Breed hens vs. commercial hens: Which choice for your hen house?

When considering raising chickens, whether for egg production or simply for the pleasure of having poultry in your garden, an important question arises: which breed to choose? Traditional breeds and commercial hens each offer specific advantages, but they also have major differences. In this article, we'll compare these two types of hens to help you make an informed choice based on your needs.

1. Commercial hens

Commercial hens are mainly bred for mass production. They are hybrids, created specifically for their performance, making them popular choices for commercial producers. These hens are selected according to criteria such as growth speed, laying regularity, and their ability to produce under industrial conditions.

Characteristics of commercial hens :

• High productivity: Commercial hens, such as the Leghorn hen or “red hen” hybrids, are renowned for their ability to lay large quantities of eggs. A commercial hen can lay up to 300 eggs a year, or even more under certain conditions. However, due to their intense laying rate, they will generally lay for 2 years and have an average lifespan of 4 years.
• Feed efficiency: These hens are bred to consume small amounts of feed while producing large quantities of eggs.
• Less sociable character: Due to their selection for production, commercial hens may be less sociable or more nervous than older breeds. They also tend to want to dominate hens with less character, which can cause problems when adding other hens.

2. Traditional breeds:

Traditional breeds are varieties of hens that have been bred for centuries, often for reasons other than industrial production. They are selected for their beauty, character, ability to adapt to a variety of environments, and longevity.

Characteristics of traditional breeds :

• Genetic diversity: There are a multitude of traditional chicken breeds, including Orpington, Sussex, Marans, Plymouth Rock, Chanteclerc, Wyandotte and many others. Each breed has its own physical and behavioral characteristics, allowing for great variety in your breeding.
• Character and personality: purebred hens are often more sociable, curious and endearing. They can be pets as well as productive. Some breeds are also known for their maternal instinct, meaning they tend to brood regularly and take good care of their chicks.
• Adaptability: Older breeds are generally more resistant to external conditions and can adapt better to a less controlled environment, such as a garden or small plot of land.
• Moderate production: Compared to commercial hens, purebred hens generally lay fewer eggs, but they tend to lay better quality eggs, often larger or with a stronger taste. In addition, due to the lower production rate, they will generally lay for 4-5 years and have an average longevity of 6-8 years.

3. Breed vs. commercial hens: Choosing according to your objectives

The choice between pedigree and commercial hens depends largely on your objectives. Here are some questions to ask yourself to make the right choice:

• Are you looking to maximize egg production? If profitability and quantity are your priorities, commercial hens are probably the best choice.
• Do you want hens that are hardy and adaptable to a variety of conditions? Traditional breeds are likely to be more resistant to disease and better adapted to outdoor conditions.
• Are you looking for animals that are sociable and interesting to watch? If you're looking for hens with a pleasant character and aesthetic diversity, traditional breeds are ideal.
• Do you have limited space or a small garden? If space is a constraint, commercial hens may be a better option due to their small size and efficiency, but dwarf breeds, such as Silkies, Bearded D'uccle, Serama or other so-called bantam breeds, are also an option to consider for small spaces.

Conclusion

Both traditional and commercial hens have their advantages and disadvantages. Commercial hens are ideal for producers looking for yield and efficiency, while traditional hens offer greater diversity, uniqueness and adaptability. There is no universal “best” choice, but depending on your priorities (production, character, diversity, etc.), you're sure to find the hen that meets your needs and expectations.