If you are looking to add some flair to your flock, several ornamental and exotic breeds offer striking aesthetics while still being accessible through major hatcheries. Silkies are perhaps the most recognizable, famous for their fur like plumage, black skin, and five toes; they are modest layers of about 100 small, cream colored eggs per year. For a touch of elegance, the Silver Laced Polish features a dramatic crest of feathers and a V-shaped comb. These “fancy-feathered” birds produce approximately 150 medium sized white eggs annually, though their crests may require occasional trimming to help them see.
The Egyptian Fayoumi is an ancient, active breed known for its upright tail and silver and black penciled patterns. They are exceptionally hardy and provide roughly 150 small, off-white or tinted eggs each year. If you prefer a breed with a more “prehistoric” look, the Modern Game bird stands tall on long, elegant legs with tight, sleek feathers. While primarily kept for exhibition rather than utility, they lay about 50 to 80 small, tinted eggs per season.
For those who appreciate unique feather structures, the Frizzle has feathers that curl outward rather than laying flat, giving them a windswept appearance. Depending on the base breed, they typically lay 120 to 180 medium sized eggs in shades of light brown or white. Finally, the Phoenix chicken is a beautiful Japanese ornamental breed famous for its exceptionally long tail feathers. They are graceful birds that produce roughly 100 small, cream or tinted eggs per year.
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 