Atwoods is a reputable supplier of diverse chicken breeds, serving both hobbyist and commercial poultry farmers. The company offers a comprehensive selection of breeds to meet various needs, including high egg production, superior meat quality, and rare or unique varieties. Atwoods prioritizes the health and care of their chickens, ensuring customers receive high-quality birds that are well-prepared for their new environments.
The supplier caters to experienced chicken keepers as well as newcomers to poultry raising, providing suitable breeds for all levels of expertise.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Atwoods offers a variety of chicken breeds for different purposes such as egg production, meat production, and specialty breeds.
- Popular breeds at Atwoods include Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, and Leghorn, each with unique characteristics and features.
- Rhode Island Red is known for its excellent egg production, while Plymouth Rock is valued for its dual-purpose capabilities.
- For meat production, Cornish Cross and Red Ranger are recommended breeds at Atwoods.
- Specialty breeds such as Silkie and Polish chickens are also available at Atwoods, offering unique appearances and characteristics for enthusiasts.
Popular Breeds of Chickens at Atwoods
Top-Selling Breeds
Some of the most in-demand breeds include the Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, and Leghorn. These breeds are renowned for their versatility, adaptability, and exceptional production qualities.
Other Popular Options
Atwoods also offers other popular breeds such as the Sussex, Orpington, and Wyandotte, all of which are valued for their unique characteristics and suitability for various climates and management systems.
Meeting Your Specific Needs
Whether you’re looking for a reliable egg layer or a breed that excels in meat production, Atwoods has the perfect options to meet your specific needs.
Characteristics and Features of Each Breed
The Rhode Island Red is a popular dual-purpose breed known for its excellent egg production and flavorful meat. These birds are hardy and adaptable, making them well-suited for both free-range and confinement systems. With their deep red feathers and friendly disposition, Rhode Island Reds are a favorite among backyard chicken keepers.
The Plymouth Rock, on the other hand, is prized for its calm and docile nature, making it an excellent choice for families with children. This breed is also known for its consistent egg production and good meat quality, making it a versatile option for both egg and meat production. The Leghorn is renowned for its prolific egg-laying abilities, with some hens laying up to 300 large white eggs per year.
These birds are active and alert, thriving in free-range environments where they can forage and explore. The Sussex is a dual-purpose breed that comes in a variety of colors, including speckled, red, and light. Known for their gentle temperament and good egg production, Sussex chickens are a popular choice for backyard flocks.
The Orpington is a large and friendly breed that excels in both egg and meat production. With their fluffy feathers and gentle nature, Orpingtons are a favorite among chicken enthusiasts. The Wyandotte is another popular breed known for its beautiful laced feathers and excellent cold-hardiness.
These birds are reliable layers and make a great addition to any flock.
Best Breeds for Egg Production
If you’re primarily interested in egg production, Atwoods offers several breeds that are known for their exceptional laying abilities. The Leghorn is a top choice for egg production, with hens laying large white eggs consistently throughout the year. These birds are efficient layers and can thrive in various management systems.
The Rhode Island Red is another excellent option for egg production, with hens laying brown eggs that are prized for their rich flavor and sturdy shells. Plymouth Rocks are also reliable layers, producing brown eggs at a steady rate. Additionally, the Sussex and Orpington breeds are known for their good egg production, making them suitable choices for those looking to establish a productive laying flock.
Best Breeds for Meat Production
For those interested in raising chickens for meat, Atwoods offers several breeds that are well-suited for this purpose. The Cornish Cross is a popular choice for meat production, known for its rapid growth and efficient feed conversion. These birds reach market weight quickly, making them an ideal option for those looking to raise chickens for meat.
The Red Ranger is another breed that excels in meat production, with hens reaching a good size for processing within a reasonable timeframe. Additionally, the Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock breeds are dual-purpose options that offer both good meat quality and respectable egg production.
Rare and Specialty Breeds Available at Atwoods
Rare and Unique Breeds
The Silkie is a small and fluffy breed known for its gentle nature and distinctive appearance. These birds have black skin and bones, along with an abundance of soft feathers that give them a unique appearance.
Frizzle: A Striking Breed
The Frizzle is another specialty breed characterized by its curly feathers, which give it a striking and unusual look. Frizzles come in various colors and are prized for their friendly disposition and eye-catching appearance.
Bantam Breeds: Miniature Charms
Atwoods also offers bantam breeds such as the Serama and Dutch Bantam, which are miniature versions of standard chicken breeds and make charming additions to any flock.
Tips for Choosing the Right Breed for Your Needs
When choosing a chicken breed, it’s important to consider your specific needs and goals. If you’re primarily interested in egg production, look for breeds such as the Leghorn or Rhode Island Red that are known for their prolific laying abilities. For those looking to raise chickens for meat, consider breeds like the Cornish Cross or Red Ranger that are bred specifically for efficient growth and good meat quality.
If you’re interested in adding unique and rare breeds to your flock, explore specialty options such as the Silkie or Frizzle that offer distinctive appearances and charming personalities. It’s also important to consider factors such as climate, space availability, and management preferences when selecting a breed. Some breeds are better suited for cold climates, while others thrive in warmer environments.
Additionally, certain breeds may require more space or have specific housing needs based on their size and activity level. By taking these factors into account and doing thorough research on different breeds, you can choose the right chickens to meet your specific needs and create a thriving and enjoyable flock. At Atwoods, you’ll find a diverse selection of breeds to choose from, ensuring that you can find the perfect chickens to suit your preferences and goals.
At Atwoods, you can find a variety of breeds of chickens for sale, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. If you’re considering raising chickens, you may also want to check out this article on choosing the right chicken coop for your backyard in Portage. It provides helpful tips and information on selecting the best coop for your specific needs and the breeds of chickens you plan to raise.
FAQs
What breeds of chickens are sold at Atwoods?
At Atwoods, you can find a variety of chicken breeds including Rhode Island Reds, Barred Plymouth Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, and Ameraucanas.
What are the characteristics of Rhode Island Reds?
Rhode Island Reds are known for their hardiness, good egg production, and friendly disposition. They have deep red feathers and are a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers.
What are the characteristics of Barred Plymouth Rocks?
Barred Plymouth Rocks are known for their docile nature, cold hardiness, and consistent egg production. They have distinctive black and white striped feathers.
What are the characteristics of Buff Orpingtons?
Buff Orpingtons are known for their gentle and friendly temperament, as well as their beautiful golden buff feathers. They are also good layers of brown eggs.
What are the characteristics of Ameraucanas?
Ameraucanas are known for their colorful eggs, which can range from blue to green. They are also friendly and active birds, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks.
Meet Walter, the feathered-friend fanatic of Florida! Nestled in the sunshine state, Walter struts through life with his feathered companions, clucking his way to happiness. With a coop that’s fancier than a five-star hotel, he’s the Don Juan of the chicken world. When he’s not teaching his hens to do the cha-cha, you’ll find him in a heated debate with his prized rooster, Sir Clucks-a-Lot. Walter’s poultry passion is no yolk; he’s the sunny-side-up guy you never knew you needed in your flock of friends!
