Discover 20 Different Types of Roosters (and What Makes Each Unique) - A-Z Animals

Vibrant and charismatic, roosters are natural protectors who diligently care for their flock. Their iconic crows are used to raise the alarm whenever danger is near. Many roosters will also bravely and aggressively defend their hens from predators, even if it means putting themselves in harm’s way! They are charming and amusing birds that come in a myriad of captivating colors and varieties, each with their own fascinating characteristics and traits. So, let’s dive in and discover the different types of roosters and what makes each one unique!

What is a Rooster?

A rooster is an adult male chicken. They typically look very different from hens (female chickens) and are much larger. Roosters have a comb, which is a fleshy growth on top of their heads. They also have two fleshy flaps called wattles that hang down from their chins. In addition, roosters are sometimes more colorful than female chickens and sport long, elegant tail feathers.

Roosters make a unique crowing sound in the morning to announce the start of the day when the sun comes up, as well as when there is a threat nearby. Their job is to protect the other chickens from predators and threats and to prevent fighting within the flock.

1. Rhode Island Red Rooster

The official state bird of Rhode Island is the Rhode Island red chicken, a domestic breed developed in the United States. Rhode Island reds are adaptable birds that produce both meat and eggs, laying 200 to 300 brown eggs each year. Like their name, these lovely chickens have deep red feathers that range from rusty red-brown to nearly black. Rhode Island red roosters typically have darker colors than the hens, with large black tail feathers. They weigh about 8.6 pounds and have bright red combs, earlobes, and wattles.

2. Silkie Rooster

Like their name, silkie chickens have silky soft feathers that make them adorably fluffy. Silkie roosters have round, compound bodies and weigh just 2 to 3 pounds. They have five toes, which is quite unique as most breeds only have four. In addition, their skin, meat, and bones are black. Silkies are often raised for both their meat and eggs, with hens producing around 100 to 120 eggs each year. These whimsical roosters are well-known for their incredibly gentle and affectionate demeanors, and are often kept as pets and “lap chickens”.

3. Plymouth Rock Rooster

Plymouth Rock roosters are very popular for their impressive appearance as well as their calm and dependable nature. They weigh around 7.5 pounds and have gorgeous black and white feathers, giving them a beautiful speckled appearance. They also have bright red combs and wattles, along with an impressively long tail. Plymouth Rock roosters are very dedicated to their role as flock guardian and diligently watch over the hens under their care. They are also calm and generally well-behaved with humans, making them fan favorites in the farming world.

4. Polish Rooster

Like the rockstars of the chicken world, Polish roosters have incredible spiky feathers covering their heads that can rival the most outrageous hairdos. Unfortunately, these stellar head feathers also make it difficult for them to see, which makes them more vulnerable to predators. These 6-pound birds are diligent, however, and will readily sound a long and loud alarm when threats are near, but they are not super aggressive. In fact, Polish roosters can be so timid and shy that some hens may be more dominant than the roosters themselves!

5. Cochin Rooster

The beautiful cochin chicken is most commonly raised for exhibitions and shows, and only occasionally for eggs and meat. Cochin roosters are a large type of chicken that weighs 8 to 13 pounds and comes in many beautiful colors. They have fluffy feathers that cover their entire bodies, including down their legs like bushy bell-bottom pants! Cochin roosters aren’t the most assertive guardians, as they are typically quite calm and gentle. In fact, some can be tame enough to sit in your lap and even enjoy being around children.

6. Sebright Rooster

This beautiful miniature chicken is one of the oldest British bantam breeds and is still one of the most popular today. However, they are also difficult to breed, and the hens only produce very small white eggs. Sebright roosters are a small type of chicken, averaging just 1.3 pounds. They have rose combs with fine points that are usually bright red, but occasionally they can be purple or mulberry. Sebright chickens come in various colors like gold, silver, and lemon, with a black lace pattern spread evenly around the edges of their feathers.

7. Brahma Rooster

Although it takes a little longer for these beautiful birds to mature, when they reach full size they are massive! Commonly known as the “King of Chickens”, Brahma roosters were the largest types of chicken until the Jersey giant came along. Standing 2 feet tall and weighing 12 pounds, their size is enough to scare away many smaller potential predators. However, they are also very docile and gentle. In fact, Brahma roosters are commonly bullied by other breeds, so they do best in a non-mixed flock.

8. Wyandotte Rooster

Originating in the 1870s in the United States, the Wyandotte chicken gets its name from the indigenous Wyandot people of North America. Wyandotte chickens are raised for both their meat and large brown eggs. They are beautiful birds that come in many different colors, including golden laced, blue, black, buff, partridge, white, silver laced, silver penciled, and Colombian.

9. Australorp Rooster

Known for their incredible egg-laying abilities and amazing personalities, Australorp chickens originally come from Australia. In the United States, Australorp roosters are black and typically weigh 6 to 10 pounds. Their dark feathers have a stunning iridescent quality to them with hints of dark forest green, which contrasts beautifully with their large, bright red combs and wattles. Australorp roosters are a friendly and docile type of chicken, but they can be aggressive when protecting their flock.

10. Leghorn Rooster

These roosters are an Italian type of chicken that comes in many stunning colors, with sleek feathers and long, cascading tails. Leghorn roosters are 5.5 to 7.5 pounds with a sleek and trim profile. The most popular variety are the all-white roosters with beautiful red wattles and combs. However, there are many other colors like black, brown, buff, red, silver, and black-tailed red. The roosters are very observant and protective of their flock. They are independent and typically not super cuddly chickens that prefer to free-range with a lot of space.

11. Sussex Rooster

Originally from the English county of Sussex, the Sussex chicken has a rich history as the oldest British breed. Known for its charming and amiable nature, both hens and roosters are friendly, confident, and curious. If you hand raise them, the roosters are even gentle enough that they will eat directly from your hand! Despite their gentle demeanor, however, Sussex roosters are also diligent protectors with keen senses and will sound the alarm at any hint of danger. Some roosters will even bravely stand their ground and confront potential threats head-on.

12. Faverolles Rooster

These gorgeous roosters originated in France where they were raised for their eggs and meat. Faverolles roosters are heavy birds that weigh about 11 pounds with very full plumage and feathered feet. They are quite gentle and are popular as pets for children or in small home flocks. Faverolles roosters are also surprisingly quiet compared to other breeds. Due to their docile nature, Faverolles are prone to being bullied when placed in mixed flocks. They are amiable and sociable birds that thrive when kept with other docile breeds or with fellow Faverolles.

13. Barbu d’Uccle Rooster

These Belgian chickens are true bantams, which means that their small size does not have a larger counterpart. Barbu d’Uccle roosters are tiny and only weigh 1 to 1.5 pounds with heavily feathered bodies. They come in at least 28 different beautiful colors, including mottled, blue, blue quail, lavender, lavender quail, silver coil, cuckoo, porcelain, and white.

When it comes to looking after their flocks, Barbu d’Uccle roosters take their responsibilities very seriously. They are exceptional guardians and diligently ensure the safety and well-being of their hens. Despite their small stature, Barbu d’Uccle roosters possess remarkable courage and vibrant personalities.

14. Welsummer Rooster

Originating from the small Dutch village of Welsum, the Welsummer chicken is a captivating bird with a regal bearing. Its feathers showcase shades of light and dark brown, with white feather shafts reminiscent of a partridge. Welsummer roosters boast a warm, golden brown mantle and a lustrous beetle-green chest. In addition to their majestic appearance, they are friendly birds with a relatively calm and amiable temperament that allows them to get along well with other birds and humans.

15. Delaware Rooster

Developed in the U.S. state of Delaware, the Delaware chicken is now a critically endangered breed. Delaware roosters weigh about 8.5 pounds and have bright red combs and wattles. Their white bodies are accented with light black sprinkles around their necks and tails. They are calm and docile, although they’re not always the friendliest birds. Delaware roosters are attentive to their flock and are always on the lookout for danger.

16. Java Rooster

The Java is one of the oldest American chicken breeds. Today, however, the Java chicken is critically endangered. Java roosters grow to be about 9.5 pounds with a solid and robust build. They may have mottled, black, or white feathers. Javas are dual-purpose chickens, raised for their meat and egg-laying abilities. They are hardy birds with a docile nature that do well in small flocks.

17. Langshan Rooster

The Langshan rooster is a gentle giant that weighs about 10 pounds. It is one of the oldest chicken breeds in the world and has beautifully sleek black feathers and white skin. They are very friendly animals, and many people consider them to be great lap chickens and pets. They even tend to get along well with other animal species. The original chickens are black with a green sheen, although today there are other variations like white and blue.

18. Orpington Rooster

Although they were originally developed for both eggs and meat, Orpington chickens are now raised simply for their wonderful temperaments and gorgeous appearance. Orpington roosters weigh about 8 to 10 pounds with large, curvy bodies and bright red combs and wattles. They are very docile and may even eat out of your hand, but they also have an unwavering dedication to protecting their flock. Their sharp instincts allow them to sound the alarm at the slightest hint of danger, and sometimes even willingly sacrifice themselves in defense of their hens!

19. Jersey Giant Rooster

One of the largest and heaviest roosters out there is the Jersey giant. Originally developed in New Jersey, these big boys have robust bodies that weigh around 13 to 15 pounds! However, it does take a long time and plenty of food for a Jersey Giant rooster to reach its full adult size. These massive chickens come in several different colors, but the most common is black. Despite their intimidating size, Jersey Giant roosters are the epitome of gentle giants, devoid of any mean-spirited or obnoxious traits. Their imposing stature naturally deters confrontations from other breeds, and they also actively seek to avoid conflicts.

20. New Hampshire Red Rooster

Like its name, the New Hampshire red rooster was developed in New Hampshire in the early twentieth century. They have lovely reddish feathers that range from golden bay to a warm chestnut hue. New Hampshire red roosters weigh around 8.5 pounds with fairly large red combs and wattles. In addition, their elegant tail feathers are black with a stunning beetle-green sheen. New Hampshire Reds are dual-purpose chickens that yield about 200 brown eggs each year in addition to their meat.

Summary of 20 Different Types of Roosters (and What Makes Each Unique)

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