This post may contain affiliate links.
There is something undeniably elegant and striking about a flock of black and white chickens strutting around the yard. Black and white chickens come in a range of different markings, from sleek stripes and bold blocks of color to fancy lace patterns, eye-catching spots, and black and white speckles.
Black and white chicken breeds come in many different breeds, each with a rich history and unique traits. Some of the oldest American chicken breeds—as well as those that originated in England—show a distinct difference in appearance between males and females. For instance, the roosters often have bold, high-contrast feather patterns, while the hens display softer markings.
Overall, black and white breeds can be incredibly beautiful and are a great choice for homesteaders and backyard chicken keepers.
1. Barred Plymouth Rock
- Use: Egg and meat production
- Size: Large
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
- Eggs Per Year: 200-280
Plymouth Rocks are one of the most popular chicken breeds in the US, and the barred variety is commonly found on many homesteads and in backyard chicken coops. They have a friendly, docile temperament and good egg layers, making them great for backyard flocks and families with children.
The term ‘barred’ is used to describe feathers that have a band of color at the tip – in this case, a black band on a white feather. The result is a striped pattern that gives the Barred Plymouth Rock its distinctive appearance.
Related: Chicken Breeds With Feathered Feet
2. Dominique
- Use: Egg and meat production
- Size: Medium
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Medium
- Eggs Per Year: 230-270
The Dominique is considered to be America’s oldest chicken breed, earning it the nickname ‘the Pilgrim’s fowl’. These calm and friendly birds are a great addition to a free-range flock where they can forage for tasty morsels all day long.
Dominique chickens have a feather pattern known as ‘cuckoo’ – this is similar to barring but with less definition between the two colors, resulting in a softer, more mottled appearance.
3. Lakenvelder
- Use: Egg production
- Size: Medium
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Medium
- Eggs Per Year: 150-180
Check out this stunning black and white chicken! The Lakenvelder is a striking breed with a sharp contrast between its white body and black neck and tail feathers. These chickens are active, flighty, and somewhat independent, and are better suited to large, free-range environments where they can roam and forage.
Related: What to Feed Your Chickens for Consistent Egg Production
Video
4. Ancona
- Use: Egg production
- Size: Small
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Medium
- Eggs Per Year: 200-220
Ancona chickens break all the rules when it comes to black and white chicken patterns – their distinctive mottled feathers are like no other breed! They are hardy and easy to keep but don’t expect this breed to be particularly friendly. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance breed that will produce a plentiful supply of eggs, Anconas are a good choice.
5. Silver Spangled Hamburg
- Use: Egg production
- Size: Small
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Small
- Eggs Per Year: 150-200
The Silver Spangled Hamburg has a very appropriate name, with its gorgeous white feathers adorned with distinctive black spangles. This ancient chicken breed adapts well to both hot and cold climates and loves to forage in a free-range system.
Related: How To Raise Chickens as a Family Pet
6. Mottled Houdan
- Use: Egg and meat production
- Size: Medium
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Medium
- Eggs Per Year: 150-200
Look at that fabulous black and white crest! With their unique appearance, the Mottled Houdan may look like an ornamental chicken breed, but it is also an excellent dual-purpose breed (egg and meat bird). This black and white speckled chicken breed copes well with confinement to a coop and run, and can become very tame and cuddly.
7. Exchequer Leghorn
- Use: Egg production
- Size: Medium
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Large
- Eggs Per Year: 280-300
The popular Leghorn chicken comes in a range of colors and patterns, but the Exchequer version is particularly distinctive! Their eye-catching black and white mottled pattern makes them stand out in any flock, and they’ll supply you with delicious pure white eggs. Leghorns are better suited to mild climates and need a large run or opportunities to free-range.
8. Cuckoo Marans
- Use: Egg and meat production
- Size: Large
- Egg Color: Dark brown
- Egg Size: Large
- Eggs Per Year: 150-200
Cuckoo Marans are renowned for producing large eggs with rich, chocolate-brown shells – these were the breed of choice on my family farm when I was a child, and I’ll never forget how beautiful their brown eggs were. This dual-purpose bird is a friendly, calm bird that is perfect for backyard flocks, and these hardy birds cope well with colder weather.
9. Appenzeller Spitzhauben
- Use: Egg production
- Size: Small
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Medium
- Eggs Per Year: 150-180
Isn’t this a glorious example of a black-and-white chicken? Monochrome doesn’t have to be boring when you’ve got feathers as elaborate as the Appenzeller Spitzhauben. The beautiful spangled feathers, topped with that elaborate crest, give this chicken breed a spectacular appearance. Appenzeller Spitzhaubencans can be quite flighty and like to roam, so are better suited to larger homesteads where they can free-range.
10. Magpie
- Use: Egg production
- Size: Small
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Medium
- Eggs Per Year: 150-200
The Magpie chicken has silver/white feathers around the head and neck, gradually darkening to jet black over the body. This small bird is quite a rare breed, but fans of this breed prize them for their egg-laying capabilities and ability to thrive in various climates. Magpie chickens aren’t particularly friendly and do best in an environment where they have space to forage and explore.
Grab Your Chicken Record Keeping Planner
Take the guesswork out of managing your flock with this all-in-one Planner! This 45-page printable bundle helps you track egg production, maintain bird health, organize coop chores, and stay on top of your poultry finances—all in one place.
$17
11. Silver-laced Wyandotte
- Use: Egg and meat production
- Size: Large
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
- Eggs Per Year: 180-200
Wyandotte chickens come in a variety of beautiful colors, and the silver-laced variety is particularly stunning. Each silver feather is laced with a delicate band of black, creating a gorgeous mottled effect. These large birds have a calm temperament and are friendly. And they do well in small flocks. Their strong brooding instinct makes them ideal for rearing chicks.
12. Black-laced Andalusian
- Use: Egg production
- Size: Medium
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Large
- Eggs Per Year: 180-220
Black-laced Andalusians are elegant chickens with striking blue-grey feathers edged with black, giving them an intricately laced appearance. Thanks to their Mediterranean origins, this active, hardy chicken does particularly well in warm climates. Andalusian chickens are becoming increasingly popular with homesteaders and backyard chicken keepers thanks to their abundant egg productivity.
13. Brahmas
Brahmas are the gentle giants of the chicken world, and their friendly nature makes them easy to handle. The Brahma chicken makes excellent dual-purpose birds and an ideal choice if you are looking for excellent layers.
These beautiful, big birds require plenty of space and food, but will reward you with a plentiful supply of extra-large eggs. Brahmas are also among the few chicken breeds that lay well through winter and are very quiet in a backyard.
14. Campine
Campine chickens are active and hardy birds that thrive when given ample space to roam. They’re known for being excellent foragers and do best in free-range environments where they can stay busy and explore. While not the most prolific layers, Campines produce a steady supply of medium-sized white eggs throughout the year.
Their independent nature and striking golden or silver feather patterns make them a beautiful and practical addition to a backyard flock—especially for those who value low-maintenance birds with a touch of character.
15. Easter Egger
The Easter Egger is a fun and friendly birds that integrate well into backyard flocks.
