When it comes to backyard chickens, size matters. Not only do larger breeds tend to be more imposing and majestic, but they also have the potential to produce more eggs and meat. If you’re on the hunt for some towering poultry to add to your coop, look no further than these top 10 tallest chicken breeds.
“The chicken is a wise bird. It only cackles when it lays an egg.”
– African Proverb
| Breed | Height (inches) | Average Weight (lbs) | Egg Production | Personality |
| Jersey Giant | 28-34 | Hens: 13 / Roosters: 16 | High | Docile |
| Malay | 28-32 | Hens: 13/ Roosters; 15 | Medium | Aggressive |
| Langshan | 26-30 | Hens: 9 / Roosters: 11 | Medium | Calm |
| Brahmas | 25-29 | Hens: 9 / Roosters: 12 | High | Docile |
| Australorp | 24-28 | Hens: 8.5 / Roosters: 10 | High | Friendly |
| Plymouth Rock | 24-28 | Hens: 8 / Roosters: 11 | High | Calm |
| Sussex | 24-28 | Hens: 8 / Roosters: 10 | High | Friendly |
| Orpington | 24-28 | Hens: 8 / Roosters: 12 | High | Gentle |
| Cochin | 22-26 | Hens: 7.5 / Roosters: 11 | High | Docile |
| Plymouth Barred Rock | 22-26 | Hens: 7.5 / Roosters: 10 | High | Calm |
| Leghorn | 21-25 | Hens: 7 / Roosters: 9 | High | Active |
Jersey Giant
As its name suggests, the Jersey Giant is the largest breed of chicken in the world. Originating in New Jersey in the late 19th century, these birds were bred to be an alternative to beef, and they can reach up to 13 pounds for hens and a whopping 16 pounds for roosters.
How tall is the Jersey Giant Chicken?
The Jersey Giant is the tallest chicken breed in the world, with hens averaging around 28-34 inches in height and roosters reaching up to 36 inches.
Jersey Giants are known for their docile temperament and impressive egg production, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced chicken keepers.
Malay (Tallest Chicken Breeds?)
Malay chickens are a large breed that is known for their impressive size and powerful build.
How tall is the Malay chicken breed?
On average, Malay hens reach a height of around 28-30 inches, while roosters can reach up to 34 inches. These birds are native to Malaysia and are known for their active, athletic nature and striking appearance, with long, slender legs and a large, upright tail.
In addition to their size, Malay chickens are known for their egg production and make good choices for backyard flocks. They are also known for their hardy nature and can thrive in a variety of environments.
Langshan
The Langshan is a popular breed in Asia, but it has gained fans around the globe for its striking appearance and egg production.
How tall is the Langshan Chicken breed?
On average, hens of this breed reach a height of around 26-30 inches, while roosters can reach up to 32 inches.
Hens can reach up to 9 pounds, while roosters can top out at 11 pounds. Langshans have long, slender legs and a sleek, black feathering that gives them a sophisticated look. They are also known for their intelligence and calm disposition, making them a good choice for those who prefer more laid-back birds.
Brahmas
Brahmas are another large breed that originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. These chickens are known for their fluffy, feather-covered feet and peaceful personality. Hens can reach up to 9 pounds, while roosters can top out at a hefty 12 pounds. Brahmas are excellent egg layers and can produce up to 280 eggs per year.
How tall is the Brahma chicken breed?
On average, Brahma hens reach a height of around 25-29 inches, while roosters can reach up to 32 inches.
Australorp
Originating in Australia, the Australorp is a popular breed for both egg production and show. These birds have shiny, black feathers and a friendly disposition.
Hens can reach up to 8.5 pounds, while roosters can top out at 10 pounds. Australorps are known for their ability to lay eggs consistently, with some individuals producing over 300 eggs per year.
How tall is the Australorp chicken breed?
On average, Australorp hens reach a height of around 24-28 inches, while roosters can reach up to 30 inches.
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Plymouth Rock
The Plymouth Rock is a classic American breed that has been popular among backyard chicken keepers for generations.
These birds are known for their calm disposition and reliable egg production. Hens can reach up to 8 pounds, while roosters can top out at a hefty 11 pounds. Plymouth Rocks come in a variety of colors, including barred, white, and buff.
How tall is the Plymouth Rock chicken breed?
Plymouth Rock hens reach a height of around 24-28 inches, while roosters can reach up to 30 inches
Sussex
The Sussex is an English breed that is prized for its egg production and friendly personality. Hens can reach up to 8 pounds, while roosters can top out at 10 pounds. Sussex chickens come in a variety of colors, including red, white, and brown.
These birds are also known for their active, curious nature, making them a good choice for those who want a more interactive flock.
How tall is the Sussex chicken breed?
Typically, Sussex hens reach a height of around 24-28 inches, while roosters can reach up to 30 inches.
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Orpington
The Orpington is another large English breed that is known for its gentle disposition and egg production. Hens can reach up to 8 pounds, while roosters can top out at a hefty 12 pounds.
How tall is the Orpington chicken breed?
Usually, Orpington hens reach a height of around 24-28 inches, while roosters can reach up to 30 inches.
Orpingtons come in a variety of colors, including black, white, and blue, and they have a distinctive fluffy feathering that gives them a soft, gentle appearance. These birds are known for their ability to thrive in both hot and cold climates, making them a versatile choice for chicken keepers around the world.
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Cochin
The Cochin is a Chinese breed that is known for its fluffy feathering and docile personality. Hens can reach up to 7.5 pounds, while roosters can top out at a hefty 11 pounds.
How tall is the Cochin chicken breed?
Commonly, Cochin hens reach a height of around 22-26 inches, while roosters can reach up to 28 inches.
Cochins come in a variety of colors, including black, white, and brown, and they are known for their ability to tolerate cold weather. These birds are also excellent mothers and often make good foster mothers for other breeds.
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Plymouth Barred Rock
The Plymouth Barred Rock is a hybrid breed that is a cross between the Plymouth Rock and the Barred Rock. These birds are known for their egg production and calm disposition. Hens can reach up to 7.5 pounds, while roosters can top out at 10 pounds.
How tall is the Plymouth Barred Rock chicken breed?
Ordinarily, Plymouth Barred Rock hens reach a height of around 22-26 inches, while roosters can reach up to 28 inches.
Plymouth Barred Rocks have a distinctive barred feathering pattern and are popular among backyard chicken keepers for their adaptability and hardiness.
Leghorn
The Leghorn is an Italian breed that is known for its high egg production and active personality. Hens can reach up to 7 pounds, while roosters can top out at 9 pounds.
How tall is the Leghorn chicken breed?
Leghorn hens reach a height of around 21-25 inches, while roosters can reach up to 28 inches.
Leghorns come in a variety of colors, including white, brown, and red, and they are known for their slender build and energetic nature. These birds are also great foragers and can thrive in a free-range setting.
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FAQ
How big is an Amish chicken?
It is not accurate to say that all Amish chickens are a specific size, as there is a wide range of chicken breeds that are raised by Amish farmers. The size of an individual Amish chicken would depend on the breed of the chicken and could range from small to large.
The Amish are known for their traditional farming practices and often raise chickens for both eggs and meat. Some common chicken breeds that are popular among Amish farmers include Plymouth Rocks, Jersey Giants, and Australorps, which are all medium to large breeds.
How tall can a chicken get?
The height of a chicken can vary depending on the breed and individual bird. In general, larger chicken breeds tend to be taller than smaller breeds, but there can be quite a bit of variation even within a single breed.
The tallest chicken breed in the world is the Jersey Giant, with hens averaging around 28-34 inches in height and roosters reaching up to 36 inches. Other tall chicken breeds include the Langshan, Brahmas, and Australorp, which typically reach heights of around 26-30 inches for hens and 28-32 inches for roosters.
It’s important to note that these are just estimates and the actual height of a particular bird may vary. In addition, it’s worth noting that the height of a chicken can be affected by factors such as diet, genetics, and environment.
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How tall is the Índio Gigante chicken?
Índio Gigante chickens are a large breed that is known for their impressive size and good egg production. On average, Índio Gigante hens reach a height of around 28-30 inches, while roosters can reach up to 34 inches. These birds are native to South America and are known for their calm disposition and striking appearance, with long, slender legs and a large, upright tail.
How big is a Sultan chicken?
Sultan chickens are a small to medium breed that is known for their striking appearance and good egg production. On average, Sultan hens reach a height of around 20-24 inches, while roosters can reach up to 26 inches. These birds are native to Turkey and are known for their unusual crest of feathers on their head and their striking appearance.
In addition to their size, Sultan chickens are known for their good egg production and calm disposition. They are also hardy birds and can thrive in a variety of environments.
Oldest chicken ever recorded
The oldest chicken ever recorded was a hen named Matilda, who lived to be 16 years and 4 months old. Matilda was owned by a family in Australia and was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest chicken in the world.
Chickens typically have a lifespan of 5-10 years, so Matilda was a very exceptional chicken. She was known for her friendly personality and enjoyed being around people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many breeds of chickens that are known for their impressive size and height. From the towering Jersey Giant to the elegant Langshan, these breeds offer a wide range of options for those who are interested in raising large birds.
Whether you are looking for good egg production, a docile personality, or a striking appearance, there is a tall chicken breed to suit your needs. By considering factors such as egg production, personality, and adaptability, you can choose the best breed for your backyard flock.
references:
https://www.facebook.com/greenfirefarms/videos/1193337467741043/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malay_chicken
http://afs.okstate.edu/breeds/poultry/chickens/jerseygiant/index.html/
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-60
Shannon Stansberry has been engaged in the business of raising chickens for more than 12 years. In 2016, she accomplished the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. At present, she tends to more than 80 chickens on her 4-hectare farm. Shannon regularly shares her insights and experience on how to raise healthy and contented chickens on the platform Typesofchickens.com
