Don’t ever let the concern of a small backyard keep you from experiencing the true bliss of keeping a flock of hens. Different chicken breeds have varying space requirements; fortunately, some breeds respond well to confined foraging areas. All the chicken breeds listed below are perfect for a small backyard.
Each breed is known to be docile, quiet, and great with children. They respond well to confined areas like small backyards. The best chicken breeds for small backyards are the following:
- Silkie
- Buff Orpington
- Australorp
- Salmon Faverolles
- Easter Egger
- Plymouth Rock
- Barbu D’Uccles.
Selecting chickens for a small backyard can make novice chicken keepers fall in love or question why they ever wanted chickens in the first place. So, regarding our keywords “small backyards,” here are our top recommended breeds for a small backyard.
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What Are The Best Chicken Breeds For Small Backyards?
There are four primary considerations to keep in mind when selecting the best chicken breeds for a small backyard.
- Space: According to the University of Minnesota Extension, each standard-sized chicken needs 3 to 5 square feet of space inside their coop and some outdoor space.
- Noise: If neighbors are close, it’s best to get a reasonably quiet breed to avoid complaints.
- Waste Management: Standard-sized chickens produce approximately 130 pounds of wet manure yearly. You’ll need to frequently clean their coop, compost the manure, or invest in movable shelters.
- Purpose: Before selecting a chicken breed, decide whether you’d like chickens for eggs, meat, or cute outdoor pets.
With these four considerations in mind, here are the top chicken breeds for a small yard.
- Silkie
- Buff Orpington
- Australorp
- Salmon Faverolles
- Easter Egger
- Plymouth Rock
- Barbu D’Uccles
1. Silkie Chickens
Silkies are perfect for someone looking for a pretty unusual fowl in their backyard. These birds are stylish and exuberant – you can liken them to the “Elton John” of chicken breeds.
Despite their striking appearance, Silkies have counterpart temperaments. So, look no further if you’re looking for the perfect backyard pet that won’t wake the neighbors or ruin your prized veggie patch.
Silkies chickens’ large hearts make up for their small stature. They are incredibly docile, broody, adore children, and love cuddles.
Click here for the complete guide to keeping silkie chickens!
You can expect around three eggs weekly when your hens aren’t broody.
- Size: 2 to 4 pounds
- Purpose: Pet
- Eggs: 2 to 3 cream to tinted eggs weekly
2. Buff Orpington
Don’t let her size fool you – despite her “heavy-set body” and prolific feathering, the Buff Orpington is an ideal breed for small backyards.
You can compare Orpingtons to the poster girl of chicken breeds. These girls have quiet, gentle, and docile natures, making them ideal for family situations and nearby neighbors.
Buff Orpingtons also get their steadfast following from their excellent egg-laying abilities (when they aren’t broody). These girls can provide up to four eggs weekly, even during winter. However, if you don’t take the eggs away soon enough, your hens will happily nestle over the eggs – Orpingtons are maternal by nature.
Buff Orpingtons typically prefer hanging around the feeders than foraging, making them suitable for confined spaces.
- Size: 7 to 10 pounds
- Purpose: Dual-purpose (eggs and meat)
- Eggs: 3 to 5 light brown eggs weekly
3. Australorp
The Australorp is the Aussie version of the Orpington. They enjoy free space and foraging more than Orpingtons but tolerate small backyards well.
Australorp hens are famous for their egg-laying abilities. One record-breaking hen laid 364 eggs in a single year!
Australorps have similar personalities to Orpingtons – gentle, docile, and friendly. However, they may come across as quiet and shy at first. However, once comfortable, the girls are known as one of the best chicken breeds for human interaction.
- Size: 7 to 9 pounds
- Purpose: Dual-purpose (eggs and meat)
- Eggs: 4 to 5 light brown eggs weekly
4. Salmon Faverolles
Salmon Faverolles are a fun, exotic French breed that tends to be placid and enjoy quietly pottering around your backyard.
These feather-footed and muff-wearing French ladies display a riot of fluffy salmon-colored plumage. And they’ve got personalities to match their exotic feathers.
Salmon Faverolles have docile, friendly, and comical personalities. Although not the brightest birds, they are sure to spruce up your mood with curious and interactive characters. In addition, they are child-friendly and love an occasional cuddle.
- Size: 6.5 to 8 pounds
- Purpose: Dual-purpose (eggs and meat)
- Eggs: 4 to 5 light brown or cream eggs weekly
5. Easter Egger
The Easter Egger is a hybrid breed crossed between the Araucana and Ameraucana. The Easter Egger gets its name from producing large quantities of fun-colored eggs.
Easter Eggers are one of the friendliest chicken breeds. These little fellows are energetic, curious, and love occasional cuddles. In addition, their gentle dispositions make them perfect for family and small backyard settings.
Easter Eggers are known as “all-rounders.” These birds are hardy to most winter and summer climates and tolerate coops and free-ranging.
- Size: 4 to 6 pounds
- Purpose: Eggs
- Eggs: 3 to 4 light blue, olive green, cream, or pink eggs (one color per bird) weekly
6. Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock chickens are one of America’s oldest breeds. These ladies are fantastic backyard hens and tolerate confinement well. However, they thrive when allowed to free-range, even for limited periods.
The Plymouth Rock has a winning personality. These hardy girls are famous for their gentle, docile, and super friendly temperament, making them ideal for beginners and families.
Plymouth Rock hens are consistent layers, even during winter.
- Size: 7.5 to 9.5 pounds
- Purpose: Dual-purpose (eggs and meat)
- Eggs: 4 to 5 brown eggs weekly
7. Barbu D’Uccles
Barbu D’Uccles, also known as Belgian D’Uccles, is as sweet as Belgian chocolate! They are a true bantam breed without a standard-sized counterpart. You and your friends will love spending the afternoon watching these petite yet voluminous feather-footed and bearded birds waddling around your backyard.
Barbu D’Uccles are blissful with the sweetest personalities. They are docile, gentle, overly curious, and a tad cheeky. In addition, these girls love human interaction; some of my Barbu D’Uccles have often perched on my lap for a quick cuddle and chatter.
These bantams are mostly ornamental pets, but their tiny eggs are as delicious as the standard ones. The best thing about raising bantams is that you need minimal space (and feed).
- Size: 1.5 to 2 pounds
- Purpose: Pet
- Eggs: 2 to 3 creamy to tinted eggs weekly
Conclusion
As you can see, keeping a feathery flock of hens in a backyard with limited space is totally possible!
Have fun picking your favorite breed – remember, bantam may lay smaller eggs, but they are equally delicious!
