19 Best Rooster Breeds And Their Popularity!
With so many different types of rooster breeds, each comes with special qualities. It’s like building a team for your backyard family and fulfilling the purpose.
But what are the Best rooster breeds you can keep? When researching, I found 19 breeds of rooster. Among them, Rhode Island Red, Leghorn, Plymouth Rock, Brahma, and Australorp breeds are the most popular. Each of them has a different level of contribution. For example – for eggs, for meat, as a pet, or even for ornamental purposes.
Come along as we check out the coolest rooster breeds. Understand what rooster can be the perfect match for your needs!
Table of Contents
List of 19 Best Rooster Breeds
Roosters have an important job in the chicken world. They help make baby chicks by fertilizing eggs. It’s what keeps the chicken community going. But that’s not all they do!
Roosters also work as protective guardians. They keep an eye out for any dangers and make sure the flock stays safe. With their watchful eyes and strong presence, roosters help keep everything organized and in order among the chickens.
However, let’s talk about the different categories of rooster breeds. It’ll help you understand which one to pick for your yard.
1. Rhode Island Red Rooster
The history of the Rhode Island Red Rooster goes back to the late 19th century in the United States. This iconic breed was developed in the state of Rhode Island. The aim is to develop a hardy and productive chicken suitable for both meat and egg production.
Meet the Rhode Island Red Rooster. They have excellent qualities with multiple traits.
Cool Looks
The Rhode Island Red Rooster impresses with deep, bright red feathers that shine in the sunlight. His fiery comb and wattles add an extra touch, making him look super cool.
Sturdy Bird
Known for his toughness, the Rhode Island Red Rooster is strong and can handle different types of weather. Whether it’s super cold or really hot, he stays robust and resilient.
Leader Vibes
This rooster exudes leadership with his loud crowing and confident strutting. He naturally takes charge and sets the tone for the flock.
Does It All
Rhode Island Red Roosters have good-sized bodies, making them versatile for both egg and meat production. They are not just egg layers; they’re excellent for meat too!
Friendly Buddy
Beyond their toughness, these roosters are also friendly and curious. They contribute to making the chicken coop an enjoyable and lively place for everyone.
2. Leghorn Rooster
The Leghorn Rooster was founded back in the 1800s in Italy and later came to the United States. if you ever spot a rooster with white feathers and a large comb, it’s probably a Leghorn Rooster. The special bird in American farming history!
Meet the Leghorn Rooster! Another tough adult male in the chicken world!
Appearance or Looks
The Leghorn Rooster is a unique chicken with sleek, white feathers. It stands out with a big comb on its head, making it look sharp and ready.
Wake-Up Call
Imagine having a rooster as your morning alarm! That’s the Leghorn. It crows loudly, telling everyone it’s time to wake up and start the day.
Egg Protector
The Leghorn Rooster keeps a watchful eye on the eggs. While the hens lay lots of white eggs, this rooster makes sure everything is safe around the coop.
Always Active
This rooster is full of energy. It’s always moving around, checking things out, and making sure everything is okay in the chicken world.
Less Meat
While Leghorns are excellent at laying eggs, they have lean bodies. So, they’re not the best choice if you want a rooster for meat.
3. Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock)
Back in the 1800s, smart farmers mixed different chickens to develop the Plymouth Rock breed. That’s how these cool roosters with unique stripes came to be.
However, meet the male Plymouth Rock, also known as Barred Rock. See the traits that you may love.
Cool Looks
These roosters are like referees in the chicken world, easy to spot with their black and white stripes. They stand out and look awesome in the flock.
Dual-Purpose
Male Plymouth Rocks are not just good-looking; they’re helpful too. They’re great for both meat and eggs, doing double duty on the farm.
Friendly Guys
These roosters are not just about work; they’re friendly too. Male Plymouth Rocks are easygoing and nice, making them good buddies on the farm.
4. Brahma Breed
The Brahma breed originated in the United States in the mid-1800s, with roots traced back to chickens from China. This breed was carefully developed, creating roosters known for their impressive size and gentle nature.
See what sets them apart –
Distinctive Features
Brahma roosters are like gentle giants. They stand out with their big size, feathery legs, and unique appearance. They’re friendly and calm, making them awesome additions to any group of chickens.
Versatile Duo
Male Brahmas aren’t just friendly but also great at doing two jobs. They can make meat and help to lay eggs. Also, they’re easy to handle and adaptable. So, the breed is super useful on farms and in backyard flocks.
Cold-Hardy Champions
Brahma roosters handle cold weather like champs. Because they have feathery legs and thick feathers.
5. Sussex Breed
Sussex roosters come from England and have been around for many centuries. They were well-known for being friendly and laying a lot of eggs, playing a vital role on traditional farms.
Good Features
Sussex roosters are famous for their striking looks, coming in various colors like white, red, and speckled. They have an upright stance, bright red combs, and wattles, making them charming and reliable additions to any flock.
Dual-Purpose Wonders
Male Sussex roosters are great at both laying eggs and providing quality meat. They are versatile and calm, making them valuable for backyard flocks and farms.
Adaptable and Resilient
Sussex roosters can handle different climates, being hardy birds that thrive in both cold and hot weather. This makes them suitable for various environments.
6. Barbu D’Uccle Rooster
Barbu D’Uccle roosters come from Belgium and have a history that goes back many years. They became popular in 1894. These small and ornamental birds were developed for their delightful appearance and friendly nature.
Uniqueness
Barbu D’Uccle roosters are known for their small size and fluffy feathers, resembling little balls of fluff. They have beards and feathered feet, adding a unique and ornamental touch to any flock.
Friendly Companions
Apart from looking good, Barbu D’Uccle roosters are friendly and docile, making them excellent companions. So, consider them one of the quietest roosters. They are great for smaller backyard settings, where their charming personalities shine.
Adaptable in Size and Color
Barbu D’Uccle roosters come in various colors, making them adaptable and suitable for different living environments, whether rural or urban.
7. German Langshan Male Rooster
German Langshan roosters have their roots in China and gained popularity in Germany for their impressive size and dual-purpose capabilities.
Features of this Breed
These roosters are known for their tall and elegant stature, with shiny black feathers giving them a sleek appearance. They stand out as both ornamental and practical additions to a flock.
Dual-Purpose Excellence
German Langshan roosters excel in both meat and egg production, making them valuable for farms and homesteads. Despite their large size, they have a calm and gentle temperament.
Gentle Giants
Despite their size, German Langshan roosters are calm and gentle, making them easy to handle. This makes them a good fit for backyard flocks with a docile demeanor.
8. Australorp Breed
Australorp roosters come from Australia and have a remarkable history. Bred from English Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, and Minorcas, they were developed to be exceptional egg layers.
Distinctive Features
Australorp roosters boast sleek, black feathers that shimmer with a greenish hue in the sunlight. Their upright posture and bright red combs make them striking in any flock.
Egg-Laying Champions
Known for their outstanding egg-laying abilities, Australorp roosters are reliable contributors to egg production. They are not just productive but also exhibit a friendly and calm disposition.
Adaptable and Resilient
Australorps can adapt to various climates, making them suitable for a range of environments. Their hardiness, coupled with their docile nature, makes them popular for both backyard poultry keepers and commercial farms.
9. Orpington Rooster
Orpington roosters originate from England, created in the late 1800s by crossing Minorcas, Langshans, and Plymouth Rocks. They were initially bred for poultry purposes. For example – meat and egg production.
Distinctive Features
Orpington roosters are known for their large size and fluffy, soft feathers, coming in various colors like black, blue, buff, and white. They are friendly roosters with calm demeanor. So, it makes them popular for backyard flocks and exhibitions.
Dual-Purpose Birds
Renowned for their dual-purpose qualities, Orpington roosters are excellent for both meat and egg production. Their substantial size adds value as a meat bird, while their reliable egg-laying capabilities make them versatile additions to poultry farms.
Docile and Family-Friendly
Orpington roosters are characterized by their docility and friendly nature. They form strong bonds with human caretakers, making them suitable for families seeking a sociable and gentle rooster.
10. Wyandotte Rooster Chicken
Wyandotte roosters originate from the United States and have a history dating back to the 1870s. Named after the Wyandot Native American tribe, they were created by crossing several breeds, including the Dark Brahmas and the Spangled Hamburgs, to create a dual-purpose bird.
Distinctive Features
Wyandotte roosters are recognized for their sturdy build and distinctive laced feather pattern. Available in various colors, including silver, gold, and blue laced. So, they present a beautiful and eye-catching appearance in any flock. Get this one if you need any multi-colored rooster.
Dual-Purpose Excellence
One of the key features of Wyandotte roosters is their dual-purpose nature. They are both excellent meat birds and reliable egg layers, making them valuable additions to farms seeking efficiency in both areas.
Cold-Hardy and Adaptable
With their compact bodies and feathering, Wyandotte roosters are known for their resilience in cold climates. Their adaptability to different environments makes them a popular choice for poultry keepers across various regions.
11. Welsummer Breed
Welsummer roosters hail from the Netherlands, with a history tracing back several decades. Developed in the early 20th century, they were selectively bred from local Dutch fowl, Rhode Island Reds, and Leghorns.
Distinctive Features
Welsummer roosters are recognized for their eye-catching appearance, boasting beautiful and intricate speckled feathers in shades of red, brown, and gold. They contribute a vibrant and rustic charm to any flock.
Egg-Laying and Meat Qualities
While Welsummers are known for their egg-laying prowess, the roosters also have decent meat qualities. Their dual-purpose nature makes them valuable for both egg production and, to a lesser extent, meat consumption.
Friendly Disposition
Welsummer roosters often exhibit friendly and calm temperaments, making them suitable for backyard flocks and family environments. Their approachable nature adds to their overall appeal as both practical and amiable poultry.
12. Easter Egger Rooster
Easter Eggers are a hybrid chicken breed originating in South America. They are a cross between the Ameraucana and Araucana breeds, introduced to the United States in the early 20th century.
Features You May Like
Easter Egger roosters exhibit a range of feather colors and patterns, making each unique. Their vibrant appearance adds a cheerful and diverse element to any flock, appealing to poultry enthusiasts seeking a touch of variety.
Egg-Laying Diversity
The standout feature of Easter Eggers is the ability to lay eggs in unconventional colors. And here the roosters are the protectors of hens and chicks. Get them if you need one of the best roosters breeds for protection.
Friendly and Amiable
Known for their friendly and sociable nature, Easter Egger roosters are often favored as pets. Their amiable disposition makes them approachable, particularly for those who appreciate a more interactive relationship with their poultry.
13. Delaware Breed
Delaware roosters originate from the United States and have a history dating back to the early 20th century. This breed has bred from a mix of Plymouth Rock and New Hampshire Red chickens. they were developed to be efficient dual-purpose birds focusing on both meat and egg production.
Unique Features
Delaware roosters exhibit a clean and striking appearance with their white feathers, often adorned with distinctive black barring. Their neat and uniform plumage adds to their visual appeal in backyard flocks and on farms.
Dual-Purpose Excellence
One of the standout qualities of Delaware roosters is their dual-purpose nature. They are known for producing both quality meat and eggs, making them practical and valuable contributors to a variety of poultry operations.
Friendly and Docile Temperament
Delaware roosters are recognized for their friendly and docile temperament. Their calm nature makes them easy to handle, particularly in situations where a more approachable rooster is desired.
14. Serama Rooster Breed
Serama roosters hail from Malaysia and are a distinct and miniature breed, often referred to as the world’s smallest chickens. Originating in the early 2000s, they were selectively bred for their small size and friendly temperament.
Distinctive Features
Serama roosters are known for their tiny stature, making them the smallest chicken breed globally. Despite their size, they exhibit a range of colors and feather patterns, contributing to their ornamental appeal. So, you can keep the breed in the list of the most beautiful rooster breeds.
Pet-Friendly Nature
Recognized for their amiable and docile disposition, Serama roosters are often kept as pets. Their small size and friendly nature make them suitable for individuals or families seeking feathered companions in a more confined space.
Adaptability and Popularity
Serama roosters have gained popularity globally for their unique size and sociable nature. They adapt well to various living environments, making them sought-after among poultry enthusiasts and those looking for charming backyard pets.
15. Cochin Breed
Cochin roosters have their origins in China, dating back to the 1800s. They were first introduced to the Western world in the mid-19th century and quickly gained popularity for their distinctive appearance and gentle nature.
Distinctive Features
Known for their fluffy and abundant feathers, Cochin roosters have a distinctive and eye-catching appearance. They come in various colors, including buff, black, blue, and white, contributing to their ornamental charm.
Ornamental Appeal
Cochin roosters are primarily celebrated for their ornamental value. Their large size, feathered legs, and round, fluffy bodies make them stand out in exhibitions and backyard flocks, adding a touch of elegance.
Temperament
Cochins are recognized for their calm and friendly temperament. Their gentle nature makes them suitable for families and individuals looking for roosters.
Take a look at this beautiful breed!
16. Silkie Rooster
Silkie roosters originally come from China, dating back to the 13th century. People in the Western world first discovered them in the early 1800s and were fascinated by their unique qualities.
Distinctive Features
Silkie roosters are famous for their soft and fluffy feathers that feel like fur, different from other chicken breeds. They come in various colors, such as black, white, blue, and buff, making them quite eye-catching.
Ornamental Charm
People keep Silkies mainly for their decorative appeal. They look striking, and their friendly nature makes them popular for shows and as pets. The softness of their feathers adds to their charm.
Friendly and Docile Nature
Silkie roosters are known for being calm and friendly. This makes them great for families and anyone looking for a rooster that’s not only interesting to look at but also easy to handle.
17. Gamefowl Breed
Gamefowl roosters have a history that connects them to the Indian red jungle fowl. So, consider them the ancestor of all domestic chickens. The sport of breeding these roosters for certain traits started in ancient times in India, China, Persia, and later in Greece.
Distinctive Features
Gamefowl roosters stand out due to their athletic build, upright posture, and vibrant plumage. They often look like they’re ready for a game, with sharp features.
Competitive Sports
These roosters were historically bred for cockfighting. But now is banned in many places. Efforts have been made to find more humane uses for these birds, appreciating their unique qualities.
However, if you are searching for the best rooster breeds for fighting, Gamefowl roosters are champions!
Versatility and Adaptability
Gamefowl roosters, thanks to their selective breeding, show adaptability and versatility. Some people keep them for their unique appearance, appreciating their special characteristics.
18. Sebright Rooster Breed
Sebright roosters originated in England in the 19th century. Sir John Sebright created them to be small and ornamental, with distinctive laced feathers, making them look quite attractive.
Distinctive Features
Sebright roosters are easily recognizable because of their small size, unique laced feathers, and striking appearance. They come in colors like silver and gold, adding to their ornamental value.
Ornamental Breed
People love Sebright roosters mainly for their decorative qualities. Their special feathers and small bodies make them favorites in poultry exhibitions.
Gentle and Sociable
Despite their small size, Sebright roosters are friendly and sociable. This makes them suitable for families or individuals looking for a charming rooster for their backyard.
See the video about this gentle rooster breed.
19. Faverolles Rooster
Faverolles roosters have their roots in France, starting in the 1860s. Bred in the village of Faverolles, they were designed to be both good for meat and egg production, as well as having a unique appearance and friendly nature.
Features of this Breed
Faverolles roosters are known for their bearded appearance, fluffy feathers, and gentle nature. They come in various colors like salmon, white, and black, making them quite charming.
Dual-Purpose Qualities
One of the special things about Faverolles roosters is that they are good for both meat and egg production. This makes them valuable for farms that want versatile poultry.
Friendly and Sociable
Faverolles roosters are often loved for being friendly and sociable. They are easy to approach, making them great for families and anyone wanting a rooster for their backyard.
Recommended Readings:
- How Long Do Roosters Live
- Fancy Feather Foot Chicken Breeds
- The Quietest Chicken Breeds
- Most Aggressive Chicken Breeds
FAQs
Check the related questions to know more facts about rooster chicken breeds.
Q. Does the breed of rooster matter?
Yes, the breed of a rooster can matter based on your specific needs. Different breeds have distinct characteristics, such as temperament, size, and egg-laying abilities. Some breeds are known for being more docile, while others may be better for meat or egg production.
Q. How do I choose a rooster?
When choosing a rooster, consider factors like the breed’s temperament, your purpose (meat, eggs, or ornamental), and the rooster’s health. Look for a rooster that fits well with your flock, and observe its behavior to ensure it aligns with your preferences.
Q. Will 2 roosters always fight?
Not necessarily, but it depends on the individual roosters and the available space. In confined spaces with limited hens, roosters may become territorial and more likely to fight. Providing ample space, and multiple hens, and monitoring their behavior can help minimize aggression.
Q. Can roosters be happy without hens?
Yes, roosters can be happy without hens, especially if they have ample space, enrichment, and interaction with humans. However, their instincts and behaviors may be more fulfilled in the presence of hens.
Q. What age do roosters start mating usually?
Roosters typically reach sexual maturity around 5 to 6 months of age. However, the exact age can vary among breeds. Signs of maturity include crowing, courtship behaviors, and mating with hens.
Conclusion
Choosing the Best Rooster Breeds depends on what you like and need. Different breeds have special qualities, like being friendly, looking pretty, or being good for meat or eggs. Things like how they act, their size, and how well they adapt are important in choosing the right one.
Whether you like the Silkie’s cool looks or the Faverolles’ ability to do different things, it’s essential to know about them. I hope I’ve given you good information about all the popular roosters.
