What Kind of Chicken Is a White Chicken? Exploring Breeds and Purpose

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

A staggering majority of commercially processed meat chickens have white feathers, a trait selectively bred for cleaner-looking carcasses. But what kind of chicken is a white chicken, and what are its different forms? The term 'white chicken' refers to a plumage color found in a wide variety of breeds, each with unique characteristics and purposes.

Quick Summary

Many breeds and hybrids have white feathers, including the high-production White Leghorn for eggs and the fast-growing Cornish Cross for meat. This appearance results from specific genetic traits and selective breeding for various farming purposes.

Key Points

Not a Single Breed: "White chicken" is not a breed itself but refers to many breeds and hybrids that have white feathers, including commercial and heritage types.
Genetic White: White plumage is caused by genetic traits, either dominant or recessive, that inhibit the production of feather pigment and is not a form of albinism.
Commercial Production: White feathers are preferred for commercial meat broilers, like the Cornish Cross, because they result in a cleaner-looking, more appealing carcass after processing.
Top Egg Producers: The White Leghorn is famously known for its exceptional laying capabilities, producing a high volume of large, white eggs each year.
Diverse Purposes: White plumage can be found in breeds bred for meat (Cornish Cross), eggs (Leghorn), dual-purpose (White Plymouth Rock), and ornamental purposes (White Silkie).
Behavioral Differences: Some white-feathered breeds, like Leghorns, can be more active or flighty, while others, like Silkies or Wyandottes, are known for their docile nature.

Understanding the Genetics of White Plumage

The color of a chicken's feathers is determined by its genetics, and white plumage is no exception. It is not a sign of albinism but rather the result of a genetic mutation that inhibits the expression of pigment in the feathers, while leaving the eye color unaffected. There are two primary genetic mechanisms for white feathers: dominant white and recessive white.

Dominant White

Some breeds, like the White Leghorn, carry a gene for 'dominant white'. This allele, often symbolized as 'I', acts as an inhibitor, preventing the production of color in the feathers. If a chicken carries even one copy of this gene, it will display white plumage. This is why white can appear in a mixed-breed flock even if only one parent was a pure white breed, though some black flecking may occur in heterozygous birds.

Recessive White

Alternatively, some breeds are pure for the 'recessive white' gene, symbolized as 'c'. This gene prevents the development of color when two copies are present (one from each parent). A bird carrying only one recessive white gene will display its normal coloration. White Plymouth Rocks are a classic example of a recessive white breed. This genetic trait is very common in meat-producing chickens, despite potentially reducing their growth rate slightly.

Common White Chicken Breeds

White plumage is a feature found across a diverse range of chicken breeds, bred for different purposes, from prodigious egg-laying to showmanship.

Egg-Laying Breeds

White Leghorn: One of the most famous white chicken breeds, the White Leghorn is an egg-laying machine. Known for its high production of large, white eggs (often 300+ per year), this breed is the workhorse of the commercial egg industry. They are also active, efficient foragers, though sometimes flighty and nervous.
California White: A hybrid of the California Grey and White Leghorn, this breed is known for its excellent laying capacity (around 300 eggs annually) and calm temperament. They can often be recognized by the black flecks on their white feathers.

Meat-Producing Breeds

Cornish Cross: The most widely used commercial meat chicken, the Cornish Cross is a hybrid primarily of the Cornish and White Plymouth Rock breeds. They are selectively bred for fast growth and high meat yield, and their white feathers are preferred for processing because any missed pin feathers are less visible on the carcass.
White Plymouth Rock: A dual-purpose heritage breed, the White Plymouth Rock is a good layer of brown eggs and is valued for its meat. They are known for their docile nature and cold hardiness due to their fluffy undercoat.

Ornamental and Dual-Purpose Breeds

White Silkie: Instantly recognizable by its unique, fur-like plumage, the White Silkie is a popular ornamental breed. They have distinctive black skin, bones, and a walnut-shaped comb. Silkies are gentle birds and good broody hens, though they are not prolific layers.
White Wyandotte: Developed for colder climates, the White Wyandotte has thick feathering and a rose comb. They are a dual-purpose breed, providing a good supply of brown eggs and meat. Wyandottes are typically docile and friendly.
White Sultan: An ornamental breed originating from Turkey, the Sultan features extensive feathering on its head and legs. They are friendly but timid and poor layers, prized more for their unique looks.

Why Commercial Chickens are White

The reason for the prevalence of white feathers in commercial poultry, particularly broilers, is largely aesthetic and practical. After processing, any remaining pin feathers or down on a white chicken carcass are much less noticeable than on a colored bird. This results in a cleaner, more appealing final product for the consumer. Years of selective breeding have refined this trait, alongside other desirable characteristics like rapid growth and high feed-to-meat conversion rates.

Key White Chicken Breeds Comparison


Feature	White Leghorn	White Plymouth Rock	Cornish Cross	White Silkie
Primary Purpose	Egg Production	Dual-Purpose	Meat Production	Ornamental
Egg Production (Annual)	280-300+ large white eggs	~280 large brown eggs	~150-200 tinted eggs	~100-120 small, cream/tinted eggs
Temperament	Flighty, Active	Docile, Calm	Slow-Moving, Docile	Docile, Friendly
Mature Weight (Hen)	4.5-5.5 lbs	~7.5 lbs	~8.5 lbs (at 8 weeks)	~1.5-2 lbs
Broodiness	Rarely broody	Can be broody	Not broody	Highly broody
Special Features	Yellow legs, high tail carriage	Cold-hardy, fluffy plumage	Rapid growth, high meat yield	Fur-like feathers, black skin

Conclusion

To answer the question, "What kind of chicken is a white chicken?" is to understand that it is not a single breed, but a feather color that appears in dozens of distinct breeds and hybrids, each developed for a specific purpose. From the hyper-efficient egg-laying of the White Leghorn to the rapid growth of the commercial Cornish Cross, the versatility of chickens with white plumage is a testament to centuries of selective breeding. Whether you're a backyard enthusiast or a commercial farmer, understanding the specific breed behind the white feathers is key to appreciating and managing these remarkable birds. For further details on specific chicken breeds, the Livestock Conservancy website is an authoritative resource that provides comprehensive information on various breeds, including many with white varieties.

Maintaining a Healthy White Chicken Flock

Caring for white-feathered chickens involves attention to the specific needs of their breed. For active foragers like Leghorns, providing ample space to roam can help with their flighty nature. Ornamental breeds like Silkies may require special housing to protect their delicate feathers. All chickens, regardless of color, require a balanced diet, access to fresh water, and a safe, clean coop. White-feathered chickens, especially those with dominant white genes, have sometimes been linked to nervousness, so a calmer, stress-free environment is often recommended. Additionally, white hens are known to be more sensitive to pecking as chicks, so proper management during their first few weeks is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all white chickens are White Leghorns. While the White Leghorn is a very popular breed known for its white feathers, many other breeds, such as the White Plymouth Rock, White Silkie, and Cornish Cross, also have white plumage.

Commercial broiler chickens, like the Cornish Cross, are selectively bred to have white feathers because any small, remaining pin feathers after processing are less visible on a white carcass, making the final product more aesthetically pleasing to consumers.

No, the color of a chicken's egg is determined by its breed, not its feather color. For instance, the White Leghorn lays white eggs, but the White Wyandotte and White Plymouth Rock lay brown eggs, and the White Ameraucana lays blue eggs.

No, the white color of most commercial and heritage breeds is the result of traditional, selective breeding, not genetic modification. Breeders crossed and selected birds with the white feather trait over many generations.

Temperament varies by breed, not color. Some white-feathered breeds like the White Leghorn are known for being active and flighty, while others like the White Silkie or White Plymouth Rock are known for their calm and docile nature.

Yes, you can keep a mixed flock of different white chicken breeds. However, it is important to consider the temperament of each breed to ensure they get along. For example, the very docile Silkie can sometimes be bullied by more assertive birds.

Generally, no. Care requirements depend on the specific breed. Some studies suggest white layers can be more easily startled, requiring a quieter environment, but this is a minor consideration for most backyard keepers and not universal to all white-feathered breeds.