Giant Chicken Breeds - Experts Reveal the Top 10!😱

Size matters, whatever they say! When it comes to eggs 🥚– bigger is better. When it comes to chickens – big birds are the bomb! Giant chickens come with scaled-up benefits, so don't rule them out, ship them in!

You've landed here because you're intrigued by these big-bottomed beauties, and rightly so. Take a perch and I'll answer all your Jurassic-sized-chicken questions before introducing you to each of the giant chicken breeds, speed-dating style. Get your lippy on ladies.

Sneak peek: here are just 5 of the 10 Giant Chicken Breeds we will discuss in detail further down:

1. Jersey Giant
2. The Brahma
3. The Cochin
4. Cornish Game
5. Orpington

What's Coming Up:

• Are Giant Chickens Real?
• What Is a Giant Chicken Breed?
• Is the Brahma the Largest Breed of Chicken?
• What Is the Largest Breed of Chicken?
• Which Chicken Breed is the Tallest?
• Are Giant Chickens More Aggressive?
• Are Giant Chickens Safe with Kids?
• Do Giant Chickens Lay Large Eggs?
• Are Giant Chicken Breeds Suitable for Beginners?
• How Do I House a Giant Chicken Breed?
• An Introduction to The Ten Largest Chicken Breeds

 

Lots of giant breeds are less popular than they should be because people are frankly terrified of the thought of a massive, hulk-sized chicken trampling their flocks and eating their cars. Let's get some perspective.

They're not actually that big.

Giant chickens are generally great pets and egg-cellent layers, plus they're candy for the camera lens. They're a brilliant show-stopper choice and I'll be a bit miffed if you don't at least consider homing one.

If you're wondering if these sizable squawkers suit you, you'll soon know everything you need to know to make that call. Let's find out which of these beefy birds are right for your home.

Are Giant Chickens Real?

Have you been frowning suspiciously at footage of giant chickens on YouTube, wondering just how much editing was involved in those unlikely images? Guess what. They're real! These super-sized chickens are out there looking for big-hearted keepers to take them in, keep their numbers up and their souls smiling. 

What Is a Giant Chicken Breed?

The consensus on this tends to be that a chicken breed weighing over 9lbs on average counts as a Giant breed. We'll focus on the breeds that fit this bill for now, but don't forget that there are loads of large breeds which are still egg-ceptionally sturdy and generous on the egg front!

Is the Brahma the Largest Breed of Chicken?

Nope! Loads of people think that the Brahma Chicken comes up top in the size charts, but that's not actually the case. They're a very close runner-up, and some beef-cake Brahmas like the Guinness World Record Breaker, Little John, have matched and even topped the average size of the largest breed.

And the winner is…chicken drummer role please …

What Is the Largest Breed of Chicken?

The Jersey Giant is the largest chicken in town😱…well, in the world to be accurate. Weighing in at up to 15 lbs she's a beast of a bird and the perfect eggs-ample of a gentle giant. You'll learn all about her in a moment.

Which Chicken Breed is the Tallest?

The Malay Chicken has earned it's perch on this blog as the tallest chicken breed in the world, standing at – a frankly ridiculous – 30 to 36 inches tall! They're a super aggressive breed and are bred to fight.  Talk about featherweight fighters.

Are Giant Chickens More Aggressive?

No. Don't be so judgy, you! Whilst there are the odd aggressive breeds in this category (I'm talking about you, Mr. Malay), bigger birds are generally much more relaxed than smaller breeds. They don't have anything to prove, and you won't be subject to any cringey displays of little-man syndrome.

Are Giant Chickens Safe with Kids?

Their docile and relaxed temperament often makes them perfect-pet material. Most giant chicken breeds aren't flighty or fighty, and they seem to genuinely love a cuddle. Your human chicks will have feathered friends for life with some of these giant gals.😍

Do Giant Chickens Lay Large Eggs?

They don't pop out peewees, that's for sure! These heavy-weight hens lay medium-large, large, or even jumbo-sized eggs. Bonus, hey! You'd better get that recipe book ready as you'll need lots of ideas to make the most of these scrummy eggs.

Curvy chickens are also a bit on the clumsy side, especially the Dong Tao, she's such a clutz. They can crush their eggs before you can gather them, so wake up early and get in there quick if you don't want your eggs pre- scrambled.

Are Giant Chicken Breeds Suitable for Beginners?

Worried you're not ready for a giant breed of chicken, or anything giant for that matter? Well, you're wrong. Most giant chickens are much better suited to beginners and family homes than smaller breeds.

How Do I House a Giant Chicken Breed?

 Giant chickens need some significant real estate. Time to pimp up your coop. You'll need larger, taller coops, plenty of safe space to roam and graze, strong and low perch bars so they can hop on up without any risk of injury, and doors wide enough for larger ladies to exit with grace.

I'd massively recommend a little research on coop options, as coops are certainly not a one size fits all purchase. Choosing the right home for your hens makes a huge difference to their health, happiness, and egg yield. Check out Chickenpedia's crash coop course!

Now, let's meet these mammoth mamas!

These ten giant breeds are undeniably HUGE on the poultry scale. I cannot wait to introduce you. Who will you take home?

1. The Jersey Giant Chicken

The 13-15lb Jersey Giant Chicken is truly the gentle giant of the poultry world. They're big-bottomed and big-hearted birds: an amazing breed that ticks all the barnyard boxes. The fact that they hold the title of the world's biggest chicken breed is just one of their too-cool-for-school traits.

They've nothing to prove so they're calm, friendly, even affectionate. They're great with kids and other breeds and they're reliable layers of whopper eggs all year round. I struggle to know why there isn't one in every yard!

The Jersey Giant in an eggshell:

• Average Hen: 11 lbs
• Average Rooster: 13-15 lbs
• Height: Up to 26 inches
• Origin: New Jersey
• Temperament: Friendly & Affectionate
• Use: Dual-Purpose
• Egg Size: Large-Jumbo
• Annual Egg Yield: 280

You want one, don't you? I get it, They're fab. Learn all about this Jersey gem here.

2. The Brahma Chicken

If you thought Brahmas were the largest breed of chicken you're not alone. They're such a close runner-up that they can sometimes be bigger than the Jersey Giant on a one-to-one basis.  The Brahma is a stunner to watch with your morning brew in hand. Despite being a larger lass she's still elegant and calm. The Brahma is a friendly breed suited to families and flocks of multiple breeds.

This lass flips the egg when it comes to laying and is better suited to colder climates. She'll lay more in the winter than she does in the summer. Not a spring chicken, apparently!

The Brahma in an eggshell:

• Average Hen: 8-10 lbs
• Average Roster: 12-15 lbs
• Height: Up to 30 inches
• Origin: China
• Temperament: Calm & Docile
• Use: Dual-Purpose
• Egg Size: Medium-Large
• Annual Egg Yield: 150

3. The Cochin Chicken

They're soooo fluffy! Being fabulously feathery from head to toe (yeah, even their legs and feet) makes them crazy-level cuddly. They love their humans and make great pets. The Cochin chicken can be spotted snuggled up to toddlers or even riding around in a stroller. They're leisurely, laid-back beauties with a mañana attitude. They're in no rush to get anywhere fast, so they're relatively happy in confinement. Pet-poultry material, this one!

The Cochin in an eggshell:

• Average Hen Weight: 8-9 lbs
• Average Rooster Weight: 11 lbs
• Height: Up to 26 inches
• Origin: Vietnam and China
• Temperament: Super Friendly
• Use: Ornamental
• Egg Size: Medium-Large
• Annual Egg Yield. 150-180

4. The Cornish Game Chicken

Sometimes known as Indian Game Chicken, this bird is a bit of a bruiser. They're aggressive with humans and not very tolerant of other breeds. They look hard as nails too with their threatening walk and close-knit feathers which show off their muscle. They're impressive for sure, and great for meat, but not a family-friendly pick.

The Cornish Game Chicken in an eggshell:

• Average Hen Weight: 9.5 pounds
• Average Rooster Weight: 10.5 pounds
• Height: Up to 20 inches
• Origin: Cornwall, United Kingdom
• Temperament: Aggressive
• Use: Dual-Purpose but Primarily Meat
• Egg Size: Medium-Large
• Annual Egg Yield: 50-80

5. The Orpington Chicken

Another cuddly beast who'll fit easily into any pre-established flock. By that I mean personality-wise, physically she won't fit easily into an average-sized coop at all – she's a big gal.  The Orpington is also a fab mummy and when she's allowed to get broody, she parents really well. If your own human brood is driving you loopy you might be able to pick up some parenting tips from this mama, just don't sit on your own offspring, they won't like it.

The Orpington Chicken in an eggshell:

• Average Hen Weight: 5 -7 lbs
• Average Rooster Weight: 8 - 10 lbs
• Height: Up to 16 inches
• Origin: Kent, United Kingdom
• Temperament: Friendly
• Use: Dual Purpose
• Egg Size: Medium-Large
• Annual Egg Yield: 175 - 200

6. The Dong Tao Chicken

Seriously, stop staring, it's rude! Ever seen a chicken with cankles? This chicken isn't generally giant in size but weighs so much because of her hefty feet. The Dong Tao chicken has ankles the size of a human wrist, so it's comical, clumsy walk is kinda understandable! It's hard not to look, but she's a mega-friendly fowl and won't take it personally. In fact, she'd rather like a cuddle.

Sometimes known as the Dragon Chicken, this breed is said to be the tastiest chicken in town – we're talking mega-pricey poultry here. Whilst they're relatively good layers - in quality, not quantity - their clumsy feet often trample eggs meaning many eggs never make it to the plate.

The Dong Tao Chicken in an eggshell:

• Average Hen Weight: 9-10 lbs
• Average Rooster Weight: 12-13 lbs
• Origin: Vietnam
• Temperament: Friendly
• Use: Meat
• Egg Size: Large
• Egg Yield: 50-60

7. The Malay Chicken

Here we have the tallest chicken in the coop and the mardiest! Knowing that this 90cm tall chicken (what the cluck?!) is aggressive and may attack if it fancies means I would certainly be kicking up dust running in the opposite direction. Bred for battle this chicken is a fighter, not a lover.

The Malay Chicken in an eggshell:

• Average Hen Weight: 9lbs
• Average Rooster Weight: 10-11lbs
• Height: 30 - 36 inches
• Origin: Vietnam
• Temperament: Aggressive
• Use: Meat
• Egg Size: Large
• Egg Yield: 70-120

8. The Australorp Chicken

The Australian Black Orpington, or Australorp chicken, is known for its rather regal walk. You'll spot them parading their booty around as if they're king (or queen) of the coop, but in reality, they're so mild-mannered that they're mid-rank in the pecking order. They can even come across as a bit bashful to start with but will soon start following at your heels in the hope of a tasty treat. 

The Australorp is a beautiful, calm, well-mannered breed with no desire to start a barny with other birds. They need their exercise though, or they tend to pile on the pounds. I know the feeling.

The Australorp Chicken in an eggshell:

• Average Hen Weight: 5 - 8 lbs
• Average Rooster Weight: 8 - 10 lbs
• Height: Up to 27.5 inches
• Origin: Australian
• Temperament: Hardy and docile
• Use: Dual Purpose
• Egg Size: Medium
• Annual Egg Yield: 300 

9. The New Hampshire Red Chicken

Here's one unpredictable red-head hen for you. These mid-weight birds do have to make themselves heard so whilst they can be mild of manner, they can also get mega mardy at a moment's notice, especially if they're food-guarding from other breeds. They're super sturdy birds, voluptuous and cold hardy. They make for a thrifty, dual-purpose bird as they'll forage all day long if you let them and keep your feed bill in check.

The New Hampshire Red in an eggshell:

• Average Hen Weight: 6lbs
• Average Rooster Weight: 8 lbs
• Height: Up to 17 inches
• Origin: U.S.A.
• Temperament: Aggressive
• Use: Dual-Purpose
• Egg Size: Medium
• Annual Egg Yield: 250 - 300 

10. The Rhode Island Red Chicken

Maybe it's a redhead thing? This deep-mahogany beauty can also be a tad unpredictable. They're generally big-hearted and friendly with other chickens and humans, but you can a grouchy from time to time, especially the roosters. They're real characters though, so I can't help but forgive them a bit of sass from time to time.

The Rhode Island Red Chicken in an eggshell:

• Average Hen Weight: 6-7lbs
• Average Rooster Weight: 8.5 -9 lbs
• Height: Up to 16 inches
• Origin: U.S.A.
• Temperament: Friendly
• Use: Dual-Purpose
• Egg Size: Medium
• Annual Egg Yield: 300

What Are The Largest of The Large Breeds?

Technically, these breeds aren't giant they're 'just' large…very large! They're such sizeable souls that the occasional well-built specimen will tip the scales into giant territory, so I think they've earned a runners-up mention!

The Delaware Chicken is a healthy 8lbs on average and a family-friendly chicken full of personality. They are closely followed by the sociable Barred Rock Chicken who weighs in at 7lbs on average. Both large breeds lay a very satisfactory 300 eggs per year.

Giant Chicken Breeds Rule. Are We Right? Comment On Your Favourite Heavyweight Breed Below

Opening your heart and home to a giant chicken breed is eggs-tremely rewarding. With the odd mardy-egg amongst them, larger breeds are generally friendly, docile, and easy to handle – the opposite of what you might think!

Sure, they'll need more feed and space, but they'll thank you for your hospitality with a sustainable source of sizey free-range eggs and a friend for life. They're magnificent and comical creatures…I can sit and watch them for hours, and I often do.

Choosing the right breed for your coop, or the right coop for your breed can feel daunting. Where to even start? Whether you’re an eggs-pert adding to your feathery family, or a beginner in need of an idiots guide to keeping chickens, Chickenpedia offers some cracking crash course to kit you out and ease your mind.

Once you subscribe, you'll bag yourself access to every single course, unlimited advice, go-to-guides, and much more. It's a one-stop shop for everything you'll need: all the good stuff in easy-to-follow formats. Chuck out the outdated books and click into Chickenpedia!