What Chicken Breeds to Add to Your Flock This Year
Table of Contents
- What Chicken Breeds to Add to Your Flock This Year
- Having a Balanced Flock
- Most Common Addition: Good Layers
- Family Friendly Chickens
- Great Options for Family Friendly Flocks
- Staff Favorite and Just Fun to Have: Polish Chickens
- Go Crazy and Go Reeeaaally Big or Reeeaaally Small
- Most Popular Breed of 2025: The Frizzle
- How to Build a Well-Rounded Flock
- Final Thoughts on Choosing Chicken Breeds
- FAQs
Quick answer
When adding new breeds to an existing flock, prioritize temperament compatibility — avoid mixing aggressive Mediterranean breeds (Leghorns, Andalusians) with docile heritage breeds (Cochins, Silkies) as the size and behavior difference leads to chronic bullying. The best breeds to integrate into a mixed flock are Easter Eggers, Australorps, Wyandottes, and Sussex, all of which hold their own without causing drama.
Once you already have chickens, the question usually stops being should we get chickens and starts being which chicken breeds should we add next. That is where things get really fun.
After a few years of keeping chickens, most people realize that not every bird needs to serve the same purpose. Some chicken breeds are reliable workers that keep your egg basket full. Others are calm and friendly, perfect for kids or first-time chicken helpers. And some chicken breeds exist purely to bring joy, personality, and a little chaos to your backyard.
This year, instead of building a flock based only on productivity, I have been thinking more intentionally about balance. I already have a Buff Orpington and a Polish, and this year I will be adding bantams simply because I want tiny chickens wandering around my yard. That might not show up in an egg count spreadsheet, but it absolutely shows up in daily happiness.
If you are deciding which chicken breeds to add to your flock this year, this guide breaks them down by why you would add them. Think of it as a recommendation list, not a rulebook.
Having a Balanced Flock
Before we talk about specific breeds, it helps to take a step back and look at your existing flock.
Ask yourself:
Are my current hens laying consistently?
Do I want calmer chickens that are easier to handle?
Am I missing personality or variety?
Do I want something bigger, smaller, or just different?
Do I have the space and setup to support new breeds?
The best flocks usually include a mix of different strengths. Some carry the workload. Some are family favorites. Some are just there because you like them.
That is exactly how I approach adding new birds now.
Most Common Addition: Good Layers
If your egg production has slowed down or you want more consistency throughout the year, adding dependable layers is always a smart place to start.
Even strong layers slow down during molt, extreme weather, or as they age. Adding a few reliable breeds can help balance out those natural dips without putting pressure on your existing hens.
Buff Orpington
This is one chicken breed I will always recommend.
Buff Orpington's are consistent brown egg layers, cold-hardy, and incredibly easy to manage. They are calm, friendly, and tend to integrate well into mixed flocks. They are also one of the best chicken breeds for people who want eggs without dealing with aggressive or flighty behavior.
If you are choosing based on both productivity and temperament, this one checks nearly every box.
Buff Orpington
$ 4.49
$ 6.49
Buff Orpington Chicken The Buff Orpington chicken, a breed with roots in England, gained recognition from the American Poultry Association (APA) in 1902. These "Golden Beauties" are renowned for their impressive size, graceful appearance, and gentle demeanor. Buff Orpingtons are… read more
Family Friendly Chickens
If chickens are part of everyday family life, temperament matters just as much as egg output.
Calm chickens are easier for kids to help with, less likely to panic, and generally more enjoyable for beginners. They are also easier to introduce to new environments and routines.
Great Options for Family Friendly Flocks
Buff Orpingtons continue to shine here, but they are not alone. Plymouth Rocks, Cochins, and Wyandottes are also well known for their steady temperaments and adaptability.
These breeds tend to tolerate handling better, move more slowly, and remain calmer around noise and activity. If you want chickens that feel like part of the household rather than livestock you manage from a distance, these breeds are worth considering.
Black Laced Gold Wyandotte
$ 4.49
$ 6.49
Black Laced Gold Wyandotte Chicken The Black Laced Gold Wyandotte is an iconic American breed, originating in Wisconsin around 1880 and recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1888. Known for their striking black-laced golden feathers, red rose combs, and… read more
White Cochin Standard Chicken
$ 6.99
$ 9.99
White Cochin Standard Chicken The White Cochin Standard Chicken is a large-sized breed known for its fluffy, abundant plumage and gentle temperament. These birds are particularly valued for their size and striking appearance, often becoming favorites in backyard flocks or… read more
Staff Favorite and Just Fun to Have: Polish Chickens
Every flock deserves at least one chicken that exists purely for entertainment.
Not every chicken needs to justify its presence with egg numbers. Some chicken breeds earn their keep by making you laugh, starting conversations, and adding personality to your yard.
Polish Chickens
Polish chickens are the perfect example of personality-first choice.
They are known for their dramatic crests, quirky behavior, and slightly confused charm. While they are not the most productive layers, they more than make up for it with personality. They tend to be friendly, curious, and surprisingly social when raised from chicks.
If your flock feels a little too practical, adding a Polish chicken is an easy way to change the energy instantly.
Silver Laced Polish Chicken
$ 6.99
$ 9.99
Silver Laced Polish Chicken The Chicken Coop Company offers for sale the bearded variety of the Silver Laced Polish chicken breed. While the breed's origins are believed to be from the Netherlands, it gained its name when it was brought… read more
White Polish Chicken
$ 6.99
$ 9.99
White Polish Chicken The White Polish Chicken is known for its elegant, all-white plumage and distinctive head crest, making it an eye-catching show bird. Years of selective breeding have refined this breed, ensuring its stunning appearance. The Chicken Coop Company… read more
Go Crazy and Go Reeeaaally Big or Reeeaaally Small
If you want to have more fun with your breed selection, let me introduce you to the largest and smallest breeds. Sometimes bigger is better and smaller is...well...just really cute!
Mixing large and small breeds adds contrast, personality, and diversity to your flock. It also changes how you interact with your chickens, from feeding to handling.
Jersey Giants
Jersey Giants are exactly what they sound like. They are massive birds with surprisingly gentle personalities. Despite their size, they tend to be calm, slow-moving, and friendly.
They lay large brown eggs and do well in colder climates, but they do require more feed and space than smaller breeds. If you have the room, they can be incredibly rewarding to raise.
Bantams
Bantam simply means a smaller than the standard size fowl. You can find the bantam version of many different chicken breeds, from silkies to cochins, and there are even bantam ducks (call ducks)!
It’s worth noting that bantam chickens lay fewer eggs, and their eggs are smaller. That said, they more than make up for it with oversized personalities in tiny bodies. They eat less, require less space, and are endlessly entertaining. While their production may be smaller, their presence in the yard certainly isn’t.
Black Jersey Giant Chicken
$ 5.49
$ 7.99
Black Jersey Giant Chicken The Black Jersey Giant chicken originated in Burlington County, New Jersey, during the 1880s. This heavy breed is known for its impressive size, although it grows slower than some other breeds before eventually surpassing them in… read more
Blue Cochin Bantam
$ 7.49
$ 10.99
Blue Cochin Bantam Chicken The Cochin Bantam is a beloved breed with a rich history, first brought to England in the 1860s by soldiers returning from China. Originally called “Pekin” bantams, these gentle birds are still known as "Pekins" in many… read more
Black Cochin Bantams
$ 7.49
$ 10.99
Black Cochin Bantams Chicken If you're looking for top-quality Black Cochin Bantams, Chicken Coop Company is here to help. With years of expertise in breeding Cochin Bantams, we offer this beautiful black-feathered variety known for its gentle nature and stunning appearance.… read more
Most Popular Breed of 2025: The Frizzle
Every year, certain breeds surge in popularity, and 2025 clearly belonged to the Frizzle.
Frizzles are instantly recognizable thanks to their outward-curling feathers. They look permanently tousled, which makes them a favorite for people who want something unique.
Frizzle refers to a feather trait rather than a single breed, and it can appear in several common breeds. This gives you flexibility while still getting that signature look.
Frizzles are generally friendly and calm, but their feathers offer less protection from wet and extreme cold. They do best in dry, well-ventilated coops and benefit from extra weather protection.
If you are choosing chicken breeds based on appearance and personality, Frizzles are hard to beat.
We do not sell frizzle chicks, however you can order them through My Pet chicken! Find them here.
How to Build a Well-Rounded Flock
The most enjoyable flocks usually include:
A few dependable laying breeds
At least one calm, family friendly breed
One or two personality-driven breeds
Size or appearance variety
When you stop thinking about chicken breeds as interchangeable and start thinking about them as individuals with roles, flock building becomes much more intentional and enjoyable. You really have the ability to get what you want, based on what you are looking for.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Chicken Breeds
There is no single right answer when it comes to chicken breeds. The best flock is the one that fits your lifestyle, your space, and what you want out of raising chickens.
Some years you add for eggs. Some years you add for temperament. And some years you add bantams simply because tiny chickens make life better.
If you are deciding which chicken breeds to add this year, let yourself have fun with it. A balanced flock is not just productive, it is enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I mix different chicken breeds in one flock?
Yes, most chicken breeds do well in mixed flocks when space, food access, and introductions are handled properly.
Are bantams good with standard-sized chickens?
They can be, but they benefit from multiple feeding areas and careful monitoring during integration.
Are Polish chickens good layers?
They lay consistently but are better known for personality than high egg production.
Do larger chicken breeds need bigger coops?
Yes, large chicken breeds like Jersey Giants require more space, stronger roosts, and higher feed intake.
How many new chicken breeds should I add at once?
Adding at least two to three chicks at a time helps reduce stress and supports healthy social development.
