Selecting chicks for a backyard flock is more than choosing what looks good on pickup day. Breed selection influences egg production, temperament, space needs, and how enjoyable chicken keeping will be long term.
Each spring, The Mill offers a carefully selected lineup of chick breeds that perform well in Mid-Atlantic conditions. By understanding the major breed categories and what they offer, backyard poultry keepers can build a flock that fits their goals and experience level.
What to Consider Before Choosing Chicks
Before selecting breeds, poultry keepers should consider:
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Egg expectations, including quantity, size, and shell color
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Temperament, especially if children or pets are involved
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Climate tolerance for both summer heat and winter cold
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Space requirements inside the coop and run
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Experience level, since some breeds are more forgiving than others
Using categories instead of individual breeds makes it easier to compare traits and plan a balanced flock.
Reliable Brown Egg Layers
These breeds are known for consistency, efficiency, and adaptability. They are often recommended for first-time chicken owners because they handle a wide range of conditions and reliably produce eggs with minimal fuss.
What to expect from this category:
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High egg production, often 250–300 eggs per year
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Medium to large brown eggs
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Hardy birds that tolerate temperature swings well
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Active but generally manageable temperaments
Breeds in this category include:
Rhode Island Red, Rhode Island Blue, New Hampshire Red, Barred Rock, Blue Rock, Columbian Rock, ISA Brown, Golden Comet, Cinnamon Queen, Amberlink, Black Sex Link, Brown Leghorn, and White Leghorn.
These birds form a strong foundation for nearly any backyard flock focused on dependable egg supply.
Colorful and Specialty Egg Layers
This category is ideal for poultry keepers who want variety in their egg basket. These breeds are prized for blue, green, olive, or dark brown eggs while still offering respectable production.
What to expect from this category:
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Unique egg colors that range from sky blue to deep olive
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Moderate to good laying rates
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Curious, alert personalities
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Slightly more variation in production between individual birds
Breeds in this category include:
Americana, Olive Egger, Blue Olive Egger, Lavender Olive Egger, Cream Legbar, Opal Legbar, Welsummer, and Barnevelder.
These birds are a popular choice for keepers who enjoy visual variety and eggs that stand out.
Heritage and Dual-Purpose Breeds
Heritage breeds are valued for their balanced traits. They often combine steady egg production with calm temperaments and good longevity.
What to expect from this category:
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Medium to large brown eggs
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Slightly lower production than hybrid layers, but longer productive lifespan
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Friendly, calm behavior
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Good adaptability to free-range or confined setups
Breeds in this category include:
Buff Orpington, Chocolate Orpington, Lavender Orpington, Red Orpington, Blue, Black, and Splash Orpington varieties, Speckled Sussex, Bielefelder, and Naked Neck.
These breeds are often chosen by families and those looking for a slower-paced, personable flock.
Wyandotte Varieties
Wyandottes are a favorite for backyard flocks thanks to their durability and attractive feather patterns.
What to expect from this category:
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Consistent brown egg production
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Excellent cold hardiness
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Moderate, steady laying pace
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Confident but not aggressive temperament
Breeds in this category include:
Silver Laced Wyandotte, Gold Laced Wyandotte, Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte, Blue Laced Red Wyandotte, and Splash Laced Red Wyandotte.
Wyandottes perform well in mixed flocks and are a strong choice for colder climates.
Maran Varieties
Marans are best known for producing some of the darkest brown eggs available.
What to expect from this category:
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Rich chocolate-colored eggs
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Moderate egg production
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Calm, sturdy birds
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Slightly larger space needs due to body size
Breeds in this category include:
Black Copper Maran, Blue Copper Maran, Cuckoo Maran, Blue Cuckoo Maran, Golden Cuckoo Maran, Lavender Maran, Splash Maran, and Noir Maran.
These breeds are popular among experienced keepers and those focused on egg color depth.
Australorps
Australorps are efficient layers known for their productivity, especially during cooler months.
What to expect from this category:
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High egg production
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Large brown eggs
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Calm, easy-to-manage birds
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Strong winter laying performance
Breeds in this category include:
Black Australorp, Blue Australorp, and Splash Australorp.
They are an excellent option for backyard keepers who want dependable year-round production.
Brahmas
Brahmas are large, gentle birds that bring a calm presence to the coop.
What to expect from this category:
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Medium brown eggs
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Slower maturity rate
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Excellent cold tolerance
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Gentle, docile temperament
Breeds in this category include:
Buff Brahma, Light Brahma, and Dark Brahma.
These birds are best suited for keepers with adequate coop space and a preference for calm, easygoing chickens.
Ornamental and Personality BreedsThese breeds are typically chosen for their appearance, temperament, or novelty rather than maximum egg output.
What to expect from this category:
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Lower to moderate egg production
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Unique feathering and visual appeal
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Friendly or docile behavior
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Strong appeal for hobby flocks
Breeds in this category include:
Silkie Assortment, White Silkies, Blue Silkies, Polish Assorted, Silver Laced Polish, White Crested Blue Polish, Frizzle Cochin Assortment, Birchen Cochin, Blue Standard Cochin, White Frizzle, Mille Fleur, and Mottled Houdan Bantam.
They are ideal for keepers who value interaction and aesthetics.
Giant and Heavy Breeds
These birds are known for their size and impressive presence.
What to expect from this category:
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Larger body size and slower growth
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Moderate egg production
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Calm temperament
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Increased space and feed requirements
Breeds in this category include:
Black Giant, Black Jersey Giant, and Splash Giant.
They are best for backyard setups with extra room.
Novelty and Specialty Lines
These lines add uniqueness and variety to backyard flocks and are often available in limited quantities.
What to expect from this category:
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Highly variable appearance and traits
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Often selected by experienced keepers
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Distinct visual and personality characteristics
Breeds in this category include:
Ghost Zombie, Mosaic, Crypt Walker, Noir Flames, Artisian Gold, and Artic Blue.
These birds are ideal for keepers looking to diversify beyond traditional breeds.
Before chicks arrive, backyard poultry keepers should have:
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A properly sized brooder
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Bedding and biosecurity supplies
The Mill carries everything needed to prepare for chick season, with knowledgeable staff available to help every step of the way.
Build a Backyard Flock with Confidence
Choosing the right chick breed starts with understanding what each category offers. Whether the focus is egg production, temperament, appearance, or variety, The Mill helps backyard poultry keepers build flocks that thrive season after season.
Visit your local Mill store this spring to learn more about chick availability and receive personalized guidance from The Mill’s poultry team.
