picks for backyard-friendly chicken breeds that thrive in Australian conditions, are easy to care for, and offer plenty of delicious eggs.
1. Light Sussex
The Light Sussex is a jack-of-all-trades, dual-purpose breed - great for both eggs and a Sunday roast (though we prefer them strutting happily in the yard). These calm, curious chooks lay 250+ light brown eggs annually and are an excellent choice for families and beginners. With striking white feathers and black highlights, they sure know how to turn heads.
2. Australorp
Originating in Australia, Australorps are egg-laying machines, popping out around 300 brown eggs a year. Their friendly and hardy nature makes them ideal for various climates. Plus, their sleek black feathers with a fancy green shimmer will make your flock the envy of the neighbourhood.
3. Leghorn
These energetic, curious chooks are the free-range champs. Leghorns lay about 300 white eggs a year and come in various colours, including classic white. They are well-suited to free-range environments due to their foraging abilities so if you've got space for them to roam, they’ll do the rest.
4. Plymouth Rock
With their distinctive black-and-white barring/stripes, Plymouth Rocks are like the cool kids of the chicken world. They’re friendly, adaptable, and crank out around 250 tinted eggs a year. Their docile nature makes them easy to handle, and they integrate well into mixed flocks. Perfect for those who want a low-maintenance addition.
5. Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is the rugged, dependable type. Celebrated for their hardiness and adaptability, they can handle anything Mother Nature throws at them and reward you with around 300 brown or tinted eggs a year. Their rich red plumage and robust nature make them a valuable addition to any backyard flock.
6. Silkie
Silkies are the backyard supermodels with their fluffy plumage and gentle personalities. They don’t win any egg-laying contests, with about 150 to 200 eggs a year, but they make up for it with charm. Their calm temperament makes them excellent companions and are perfect for pet lovers.
7. Orpington
Big, fluffy, and as friendly as they come, Orpingtons are like the teddy bears of the chicken world. They lay around 200 light brown eggs a year and come in stunning colours like buff, black, and blue. Their laid-back personalities make them great for kids and those new to keeping chooks.
8. Faverolle
Faverolles are known for their charming, friendly nature and are a standout in any backyard. These hardy, dual-purpose birds excel at both egg production and meat, laying around 180+ medium-sized brown eggs per year. Their unique feathered feet and gentle temperament make them another great breed for families with kids or beginner chicken keepers. With their striking appearance and sweet personalities, Faverolles are not only functional but a true delight to have in the yard.
9. Australian Langshan
The Australian Langshan is a robust and adaptable breed, perfect for Aussie backyards. Known for their excellent egg-laying ability, around 250+ large brown eggs annually, and their impressive, deep-black plumage. Calm and friendly, they are great for both beginners and are also a very popular breed on the show circuit. Given the standard Australian Langshan's large size, bantams are well regarded for backyard keepers.
Backyard Chicken Breeds To Avoid
We’d be remiss not to mention a few other popular Australian breeds, though we don’t necessarily recommend them for backyard keepers. Some have higher maintenance needs, shorter lifespans, or temperaments that may not suit beginners. Below, we’ve outlined a few breeds we don’t personally recommend, so you can make the most informed choice for your flock.
ISA Brown
ISA Browns are the overachievers of the backyard flock, laying early and producing over 300 eggs each year. They are known for their friendly and curious nature as well as being relatively low maintenance, making them a favourite among backyard enthusiasts. However, as commercial hybrids, their high egg production comes at a cost - these birds typically have a short lifespan of just 2–3 years, with egg-laying tapering off quickly, compared to heritage breeds that can live and lay for up to 8 years. They also require extra protein and calcium to sustain their intense laying cycle, making them a less sustainable choice in the long run.
Wyandottes
Wyandottes are certainly backyard showstoppers with their fancy laced feathers. They’re calm, reliable layers of around 200 brown or tinted eggs yearly, and are hardy, thriving in cold climates. However, their thick plumage makes them prone to overheating, so ample shade and water in hotter climates are essential. Whilst they are a friendly breed, they can have a slightly bossy nature and rank high in the pecking order, which can make flock integration tricky. They make excellent mothers but they also go broody often, which can be frustrating if you’re not planning to raise chicks regularly.
Picking Your Flock
So there you have it — our round-up of the best backyard chooks, from fluffy fashionistas to egg-laying legends. Whether you're after colourful eggs, friendly companions, or a reliable breakfast supply, there's a breed (or three) for you. Make sure to think about your climate, egg needs, and the vibes you want in your yard. Mix and match to create a fun, feathered flock that’ll keep your backyard buzzing and your egg basket full.
Happy chook keeping!