There are three types of chickens (laying birds, meat birds, and dual purpose birds) and the vast majority in backyards are layers or dual purpose birds. There are then countless breeds for each, all coming with varying features and traits, such the coloring of their plumage, how many eggs they lay, or the color and size of those eggs. No matter what you end up choosing, go with what gives you the most of what makes you happy or helps you accomplish the level of sustainability you’re trying to achieve.