We breed most chickens for a specific purpose, either meat or egg production. Two types of chickens are available to the farmer. They breed the most common type for commercial use. Commercial producers use these hybrid chickens because they have developed them for maximum economic potential. They breed meat chickens to grow fast at the sacrifice of egg-laying ability.
Layer hens grow more slowly with the emphasis on egg production.
The resulting birds are thus used to their maximum economic potential. These try to offer the best of both worlds. They are smaller and popular with hobby farmers. The individual considering raising chickens will want to pick the type of chicken that best meets their needs. Most dual purpose chickens will meet the egg and meat needs of a family.