Bearded chickens. When it comes to choosing chicken breeds, I go for beards. Why do I love them so much?
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Oh, yes. Now that I look at this Easter Egger, I remember why I love bearded chickens so much. Because… They. Are. Awesome.
I’m not sure quite why, but bearded hens to me look especially lovely. Seems a beard might make a girl look masculine, but not in the case of chickens—at least not to me. The fancy feathers are sort of like a fancy collar–I love bearded birds. I’ve had bearded Faverolles, bearded Easter Eggers, bearded Silkies and bearded Ameraucanas, and I adore them all.
To be fair, I love ALL my chickens, bearded or not. I adore my Welsummers and Speckled Sussex, and they don’t have chicken beards. And I have a new-found fondness for my Black Copper Marans (also no beards). I didn’t expect them to be pretty—since they are mostly black birds— but they are surprisingly attractive with their red-gold hackles, bright eyes and lightly feathered legs.
Even though I enjoy these other birds, I still find that when I think of my prettiest chickens, I tend to think first of my bearded girls.
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Just look at these Favaucanas, for example!
That’s also what I think of when it comes to choosing chicken breeds. And I don’t appear to be the only one with chicken breed preferences!
It’s no surprise that a lot of people gravitate toward certain things when it comes to choosing chicken breeds. Some people want only the best layers, or only birds that lay unusual egg colors. Or maybe they only want chickens that are good foragers or do well in heat. None of those things should be surprising because when choosing chicken breeds, you want to make sure you’re choosing breeds that will do well in your area. So–when some towns limit the size of a backyard flock to just a very few birds—choosing chicken breeds that lay well and will give you lots of eggs is important. It’s no surprise that people would want a carton full of beautiful, unusual color eggs, either. (Every time you reach for an egg, it’s a reminder of just how lucky you are to be raising chickens—and it’s fun to show off to neighbors and friends, or anyone you share eggs with!)
But there are also people like me who have a fondness for bearded breads. Others may like large crests like Houdans or Polish have. Some may like feathered legs while others like unusual plumage like silkied or frizzled feathers. What’s strange is that I’m usually more of a practical sort. I would have pegged me for someone interested chiefly in sustainability. And I am… but I also have this not-so-sectet-anymore love of breeds with beards. It’s like a guilty pleasure. Like admitting that I like Cheet-os. I don’t really want anyone to know!
Hi. My name is Lissa, and I like bearded chickens.
There, I said it.
So, what qualities do you favor when choosing chicken breeds–and why?
Are your reasons chiefly practical or aesthetic—or both? If you were in a different situation (warmer/cooler climate, more reasonable chicken regulations), would you be choosing chicken breeds differently? Please share your thoughts in the comments!