The Cinnamon Queen chicken is one of the best chicken breeds for laying. This modern hybrid breed, developed in the United States, has one purpose: outstanding egg production. Created by crossing a Rhode Island Red rooster with a Silver Laced Wyandotte or Rhode Island White hen, this sex-link hybrid ensures you can easily distinguish males from females at hatch. Cinnamon Queen hens display rich reddish-brown feathers, while Cinnamon Queen roosters are white—a trait that simplifies flock planning.
Though not recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) due to their hybrid status, Cinnamon Queens chickens have earned a loyal following for their reliability and charm among backyard chicken keepers.
Why Choose Cinnamon Queen Chickens?
Whether you’re a homesteader seeking eggs or a family wanting feathered companions, Cinnamon Queens shine. They’re low-maintenance, prolific layers, and their vibrant personalities will brighten your coop. Just remember: A happy hen means more eggs, so spoil them with space, snacks, and the occasional head scratch!
Cinnamon Queen Chicken Characteristics: Beauty Meets Hardiness
What Does a Cinnamon Queen Chicken Look Like?
Female Cinnamon Queen chickens boast warm, cinnamon-red feathers, often accented by golden-orange hues and elegant tail plumes. Their bright red combs, wattles, and yellow legs add to their eye-catching appeal. If you search for pictures of Cinnamon Queen chickens online, you’ll see their distinctive russet coloring that gives this breed its name.
Cinnamon Queen Chicken Size
These are medium-sized birds, weighing 5–7 pounds, with a sturdy build suited for both confinement and free-ranging. Their substantial chicken size makes them excellent dual-purpose birds, though they excel primarily at egg production.
Lifespan
Typically 5–7 years, though their peak egg-laying years are the first 2–3. During this prime period, Cinnamon Queen pullets transition into productive hens that will reward you with consistent eggs.
Are Cinnamon Queen Chickens Friendly?
Absolutely! Their Cinnamon Queen temperament is renowned for being calm, curious, and social. They thrive on interaction and often bond with their keepers, though individual personalities can vary (more on that later!).
Adaptability
Cinnamon chickens handle both heat and cold well, making them ideal for diverse climates. Whether you’re in snowy New England or sunny Texas, these birds stay productive year-round.
Egg Laying Superstars: What to Expect from Cinnamon Queen Eggs
If eggs are your priority, Cinnamon Queen chicken eggs deliver exceptional results:
How Many Eggs Do Cinnamon Queen Chickens Lay?
Annual Production: 250–300 medium-to-large brown eggs per hen—that’s an impressive Cinnamon Queen eggs per year output!
Early Start: Cinnamon Queen baby chicks and young pullets begin laying at just 16–20 weeks old—sooner than many breeds!
Consistency: While most hybrids slow down in winter, are Cinnamon Queens good egg layers? Absolutely! They often keep laying year-round with proper care (supplemental light in darker months helps).
Cinnamon Queen Egg Color and Size
What color eggs do Cinnamon Queen chickens lay? These hens produce beautiful medium-to-large brown eggs. The Cinnamon Queen egg color is a rich, warm brown that’s perfect for farm-fresh egg cartons. Each Cinnamon Queen egg is substantial, making them ideal for baking and cooking.
The Cinnamon Queen egg size compares favorably to other popular layers, often matching or exceeding standard large grocery store eggs.
Comparing the Cinnamon Chicken Breed to Others
Rhode Island Red vs Cinnamon Queen: While Rhode Island Reds lay 200–250 eggs per year, Cinnamon Queen vs Rhode Island Red comparisons show that Cinnamon Queens edge ahead with 250–300 eggs annually. Cinnamon Queens chicken breeds also tend to be slightly friendlier and start laying earlier.
Compare this to Leghorns (280–320 eggs), and the Cinnamon Queen holds its own as a top contender for backyard flocks, especially when you factor in their docile temperament.
Understanding the Cinnamon Queen Chicken Breed
What is a Cinnamon Queen Chicken?
This cinnamon chicken breed is a sex-link hybrid specifically engineered for exceptional egg production. The term “sex-link” means you can determine the gender at hatch based on color—an invaluable trait for flock management.
Cinnamon Queen Chick Development
2 week old Cinnamon Queen chicks will already show their distinctive coloring patterns. Female chicks display the characteristic reddish-brown down, while males are lighter colored. By this age, they’re active, curious, and growing rapidly.
Cinnamon Queen chicken chicks are hardy from the start, making them excellent choices for beginners. Their robust nature means better survival rates compared to some more delicate breeds.
Roosters vs. Hens
While most backyard chicken keepers focus on hens, Cinnamon Queen roosters serve important roles in mixed flocks. These white-feathered males can be protective flock guardians, though many urban and suburban keepers opt for hen-only flocks due to noise restrictions.
Personality: Friendly Birds with Quirky Charm
Cinnamon Queens are known for their docile, people-oriented nature. They’ll follow you around the coop, investigate gardening tasks, and even tolerate gentle handling—making them great for families with kids. However, like all cinnamon chickens, their personalities can range from cuddly to aloof.
Pro tip: Spend time hand-feeding treats (like mealworms or veggies) to build trust with your Cinnamon Queen hen or pullet!
Flock Dynamics
Chicken Cinnamon Queens integrate well with other breeds but avoid pairing them with overly aggressive birds. Their easygoing attitude makes them ideal for mixed flocks. Whether you’re adding Cinnamon Queen pullets to an existing flock or starting fresh, they typically adapt quickly.
Caring for Your Cinnamon Queen Chickens
Coop Setup
- Allow 3–4 sq. ft. of coop space per bird and 8–10 sq. ft. in the run
- Provide nesting boxes (one per 3–4 hens) for those precious Cinnamon Queen chicken eggs
- Install roosting bars at varying heights
Diet for Maximum Egg Production
- Start Cinnamon Queen chick birds on high-protein starter feed (18–20%)
- Transition to layer feed (16% protein) at 18 weeks
- Offer calcium supplements (oyster shells) for strong eggshells—crucial for consistent Cinnamon Queen eggs production
- Limit treats to 10% of their diet to avoid obesity
Health Considerations
Cinnamon Queens chicken breeds are resistant to common poultry illnesses, but watch for:
- Mites and lice
- Respiratory issues
- Egg-binding (ensure adequate calcium)
Regular health checks ensure your Cinnamon Queen hens stay productive throughout their peak laying years.
Predator Protection
Secure coops with hardware cloth and lock doors at night. Your valuable Cinnamon Queen chicken breed investment deserves protection from raccoons, foxes, and hawks.
My Cinnamon Queen Story: A Bittersweet Experience
I’ll never forget my first batch of Cinnamon Queen chicks. Their fiery-red fluff and lively chirps stole my heart—until a brooder heater failure tragically took them one cold night. It was a harsh lesson in preparedness, but it only deepened my admiration for this resilient cinnamon chicken breed.
FAQs About Cinnamon Queen Chickens
Q: Can I breed Cinnamon Queens?
A: As hybrids, they won’t produce true Cinnamon Queen offspring. For consistent Cinnamon Queen chicken breed characteristics, stick to reputable hatcheries like McMurray or Meyer for new Cinnamon Queen baby chicks.
Q: Are they noisy?
A: Cinnamon chickens breeds are relatively quiet, making them suburban-friendly. Expect soft clucks and the occasional “egg song” when they lay.
Q: Where can I buy them?
A: Most hatcheries sell Cinnamon Queen pullets and chicks for $3–5 per bird. Check local farms or online suppliers in spring for the best selection.
Q: What’s better for egg production—Cinnamon Queen or Rhode Island Red?
A: The rhode island red vs cinnamon queen debate usually favors Cinnamon Queens for pure egg numbers (250–300 vs 200–250 annually), though Rhode Island Reds may have slightly longer productive lifespans.
Q: Are there other names for this breed?
A: Some may call them cinnamon princess chickens or simply cinna queen chickens, though these are informal variations of the standard name.
Ready to Start Your Cinnamon Queen Flock?
These golden girls are waiting to turn your backyard into an eggstravaganza! With their exceptional Cinnamon Queen egg production, friendly cinnamon queen temperament, and beautiful russet plumage, they’re perfect for beginners and experienced chicken keepers alike.
Whether you’re comparing cinnamon queens vs other breeds or searching for the ideal starter bird, Cinnamon Queen hens deliver on every front. Their consistent brown eggs, early maturity, and adaptable nature make them a top choice for anyone serious about fresh eggs.
Start with a few Cinnamon Queen chicken chicks this spring, and by fall, you’ll be enjoying farm-fresh Cinnamon Queen chicken eggs daily. Your breakfast table will never be the same!