All chickens lay
eggs, have edible
meat, and possess a unique appearance. However, distinct breeds are the result of selective breeding to emphasize certain traits. Any breed may be used for general
agricultural purposes, and all breeds are shown to some degree. But each chicken breed is known for a primary use.
Eggs Many breeds were selected and are used primarily for producing
eggs, these are mostly light-weight birds whose hens do not go broody often.
Meat Most farms and homesteads use dual-purpose breeds for meat production. Some breeds are raised mainly for meat: •
Bresse •
Cornish (a.k.a. Indian Game) •
Ixworth •
Jersey Giant Dual-purpose The generalist breeds used in barnyards worldwide are adaptable utility birds good at producing both meat and eggs. Though some may be slightly better for one of these purposes, they are usually called
dual-purpose breeds.
Exhibition Since the 19th century,
poultry fancy, the breeding and
competitive exhibition of
poultry as a hobby, has grown to be a huge influence on chicken breeds. Many breeds have always been kept for ornamental purposes, and others have been shifted from their original use to become first and foremost exhibition fowl, even if they may retain some inherent utility. Since the sport of
cockfighting has been outlawed in the developed world, most breeds first developed for this purpose, called
game fowl, are now seen principally in the show ring rather than the cock pit as
fighting cocks. ==Bantams==