If you’re ready to grow your flock and wondering what are the best chickens to raise, you’re in the right place.
Expanding beyond your starter birds can turn a fun backyard hobby into a well-rounded, productive homestead operation.
Whether you’re looking for richer egg baskets, reliable meat production, or just more personality in your coop, choosing the right breeds makes all the difference.
I remember the first time we expanded our flock.
We already had a few dependable layers scratching around, but I wanted to create a flock that worked as hard as we did — eggs for the kitchen, meat for the freezer, and the kind of temperament that wouldn’t have me running across the yard with a broom.
That’s when I learned: not all chickens are created equal.
In this article, we will cover the best chickens to raise across three main categories:
Along the way, I’ll share real-world tips, breed quirks, and sprinkle in some of my favorite gear that makes flock expansion smoother.
Adding more birds isn’t just about filling your coop with variety (though colorful eggs are always a bonus).
The breeds you choose affect:
Before bringing in new birds, make sure your coop space and feed setup can handle the upgrade.
If you need extra housing, I personally love modular coop designs — they make expansions so much simpler.
If I had to pick a backbone for any homestead flock, it would be dual-purpose breeds.
These birds lay a steady supply of eggs but are also big enough to provide meat when needed.
They’re often hardy, good foragers, and have the personalities that make daily chores a little brighter.
Here are some of the best chickens to raise for dual-purpose living:
Plymouth Rocks are the birds that quietly do their job well. They forage beautifully, tolerate winter, and their mellow disposition makes them a joy to keep.
They’re often the bird I recommend to families expanding their flocks for the first time.
Buff Orpingtons are like the golden retrievers of the chicken world — friendly, fluffy, and wonderful with kids.
They do well in mixed flocks and often end up being the “peacemakers.”
Just be aware: that fluffy feathering means they don’t love extreme heat.
For brooders and feed setups that can handle heavier dual-purpose breeds, I’ve had great success with this heavy-duty feeder and waterer combo. It saves a ton of daily labor.
Sussex chickens bring a charming personality and solid productivity. If you free-range, they’ll help keep the bug population down while supplying a steady egg flow.
Plus, their speckled feathers are downright gorgeous in the sunlight.
Australorps are famous for their egg production — one hen laid 364 eggs in 365 days!
But they’re not just layers; they’re hefty enough to be processed for meat too.
If you want a low-drama, high-output addition to your flock, they’re fantastic.
If you’re looking to fill your freezer or supplement your family’s meat supply, meat breeds are a smart expansion.
They grow quickly, efficiently convert feed, and give you a predictable harvest timeline.
Cornish Cross are the commercial meat industry standard for a reason.
They bulk up quickly and provide tender, mild meat. However, they do require careful management: proper feed control, ventilation, and shelter are key.
For feeders that prevent waste (and save you $$ on fast growers), I use this no-waste feeder system — a game changer.
If you prefer a bird that thrives on pasture and has fewer health issues, Red Rangers or Freedom Rangers are a great pick.
Their meat is a little darker and more flavorful.
They’re also are more sustainable for small homesteads that want to breed or rotate birds more naturally.
No flock expansion feels complete without a few superstar layers.
These breeds are the backbone of your daily breakfast basket, and their personalities can bring so much charm to the coop.
Leghorns are egg machines.
If you want sheer volume, they’re hard to beat.
Just make sure you’ve got secure fencing—they’re agile and like their freedom.
Golden Comets are hybrid layers that start laying young and keep it up consistently.
Their brown eggs are large, and their easygoing nature makes them a great addition to any existing flock.
Rhode Island Reds are the quintessential American homestead chicken.
They’re hardy, prolific layers, and their personalities can keep things lively. Just keep an eye on the occasional feisty hen.
If you want a pop of color in your egg basket, these are the birds to bring home. Their pastel blues and greens are showstoppers at farmers markets or breakfast tables.
When it comes to sourcing, you’ve got options:
I personally like ordering from reputable hatcheries when I want specific breeds or larger numbers.
Many offer “homestead bundles” that give you a mix of dual-purpose, layers, and meat birds in one shipment. Browse chick bundles here.
As your flock grows, so will your need for efficient systems. Here are a few tried-and-true tools I swear by:
Choosing the best chickens to raise isn’t just about breed charts—it’s about matching the right birds to your lifestyle, climate, and long-term goals.
Dual-purpose breeds give you flexibility, meat birds fill your freezer efficiently, and reliable egg layers keep breakfast (and barter) flowing.
Start by clarifying what role these new birds will play. Then, pick a few breeds that complement what you already have.
Expansion doesn’t have to be overwhelming — with the right setup and a little planning, it can be the most rewarding part of your homesteading journey.
So… which breeds are calling your name? 🐔✨
👉 Next up: Check out my Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chickens for integration tips, housing upgrades, and more ways to build a thriving flock.