If you are considering adding a few chickens to your repertoire, you may be wondering where to start when it comes to choosing the best breeds.  Most prospective chicken owners are looking for egg production, but you can find excellent dual-purpose birds who lay eggs regularly and provide a good amount of meat for their size.  The following breeds are dual-purpose heritage breeds, meaning they are established breeds dating back to before industrial breeding introduced breeds designed for industrial production purposes.

Barred Rock
Beautiful black and white birds with barring on their feathers, Barred Rock, also known as Plymouth Barred Rock, are a heavy, friendly breed of chicken.  Originally a crossing of Dominiques and Black Javas, Barred Rocks have become one of the most popular breeds in America today.  My grandpa had a single Barred Rock hen who would follow him around talking to him, or sit on his lap while he rested.  This is a great starter breed.

Rhode Island Red
I have a Rhode Island Red hen, and every time I look at her I think fried chicken.  Her name is KFC.  Rhode Island Red birds produce a good amount of large brown eggs but also have heavy frames that are ideal for eating.  My second Rhode Island Red is named Gabby, because she is the friendliest of my flock and will follow me around clucking.  These birds have beautiful deep red feathers with a sheen to them.

Wyandotte
My personal favorite, the Wyandotte, comes in the most beautiful array of colors.  I have blue-laced red Wyandottes, and they are by far the most beautiful chickens I have ever seen.  Wyandottes are very hardy and can withstand cold winters.  They are also good at foraging for themselves, which makes them well-suited to free ranging situations.

There are so many breeds of chickens to choose from, but these three are easy to keep, not aggressive and excellent producers of meat and eggs.