Best Large Chicken Breeds for Beginners

Last Updated on March 7, 2025 by Kiersten James, BS, RN

If you’re looking to start or add to your flock, these large chicken breeds are super friendly, amazing with kids, and easy to take care of.

I knew I’d enjoy raising chickens—but I didn’t expect to love it this much. My girls have completely stolen my heart.

They’re so much more than just egg layers; they’re intelligent, affectionate, and, honestly, more emotionally mature than some people I know.

Larger breeds are an excellent choice if you’re considering backyard chickens and want friendly, hardy birds that produce plenty of eggs.

They tend to be docile, easy to handle, and great for families or small homesteads.

Chicken Was Once Considered a Fine Delicacy

Chickens have been around for literally thousands of years. The first domesticated chicken was cited approximately 5,400 years ago. Current archaeological evidence dates back even further – 12,000 years – for wild chickens discovered in northern China.

In the 19th century, chickens were not generally kept as livestock on farms. Farmers who happened to have eggs would sell them for income, and chicken meat was only eaten on special occasions or holidays.

If you happen to come across old cookbooks or homemaker manuals from the late 1800s, pheasant, goose, and duck were more likely to appear on the dinner table.

Chickens Have Gotten Larger With Time

Today’s chickens are significantly larger than they were a century ago. According to the National Chicken Council, the average market weight of a chicken in 1925 was just 2.5 lbs. Fast forward to 2020, and that number has skyrocketed to 6.41 lbs.

This dramatic change is due to selective breeding and improved feeding techniques, allowing farmers to raise bigger, healthier birds in less time.

What is Considered a Large Chicken Breed?

A large bird is anything over 8 lbs for males (roosters) and 6.5 lbs for females (hens).

However, many true large breeds far exceed these numbers, with some of my girls reaching over 12 lbs.

Do Large Chicken Breeds Have More Health Concerns?

It depends what the chickens are being bred for.

Broiler chickens (bred exclusively for meat) grow rapidly and require specialized care to prevent leg and heart issues. These birds are not intended for long-term raising.

The large chicken breeds on this list are NOT commercial broilers—they’re dual-purpose birds or heritage breeds, meaning they’re bred for longevity, egg production, and family-friendly temperament.

No special care is needed beyond standard chicken-keeping.

Are Large Chicken Breeds More Aggressive?

Not at all! The size of a chicken has nothing to do with its temperament.

Aggression in chickens comes down to breed, genetics, and individual personality—not size.

While some roosters can be territorial, the breeds on this list are known for being docile, calm, and beginner-friendly.

Game chickens (bred for fighting) tend to be the most aggressive, but none of those breeds are included here on the list.

Will Large Chicken Breeds Lay Larger Eggs?

Not necessarily! Egg size is breed-specific, not body-size specific.

Some large chicken breeds lay surprisingly small eggs, while others (like the Jersey Giant) produce extra-large eggs.

If egg size is a priority, check the breed’s average egg size before making your decision.

Why Aren’t More Large Chicken Breeds on the Backyard List?

I’ve hand-picked only the best large chicken breeds for:

Beginners
Families with kids
Small farms and backyard homesteads

Any breed known for aggression, health issues, or poor adaptability has been left off this list to make the decision process easier.