The Top 5 Chicken Breeds for Small Backyards

Photo of Kassandra Smith

Kassandra Smith

Senior Editor • Backyard Chicken Coops

Last Updated: 18 July 2020

the chook coop blog

Hello Chicken Keepers!

The modern trend towards subdivided blocks and close quarter living leads some people to worry that they’ll never know the joy of keeping backyard chickens. But fret not, friends! Keeping a fabulous and feathery flock of hens in our urban and suburban backyards is totally possible! There are certain chicken breeds that respond well to confined foraging areas. So if you have a small backyard or would prefer to keep your future chookies in a specific area of your garden, these breeds will work perfectly.

small backyard chicken breed

Silkies

Silkies are the most docile breed of chickens. Small in stature but large in heart, these fluffy and affectionate hens are the perfect backyard pet for anyone with a small block or those looking for a poultry pet that won't break the budget or ruin their prized veggie patch.

Belgian d’Uccles

To spend an afternoon watching these feather footed bantam chooks potter about your back garden is total bliss. Belgian d’Uccle chickens are truly one of the cutest chicken breeds available and their docile yet curious and cheeky personalities will have you beak over feet in love before you can say begerk.

Naked Necks

Although Naked Neck chooks - also known as Transylvanian Naked Necks and Turkens - are a strange sight to behold, you will be pressed to find a more affectionate and docile breed of chicken. These girls respond well to a smaller environment and as a bonus, make great conversation starters at any garden party.

Pekin Bantams

Pekin Bantam chickens are the quintessential fluffy bum chook. Small, voluminous and cute beyond comprehension, these feather balls will have all your friends oohing and ahhing as they quietly and adorably waddle around your background.

Faverolles

The Faverolles chicken breed is exotic and friendly. These feather footed and muff wearing chooks are placid and enjoy a quiet potter around a small backyard. Pop out to the back garden with a Sunday morning croissant and coffee and watch your French ladies forage for any bugs that threaten your provincial flower beds.

Whatever the size of your backyard, there is an incredible number of chicken breeds for you to consider. It's no wonder that the process to find the perfect flock for your family can be an eggstremely overwhelming task. From looks to traits to egg-laying talents - where should you begin?

Cluckily, our friends over at Chickenpedia have created an amazing Chicken Breeds Course. This extensive online course shares helpful advice on choosing the top chickens for you as well as size & frequency of eggs laid. You will even learn about their individual personalities, and be able to use their family-friendly compatibility scale through this well-structured program. It really is a great way to discover your perfect backyard buddies which is why I highly recommend them to all of my readers!  The courses are beginner-friendly and filled with vital information to help you raise a happy, healthy flock.

As chicken keepers, we want to do an eggcellent job when caring for our feathered friends. Unfortunately, many of us struggle to handle chicken health or behaviour issues, especially in the first few years of having a flock. Chickenpedia have a broad range of comprehensive online courses that cover everything you didn’t know you need to know. From healthcare to raising baby chicks to feeding and behavior, get the knowledge and confidence to successfully look after your flock. 

As a member, you will get access to ALL their fantastic courses. So, no need to wing it, become a confident chicken keeper. Click here to check out Chickenpedia today!

Still not sure what breed of chook is best for you? Have a peck at our Top 20 Chicken Breeds for Your Backyard here.

After some more cheeky chook action? Of course you are! Join the flock on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest!

Feathers Forever,

Kassandra x