The needs of various breeds of chickens vary wildly. I’ve written on this subject before but I think it deserves to be revisited. Much like different dog breeds or cat breeds have different needs (a Chihuahua doesn’t have the same needs as a Great Dane), so do different chicken breeds. As I continue to expand my knowledge as a backyard chicken keeper I continue to be astounded by how little I knew about these amazing animals. Even the preliminary research I did prior to bringing our first chickens home, it doesn’t prepare you for all the situations you and your flock may encounter. I was very adamant in the beginning that we only get dual purpose chickens meaning chickens that could be grown for either meat or eggs. I knew we needed hardy breeds because our climate in the Midwest is prone to extremes. We have hot, smoldering summers and lingering, bitter cold windy winters so I wanted birds that could thrive in those conditions. By accident, mislabeled at a farm store, we acquired two polish roosters. I was shocked how much I fell in love with these ornamental birds and how hardy they proved to be. With the right facilities, they did just fine in our climate. I later added a silkie to our flock who is also thriving. I had very strong opinions prior to having ornamental chickens that they weren’t for us, and I was so wrong. We did have to include some supplemental heat for them in the winter, but other than that they have thrived in the same conditions as our dual purpose birds. I didn’t understand till I saw them strutting around the yard how strikingly beautiful ornamental birds could be. Yes. They do have different needs than my dual purpose flock. But they are totally worth it.