Chickens are one of the most popular kinds of bird found in tropical countries and one of the most common domesticated animals in the world.Its an interesting fact that their population exceeds that of any other bird!

Not only are they used for their meat and eggs, they are also kept as pets. There are largely three chicken breeds - pure, egg laying hybrids and mixed hybrids.

Some breeds lay eggs, while others provide meat, and yet others are used for both meat and eggs.

The egg laying kind are genetically prepared to produce many eggs though their small bodies dont make for good meat.

The meat giving types are hybrids that are developed to produce more meat. In the dual providing category, the birds give eggs and meat, though some breeds are better egg layers, while others are better meat producers.

The Rhode Island Red breed is divided into single and rose combed birds. This breed has yellow colored skin and it lays brown colored eggs. Originally from Rhode Island, these birds fit in the dual providing category and have a strong constitution, distinct features and a deep color.

The Langshan is also available in two varieties - white and black. Originally from China, it has long legs, white skin color and brown eggshells. This extremely energetic bird is good for its meat.

The Dorking, which is said to have come from Italy, is known for its fine quality meat. There are three varieties - white, colored and silver gray. The color of their skin and eggshells are white too. The Dorking has very short legs with five toes and a rectangular body.

The muscular Cornish was developed in Cornwall county and happens to be yellow in color with brown tinged eggs.

Besides these breeds, theres the Silkie, Araucana Campine, Catalana, Cochin bantam, Brahmas, Aseel, Faverolles, and many others...