Top 9 Black and White Chicken Breeds (with Pictures)

If you want to start your own poultry, you might be debating what kinds of chickens to put in your flock. Chickens come in all shapes and sizes. Who knew that they come in different colors and patterns too?

Since that is the case, maybe I could interest you in some black and white chicken breeds. Below we have listed the Top 9 Black and White Chicken Breeds that will surely interest you!

Black and White Chicken Breeds Chart

Breed	Main Use	Weigh	Egg Color
Black Laced Silver Wyandotte	Egg, Meat	6.5 – 8.5 lbs	Brown
Lakenvelder	Egg	4 – 5 lbs	Cream
Barred Plymouth Rock	Egg, Meat	7.5 – 9.5 lbs	Brown
Dominique Chicken	Egg, Meat	5.5 – 7.5 lbs	Brown
Silver Spangled Hamburg	Egg, Show	4 – 5  lbs	White
Dark Brahma Chicken	Egg	9.5 – 12 lbs	Brown
White Crested Black Polish	Egg, Show	4.5 – 6 lbs	White
Cuckoo Maran	Egg, Meat	7.5 – 9 lbs	Dark Brown
Houdan	Egg, Meat, Show	6 – 8 lbs	White

1. Black Laced Silver Wyandotte

• Main Use: Egg Production / Meat Production
• Weigh:5 – 8.5 lbs
• Egg Production: Good
• Egg Color: Brown
• Egg Size: Medium

First on our list is the Black Laced Silver Wyandotte.

One of the loveliest chicken breeds boasting white and silver feathers adorned with black linings. However, that is not the only reason to add this beautiful breed to your flock.

The Black Laced Silver Wyandotte are known to be calm and friendly. However, this breed likes keeping to its kind. They would most likely not cause any trouble with the other fowls on your land, but they do know how to keep their ground if ever attacked or provoked. They would not bully others, but they would not stand bullying as well.

They are also pretty good with humans. They would enjoy your company but remember that they do not lap chickens.

They are known to be a dual-purpose breed and could produce around 200 large-sized eggs yearly. They’re seldom broody, which will save you trouble when getting those eggs. In addition, they also offer good meat.

This breed is a healthy one, and it can live for more than five years. Aside from the usual health concerns, they won’t need special treatment. Furthermore, they like running around, so letting them roam for a while will give them the exercise they need to keep them in top shape.

They handle confinement well and are also pretty quiet, which makes them perfect if you’re worried about the neighbors complaining. Learn more about Black Laced Silver Wyandotte.

 

2. Lakenvelder

• Main Use: Egg Production
• Weigh:4 – 5 lbs
• Egg Production: Fair
• Egg Color: Cream
• Egg Size: Medium

Next on the list is another eye-catching chicken – the Lakenvelder.

This black and white chicken breed boasts a unique and crisp pattern – it usually lacks spots. Their heads, necks, and tails are made up of black feathers, while white feathers line their body. It is a rare breed and would undoubtedly be a fantastic addition to your flock. However, that is if you think you’re up for some challenge.

Lakenvelders can be somewhat aggressive and dominant. They are known to be generally friendly with their kind, a trait that could extend to humans. However, they tend to bully other breeds that are less assertive.

They are relied on for their eggs. They give you a fair number, producing around 150 medium-sized eggs each year. They aren’t broody, so they won’t make it difficult for you to get those eggs.

This breed is usually quite hardy and can live up to or more than eight years. Unlike others, they can handle all types of climates.  

Lakenvelders tend to be energetic and flighty, and because of this, they don’t handle confinement well. Make sure they have lots of room to roam around if you add them to your group!

If you can handle these challenges, then there is no doubt that they would make a mighty fine addition to your coop. Learn more about Lakenvelder.

 

3. Barred Plymouth Rock

• Main Use: Egg Production / Meat Production
• Weigh:5 – 9.5 lbs
• Egg Production:Good
• Egg Color:Brown
• Egg Size: Large

Next, we have one of the oldest breeds on this list. It has quite the reputation as, at one point, it became one of America’s leading food sources. Here is a salute to Barred Plymouth Rock!

Undoubtedly, it is one of the breeds you would want for your flock. If you’re not convinced, you ought to know the American government even encouraged tending and raising this breed at one point.

They are known to be friendly. Barred Plymouth Rock seems to get along with almost every breed. They’re not even picky with their mates. This friendliness extends to humans. They are also quite sweet and calm, making them suitable to be lap chickens if you want to.

They are a dual-purpose breed. Aside from offering high-quality tasting meat, its egg production is almost unrivaled. It is capable of producing up to 280 large eggs a year! They’re not known to be broody but can be pushed to, making them quite flexible if wanted or needed.

You won’t have much to worry about Barred Plymouth Rocks as they are a pretty healthy breed and can live for up to eight years.

They’re talkative. However, you don’t have to worry; they are not loud chickens. Furthermore, they can also tolerate confinement well. They are a pretty good breed to start. Learn more about Barred Plymouth Rocks.

 

4. Dominique Chicken

• Main Use: Egg Production / Meat Production
• Weigh: 5 – 7.5 lbs
• Egg Production:Good
• Egg Color:Brown
• Egg Size: Medium

Here we have the Dominiques, which is supposedly my chicken soulmate. If you want to know your chicken soulmate, you can take this test. It will only take you less than three minutes!

These beauties are also known as Dominicker and sometimes even the Pilgrim Fowl.

They are commonly confused with the Barred Plymouth Rock chickens. Their V-shaped pattern became the distinguishing feature to tell the two breeds apart. However, it is not unusual that the two breeds look alike, as the Barred Plymouth Rock chickens came from the Dominique chicken, after all.

Dominiques are friendly and sweet. They’re not lapping chickens, but they’re pretty calm and gentle that you can let your kids be around them.

They’re not just a dual-purpose breed. You could actually say that they’re multi-purpose!

Aside from their great meat, they can give you around 250 medium-sized eggs annually. However, they are broody, but this is a good quality in this case. They’re good mothers and have a high success rate in brood raising.

In addition to their meat and eggs, their feathers are useful as they can be used for pillows! They are a healthy and hardy breed. They are capable of living for more than eight years! Furthermore, they usually don’t require any special treatment.

They’re also quiet and have good tolerance to confinement, making them a great addition to your flock if you’re in an urban area. The only thing you might want to watch out for is bullying, as dominant chickens would mostly likely bully these sweet critters. Learn more about Dominique Chicken.

 

5. Silver Spangled Hamburg

• Main Use: Egg Production / Show
• Weigh: 4 – 5 lbs
• Egg Production:Good
• Egg Color:White
• Egg Size: Medium

Next on the list is the Silver Spangled Hamburg.

This breed is known to be one of the most alert and nervous birds out there. While you typically don’t want your chickens to be skittish, this is one of the most appealing qualities of the Silver Spangled Hamburg, as this allows them to avoid many predators.

Being one of the most elegant and beautiful chickens on the list, it’s no surprise that they are one of the chickens you would see displayed in poultry shows. It’s almost impossible to go to a poultry show without these beauties.

They’re not considered table birds because of their dark bones. However, their egg production makes up for that. They can produce up to or more than 200 medium-sized eggs each year.

This breed is known to be one of the hardy and healthy ones. They can live for up to eight years. Except for the typical health concerns, they don’t seem to have any special needs.

The only problem you might have with them is that they’re noisy, and they don’t handle confinement that well. However, the Silver Spangled Hamburgs are economical birds. Compared to other breeds, they tend to eat less, so while they have their downside, they definitely also offer some advantages.

Having them would prove to be rewarding. Learn more about Hamburg Chickens.

 

6. Dark Brahma Chicken

• Main Use: Egg Production
• Weigh: 5 – 12 lbs
• Egg Production:Fair
• Egg Color:Brown
• Egg Size: Large

Next up, make way for the king of the chicken kingdom – the Dark Brahma.

They are large, but don’t let their size fool you. This gentle giant breed would undoubtedly be a great addition to your coop. They’re friendly. You won’t see them bothering other birds, but it’s possible to see them cozying up for a hug from a child! Just make sure you don’t let them starve, as they do have instances of bullying smaller breeds when they’re hungry.

They’re a dual-purpose breed. Before, they were considered one of the best table birds. However, that declined with industrialization. They have remained a choice by some as they tend to produce eggs in seasons when other hens have stopped egg production. They help to keep a steady number of eggs coming. Also, they are not known to be broody.

They are a healthy breed and can live for up to eight years. Furthermore, you would likely only need to worry about the typical health concerns.

They are also quiet critters, and when they do make a noise, it’s helpful. The only times they make a ruckus is when they sing the egg song or tell you there is a predator around. Furthermore, they also help with protecting your little coop by fighting off small predators.

They also tolerate confinement just fine. However, they still do like running around, so make sure you give them enough room to roam. Learn more about Brahma chickens.

 

7. White Crested Black Polish

• Main Use: Egg Production / Show
• Weigh: 5 – 6 lbs
• Egg Production:Good
• Egg Color:White
• Egg Size: Medium

Of course, this list will not be complete without talking about the White Crested Black Polish.

They are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful breeds out there. After all, they are probably the only breed that can sport a hairdo. If you want a good-looking chicken, look no more, as the White Crested Black Polish is perhaps the answer to your wish. More than anything, they are used for their looks.

They are mellow birds. However, this is where their crown of glory introduces a problem. Their head feathers are known to cause some visual issues for these critters. This difficulty causes them to be nervous and frantic at times. Aside from the said problem, they are generally friendly enough for you to trust them around your kids.

Despite being for show, this breed still gives you a decent number of eggs yearly. They can lay around 150 medium-sized eggs annually.

They are healthy birds and can live for up to seven years or more. However, they do need some special attention at times. Their hair feathers would need to be trimmed from time to time. This allows them to see better and avoid eye infections. However, everyone needs a haircut now and then, so this shouldn’t be that big of a problem! Learn more about Polish Chicken.

 

8. Cuckoo Maran

• Main Use: Egg Production / Meat Production
• Weigh:5 – 9 lbs
• Egg Production: Fair
• Egg Color: Dark Brown
• Egg Size: Large

Up next is a breed heavily associated with the Barred Plymouth Rock, as they are often mixed up. Let’s talk about the Cuckoo Maran.

Their pattern is similar to that of Barred Plymouth Rock, only that their plumage is much darker and the lines less defined.

Their temperament varies from one chicken to another, but they are largely considered to be friendly. This breed may not want you to touch them, but if you’re nice enough, they might consider greeting you when they see you – just like a pet! They might even follow you around!

There are several reasons to add Cuckoo Marans to your flock, and one of those reasons is that their friendliness extends to other breeds. If you plan on mixing them with others, you will have no problem with them. They’ll happily socialize and forage with them. They’re pretty much everybody’s friends.

They are a dual-purpose breed. Aside from the meat this breed offers, the Marans could give you around 180 large eggs each year. Their eggs are also unique. They are the only breed that lays eggs with such a beautiful chocolate shade of brown. However, they are moderately broody, so you might want to remember that.

They are also considered healthy and can live for up to eight years. Furthermore, they also like running around, so let them roam, and they’ll get enough exercise to keep them in shape.

This breed is also tolerant to confinement and rarely makes noise, making them ideal for urban poultries.

 

9. Houdan

• Main Use: Dual-purpose and Ornamental
• Weigh:6 – 8 lbs.
• Egg Production: Low
• Egg Color: White
• Egg Size: Medium

The Houdan chicken breed is a dual-purpose bird that originated in France. It is known for its unique appearance, which includes a crest of feathers on top of its head and five toes instead of the typical four. Houdans are friendly birds with calm personalities and make great pets.

These chickens have attractive black-and-white mottled plumage except for some silver penciling around hackles (feathers at the base of the neck) or saddle (feathers along the back towards the tail). The comb comes either a single-type V-shaped like any standard fowl or a rose-type shell-like structure much valued by French fanciers.

Houdans were popular in Europe during the 19th century as both meat and egg producers. Today, they are considered rare breeds because their popularity has declined due to modern farming practices favoring more commercialized breeds.

Summary

There you have it! We hope these Top 9 Black and White Chicken Breeds have convinced you to add color to your coop. While some are a little more challenging than others, we believe there’s nothing a little tender loving care cannot conquer. Having them in your flock would undoubtedly be a rewarding experience!