For anyone trying to decide which breed of chickens to raise, the links below offer a wealth of information about different breeds and their characteristics.

Back when we held our Farm Swaps, folks would often stop by and ask for suggestions on breeds—especially depending on their goals. Some just wanted good egg layers, while others were looking for what I like to call “yard candy”: chickens that are not only productive but also beautiful to watch roaming around the yard.

Free-ranging chickens (letting them roam outside) is appealing to a lot of people who enjoy seeing their birds out and about. However, it’s important to remember that free-range flocks are much more vulnerable to predators. I did some free ranging myself years ago, but after losing too many birds, I became a bit more cautious.

Take a look at the links below to help you choose breeds that match your needs and setup. And if you have any questions or want personal recommendations, feel free to ask—I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned!

• [Henderson’s Chicken Breed Chart](http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html) – Traits, broodiness, hardiness, and detailed info.
• [Feathersite](http://www.feathersite.com/) – Huge collection of breed photos and real-world notes on chickens, ducks, and more.