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Rare Chicken Breeds You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Chicken breeds are incredibly diverse, with some so rare or unique that many people have never heard of them. While most of us are familiar with common breeds like the Rhode Island Red or Leghorn, there’s a whole world of lesser-known chickens that stand out for their unusual looks, fascinating histories, and surprising traits.
From breeds with shimmering black feathers to those with tails that stretch several feet long, these chickens are anything but ordinary. Some are nearly impossible to find today, while others have been quietly thriving in specific regions for centuries.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the rarest and most unique chicken breeds, and a little about what makes them so unique. Whether you're a poultry enthusiast or just curious about the wide variety of chickens out there, these standout breeds are sure to catch your eye—and maybe even teach you something new.
Let’s dive into 10 of the most intriguing rare chicken breeds you can find today:
1. Erminettes
Origin: United States (19th century)
Characteristics: White plumage with black flecks, medium to large size
Temperament: Friendly and calm
Fun Fact: Thought to be extinct for decades, Erminettes made a quiet comeback thanks to dedicated breeders.
Erminettes are one of the rare chicken breeds that almost vanished entirely. With their eye-catching mottled plumage and easygoing nature, they’re a beautiful dual-purpose breed that excels in both egg-laying and meat production. They do well in both confinement and free-range environments, making them a great addition to any backyard flock.
2. Turken Naked Neck (aka Transylvanian Naked Neck)
Origin: Transylvania (Hungary/Romania)
Characteristics: Featherless neck, hardy body, large size
Temperament: Docile, heat-tolerant
Fun Fact: They’re not a cross between a chicken and a turkey—just a naturally featherless neck!
Despite their unusual look, Naked Necks are one of the more practical rare chicken breeds. Their featherless necks help them thrive in hot climates, and they’re excellent layers of large brown eggs. They’re also known for their calm, affectionate nature and adaptability to different conditions.
3. White Booted Bantams
Origin: Netherlands
Characteristics: Feathered feet, pure white plumage, compact size
Temperament: Gentle, sociable
Fun Fact: Also known as “Sabelpoots,” these bantams are beloved in poultry shows for their delicate beauty.
White Booted Bantams are among the most ornamental rare chicken breeds. They don’t lay many eggs, but what they lack in productivity, they make up for in personality and show-stopping looks. They’re ideal for small farms or backyard keepers who enjoy watching their birds strut their feathery “boots” across the grass.
4. Crevecoeur (nicknamed Morticia)
Origin: France
Characteristics: Black plumage, V-shaped comb, unique crest
Temperament: Sweet and calm
Fun Fact: One of France’s oldest rare chicken breeds, dating back to the 1700s.
The Crevecoeur, affectionately called “Morticia” by enthusiasts, is both elegant and rare. Their black plumage and crest give them a gothic beauty, but their temperament is anything but dark—they’re friendly, quiet, and enjoy human interaction. Though historically used for meat, they also lay a fair number of white eggs. Due to low numbers worldwide, keeping Crevecoeurs helps preserve this heritage breed.
5. Dong Tao Chicken
Origin: Vietnam
Characteristics: Massive legs, reddish skin, large body
Temperament: Calm but can be shy
Fun Fact: Once raised exclusively for royalty, their meat is now considered a delicacy.
The Dong Tao Chicken might be one of the most bizarre rare chicken breeds. With thick, dragon-like legs and a muscular build, they’re slow to mature but incredibly unique. Their large legs aren’t just for show—they’re considered a delicacy in Vietnam, fetching a premium price. These birds need extra care, especially during hatching and brooding, making them a better choice for experienced chicken keepers.
6. Ayam Cemani
Origin: Indonesia
Characteristics: All-black appearance (feathers, skin, organs, and bones!)
Temperament: Quiet, alert, and easy to handle
Fun Fact: Known as the “Lamborghini of chickens,” they’re steeped in folklore and mystery.
Possibly the most dramatic of all rare chicken breeds, Ayam Cemani are prized for their pitch-black coloring and mystical allure. Their striking look is caused by fibromelanosis, a genetic mutation that causes hyperpigmentation. While they’re not prolific egg layers, they do lay a decent number of cream-colored eggs and are considered a symbol of power and prosperity in their homeland.
7. White Yokohama Chicken
Origin: Germany and Japan
Characteristics: Pure white plumage, long flowing tail feathers, walnut or pea comb
Temperament: Gentle, quiet, and ornamental
Fun Fact: Recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1981, this breed is a favorite on the exhibition stage.
The White Yokohama Chicken is one of the most elegant rare chicken breeds you can add to your flock. With its pristine white feathers and dramatically long tail and saddle plumage, it’s easy to see why this breed turns heads at poultry shows. Their quiet nature and refined appearance make them ideal for keepers interested in ornamental birds or exhibition stock.
8. Onagadori
Origin: Japan
Characteristics: Incredibly long tail feathers (up to 30 feet!), sleek frame
Temperament: Reserved and elegant
Fun Fact: Their name means “honorable fowl,” and their tails are never molted, growing continuously.
Onagadoris are one of the most visually stunning rare chicken breeds in the world. Their tail feathers are nothing short of a spectacle, growing longer every year. These birds require special care—perches that allow the tail to drape freely and constant grooming. They’re often kept purely for exhibition and ornamental purposes.
9. Swedish Flower Hen
Origin: Sweden
Characteristics: Mottled plumage in various colors, cold hardy
Temperament: Hardy, independent
Fun Fact: Once a landrace breed on Swedish farms, they nearly went extinct before being rediscovered.
The Swedish Flower Hen is a vibrant and versatile breed that deserves a place among the rare chicken breeds of note. Each bird’s pattern is totally unique, with spots and speckles in red, white, blue, or black. They’re strong egg layers, cold-resistant, and do well on pasture. If you want a splash of color and productivity, this breed checks all the boxes.
10. Icelandic Chicken
Origin: Iceland
Characteristics: Small body, upright posture, hardy and rugged
Temperament: Active, alert, and foraging-focused
Fun Fact: This breed has survived Iceland’s harsh climate for over 1,000 years.
One of the oldest surviving rare chicken breeds, Icelandic Chickens (or “Íslenska hænan”) are naturally adapted to tough conditions. They’re great foragers and thrive in free-range settings. With their fast flying abilities and predator-savvy instincts, they’re not ideal for every backyard—but for the right setup, they’re a rewarding choice.
Why Rare Chicken Breeds Matter
Choosing rare chicken breeds doesn’t just make your flock more beautiful—it helps preserve genetic diversity, honor agricultural heritage, and often supports conservation efforts. Whether you’re drawn to the mysterious Ayam Cemani or the storybook charm of the White Booted Bantam, these breeds bring more than just good looks—they bring meaning.
Adding any of these rare chicken breeds to your coop will not only turn heads but also keep alive centuries of poultry history. Before choosing one, consider your climate, space, and experience level—some rare chicken breeds require more attention than others.
Ready to raise your own rare flock? Be sure to research reputable breeders, connect with heritage breed communities, and give your birds the care they deserve. Trust us—these aren’t your average chickens.
Looking to add some tried-and-true favorite breeds to your flock instead? Explore our picks for the Top 10 Friendliest Chicken Breeds, for the best beginner-friendly picks!
FAQs
What makes chicken breeds rare?
A chicken breed is considered rare when it has a small global population, limited breeding stock, or is listed by conservation groups as threatened or endangered. Many rare chicken breeds are heritage varieties that have fallen out of commercial use.
Are any rare chicken breeds good for a beginner?
Some rare breeds, like the Swedish Flower Hen or Naked Neck, are hardy and beginner-friendly. Others, such as the Dong Tao or Onagadori, may require more experience due to their specific care needs or breeding challenges.
Do rare chicken breeds lay eggs like common breeds?
It depends on the breed. Some rare chicken breeds are decent layers (like Icelandic Chickens), while others are more ornamental and lay fewer eggs. Always check the egg-laying capacity and care needs before adding one to your flock.
Where can I buy rare chicken breeds?
You can find rare chicken breeds through specialty hatcheries, breed-specific clubs, or small-scale breeders who focus on heritage conservation. Always choose reputable sources to ensure healthy birds and accurate genetics.
Why should I add rare chicken breeds to my flock?
Adding rare chicken breeds helps preserve genetic diversity, supports conservation efforts, and brings beauty and uniqueness to your flock. Plus, they’re often full of personality and make great talking points!
