There are few foods as universally adored as farm-fresh eggs – and for good reasons! Conveniently packaged and individually portioned, these rich and creamy powerhouses are exactly what the farmer ordered. While chicken eggs are the norm these days, humans were consuming eggs long before the domestication of chickens, which took place about 3,500 years ago. Before chicken domestication and popping by the coop for fresh eggs, humans were happy to scout out eggs of any bird (or sometimes reptile) for a quick meal. Today, we still enjoy eggs from a variety of sources – duck, quail, goose, turkey, and even ostrich! With so many options for eggs, what is it about chickens that make them the go-to egg-bearer for nearly every nation in the world? We’re glad you asked!
Aside from cheeky personalities and a siren-like effect on suburban moms, there are some purely practical reasons that chickens are the most common domesticated livestock worldwide.
1. There’s a chicken for every job.
There are over 400 breeds of chickens, each with their own unique characteristics so it’s easy to find your perfect match. Some chickens are bred to grow large with voluminous feathers and a friendly disposition, while others are more industrious – all work and no play but pump out an astounding egg a day.
2. Chickens are great organizers.
While many other species of bird lay eggs daily (turkeys, quail, ducks, etc) they are less strategic with their placement. Chickens tend to roost and nest in a central location, as long as the conditions are right meaning there are no predators, and the location is clean + dry. Without structured arrangements, birds such as ducks and quail will lay eggs somewhat haphazardously in grass and vegetation, which is fun for Easter, but a little more challenging for breakfast!
3. Chickens are never late.
Chickens enjoy returning home right on cue each evening to their coop! Chickens work a strict sun-up to sun-down schedule, as the rooster will remind you. As soon as the sun begins to set, the chickens will mosey their way back home for the night to roost and rest. This natural tendency makes it easy to get all the girls home (Try that with ducks! They’re a little daffy.)
So now that you’re convinced to build a chicken coop in the backyard, which breed of chicken will you pick first? 🙂
These are breeds of our Hens of the Dallas Farmers Market in Mama Ida’s Community Garden:
  • Jubilee Orpington
  • Buff Orpington
  • Lavender Orpington
  • Mottled Chochin
  • Blue Orpington
  • White Wyandotte
  • Australorp