Top 10 Ornamental and Show Chicken Breeds

Discover the best breeds of chickens for ornamental use.

Whether you just want to have pretty chickens on the farm or you plan on showing them at the state or county fair, certain breeds are known for their ornamental use.

Learn about ten of the most popular ornamental chicken breeds with the help of Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

1. Cochin Chickens

Cochin Chickens are beautiful birds known for their large size and soft feathers. They make great pets, as they’re gentle and have a kid-friendly temperament.

Their appearance and gentle nature also makes them great show birds.

Cochins are cold tolerant and can handle colder regions well, so they’re the perfect backyard chicken in the Midwest.

2. Buff Laced Polish Chickens

Buff Laced Polish Chickens are unusual and beautiful birds. They have rich, buff-colored feathers with creamy white accents.

If you’re interested in showing birds or keeping rare poultry around, the Buff Laced Polish are the chickens for you.

3. Lakenvelder Chickens

Lakenvelder birds are an older breed, dating back to the 1830s in Germany. This rare breed has striking white and black feathers and slate-colored legs that set them apart from other chicken breeds.

Lakenvelders are quick and active, so you should give them room to forage and free range.

4. Silver Laced Polish Chickens

The Silver Laced Polish are the most striking in appearance of the Poland fowls. Their feathers are silvery white, each laced with a lustrous black color. They’re known for their crest of feathers that grow in a knob from their skull.

Silver Laced Polish make great show birds.

5. White Silkie Bantam Chickens

White Silkie Bantams are another ornamental bird with a striking appearance. These miniature-sized birds are known for their turquoise earlobes, hair-like feathering, black skin, and fifth toe.

They’re kid-friendly and make good mothers.

White Silkie Bantams are one of the most popular breeds at poultry shows and make for great backyard pets.

6. Houdan Chickens

The Houdan Chickens are a very old breed from France. They’re known for their very large crests and beards.

In addition to their beautiful appearance, Houdans are strong egg producers. So if you’re looking for a bird you can show and get eggs from, this breed is an excellent choice!

7. White Sultan Chickens

Sultan Chickens have long, thick white feathers. Their tail feathers are especially long and fluffy. Unlike the Houdan Chickens, they do not lay very many eggs. This is because they’re only bred for their looks.

This breed is very friendly and calm.

Many Sultan owners are extra careful to keep their housing as clean and dry as possible. So their beautiful feathers stay in pristine condition.

8. Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben Chickens

The Silver Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben is an ideal ornamental chicken breed. They have a pretty, unique appearance that makes them stand out from other types of chickens.

They’re on the smaller side, so they’re a good choice if you’re not looking for larger breeds.

9. Black Breasted Red Phoenix Chickens

Phoenix Chickens originated in Germany. They came from cross-bred species of Japanese birds.

They are a little more high maintenance than some other types of ornamental chickens. They have feathers and tails that are longer than the average chicken’s. This requires them to get more protein in their diet and have more accommodating housing.

10. Light Brahma Chickens

The Brahma Chicken is ideal for virtually all your needs. They are a very large breed, with males getting up to 12 pounds and females getting up to 10 pounds. This makes them great for show.

Plus, they are also strong egg layers and are well known as meat birds. So no matter what you want chickens for, Brahmas would work. That is, as long as you don’t mind their large size!

Find these ornamental breeds and more during Chick Days at your local Blain’s Farm & Fleet. You’ll also find everything you need to take care of your flock, including chicken feeders, chicken coops, chicken feed, and more.

For tips on caring for your backyard flock, visit our Chickens & Poultry Blog.