Whether you live on a farm or in a house with a big backyard, chickens make a great addition to any large outdoor space. Not only will they provide you with fresh eggs, but you can also enjoy the clucking and cooing of your hens.
If you’re interested in adding some chickens to your property, here are six Asian chicken breeds to consider.
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This Asian chicken hails from the Brahmaputra region of India where they are also called Gray Chittagongs. Calm, sociable birds, the Brahma chicken is docile, easy to train, and makes a wonderful family pet. Brahma chickens are massive and can weigh up to 12 pounds. They are light brown, tan, and yellow in color.
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The Cochin chicken comes from China. This breed was later exported to the United Kingdom and North America in the mid-1800s. These large feather-legged birds have a stunning appearance that boosted poultry breeding in Western countries. Commonly described as “hen fever,” people from all over couldn’t get enough of these exquisite animals. Cochin chickens come in a variety of colors, including black, silver cinnamon, white, silver buff, lemon, grouse, buff, and partridge. They are bred principally for exhibition purposes.
These large, soft-feathered birds originated in China. In 1872, the breed was imported to Britain and 30 years later, the Croad Langshan Club was founded. This chicken breed is defined by its deep breasts and sharply rising tail. They can lay up to 150 eggs annually and are a favorite among farmers.
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Nankin chickens have Southeastern Asian origins and are one of the oldest bantam chicken breeds. These friendly birds are listed as “critical” on the Livestock Conservancy’s endangered chicken breed list and many poultry fanciers had to have Nankin hens incubate the eggs of game birds to keep the breed from disappearing altogether. Boasting golden feathers and slate blue legs, the Nankin chicken is a true show stopper.
Also called the Malaysian Serama, this bantam breed was recently developed in Malaysia within the last 50 years. First exhibited in 1990, the Serama breed was hit hard by the 2004 bird flu epidemic. These birds often compete in beauty contests and are judged by size, shape, and temperament. The Serama chicken has a full breast, upright posture, and is often described as an “archangel chicken” because of this human-like appearance.
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The Silkie is a Chinese chicken breed that is known for its fluffy plumage, black skin, and five-toed feet. They are generally calm, quiet birds and are often exhibited in poultry shows because of their distinct aesthetics. Silkie chickens come in a wide range of colors, including buff, black, blue, white, red, and partridge.
As you can see, there are a number of unique Asian chicken breeds available on the market. Whether you wish to keep them as pets or enter them into exhibitive poultry pageants, one of these six breeds may be perfect for you!
Maykon Alvarenga is a seasoned pet care expert with over 8 years of experience in the field. He holds a Master’s degree in Veterinary Science, specializing in small animal care. His passion for pets is reflected in his work on PetsBent.com, where he shares valuable insights on pet health, behavior, and training. Maykon is dedicated to helping pet owners provide the best care for their furry friends. Connect with him on Instagram at @maykon.alvarenga for more tips and updates.