Chickens

“Special” – Kristen’s favorite chicken.  Held just about every day until about 6 months old!
Very nice temperment.  Docile.
The first of our chickens to start laying (right at 5 months).

1 died at 2 days old – pasting up.
The other (“Lemonade” or “Cutie”) was killed by dog at about 4 months old.
Very friendly.

Had 1, but the dog killed it at about 4 months old.

Breed
(with links to other sites with images and more information)

Varieties / Rarity / What's a hen weigh?

Class and Type

Origins

Egg productivity
color
size

Comb
Skin color
Earlobes

Brooding
Hardiness
Maturing

Behavior

Ancona
FS OK Om AR PP box PB
Much like a leghorn, with black mottling.

<top>

Black mottled, only

Rather rare & in decline.
40%

Standard:
4.5 lb/2 kg
Bantam:
1.5 lb/0.7 kg

APA (1898):
Large: Mediterranean Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Light

  Layer

Developed in Italy in mid-19th century probably from leghorns sporting mottled feathers. Once rivaled the Leghorn in Europe, but never caught on in North America.

white to light cream
small

single, also rose

yellow skin & shanks

white

non-setter

generally hardy;
very cold hardy except for combs

early maturing hens

economical eater, prefers free range; nervous & restless in confinement; flyer; active, flighty, marked wildness, avoids human contact

Appenzeller or Appenzell
FS OKb OKs Om PP box GOb GOs
The national breed of Switzerland.

<top>

Spitzhauben (Pointed Hood) & Barthuhner (Bearded)

Spitzhauben available but Barthuhner practically unknown
8%/0% (sptz/brthr)

4 lb/1.8 kg

APA: Not recognized
PC: Soft Feather Light

Layer
Fancy:
Crested
or Bearded

Developed in Switzerland centuries ago. The name is thought to derive from the lace bonnets of the Appenzeller region.

white
medium

horn, V-shaped, duplex

white skin,
blue shanks

blueish white

can be broody

very cold hardy,
except may have problems
with freezing crest feathers

early maturing

not very tolerant of close confinement; flyer; active, flighty

Araucana or Rumpless Araucana
FS OK PP box GO PB club
The rumpless, tufted blue-egger.

<top>

Black, White, Black Breasted Red, Blue, Buff, Silver

Purebreds are very rare.
0%

Standard:
5 lb/2.2 kg
Bantam:
1.4 lb/0.65 kg

APA (1976):
Large: All Other Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Light, Rare

Layer
Fancy:
Rumpless
Ear Tufts

Introduced from Chile in 1921, from one of several different blue egg-laying chicken "breeds," none called Araucana there. Likely that some "mongrelization" occurred before standardization. Truest bred carry a "lethal gene" which is also connected to the tufting characteristic. Standards differ from country to country.

blue only

small

pea

yellow skin, willow shanks

red

good brooder

cold hardy

moderately early maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, non-aggressive

Aseel or Asil
FS AR Om PP box GO PB
Ancient Indian athlete.

<top>

Black, White, Duckwing, Red Spangled, Pyle, others

Very rare.
4%

Standard:
5 lb/2.2 kg
Bantam:
2 lb/0.9 kg

APA:
Large: All Other
PC: Hard Feather Heavy

Game

Developed in India more than 2000 years ago, perhaps even 3500 years ago. Thought to be the breed from which the Cornish was primarily developed.

lightly tinted

small

small pea

yellow skin & shanks

red

can be broody, protective mothers

robust; cold hardy;
very hardy in high heat

slow to mature

bears confinement better than most other game breeds; extremely fierce & pugnacious, but docile & easily handled when away from other cocks

Australorp or
Black Australorp
FS OK Om PP AR box GO
The egg-laying champion table bird from Oz

<top>

Black, only (standard); also blue & white

Common
88%

Standard:
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
Bantam:
2 lb/0.9 kg

APA (1929):
Large: English
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Dual Purpose

Developed in 20th century in Australia, primarily from the Orpington. Gained notoriety when one hen in the 1920s laid a record 364 eggs in 365 days. That performance has never been matched by subsequent Australorps.

brown

medium

medium single

white skin, dark shanks

red

good brooder; good mother

very hardy; very cold hardy

early maturing

Well adaptable to confinement or free range; quiet, docile, easily handled

Barnevelder
FS OK Om PP box GO
Famous for large dark brown eggs.

<top>

Double-laced, Blue-laced, White, Black, others

Little known until recently.
4%

Standard:
6-7 lb/2.7-3.2 kg
Bantam:
2.25 lb/1.0 kg

APA (2001):
Large: Continental
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Dual Purpose

Developed in late 19th century and early 20th century in Holland for dark egg laying. Developed from an older local variety that may date as early as the 12th century. In recent history, some strains have been bred for show and others for the darkness of their eggs.

very dark reddish brown, with matte finish

large

single

yellow skin &
shanks

red

can be non-setter or good brooder

less cold hardy;
good in damp conditions

slow to mature, & some chicks can be easily bullied

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, friendly

Belgian D'Anver, or Antwerp Belgian, Barbu d'Anvers
FS AR PP box
The bearded bantam.

<top>

14 recognized, including Quail, Porcelain, Black, Blue, Buff, Cuckoo, Mille Fleur, White, Mottled

Uncommon
33%

True bantam:
1.3 lb/0.6 kg

APA (1949):
Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: True Bantam

Bantam
Bearded

Developed in Anver region of Belgium many decades ago. Rumpless versions are called De Grubbe. Breed is often referred to simply as the Quail bantam, after the most popular variety.

creamy white

tiny

rose

white skin, dark shanks

white

good brooder

robust

chicks difficult to rear

active, flyer; hens friendly, cocks can be aggressive

Belgian D'Uccle or Barbu d'Uccle
FS AR PP box club
The bearded, booted bantam.

<top>

Mille Fleur, Porcelain, Black, Buff, White, Blue Mottled, Splash, Golden Neck, others

One of the most popular bantams
93%

True bantam:
1.3 lb/0.55 kg

APA (1914):
Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: True Bantam / Rare

Bantam
Bearded
Feather Footed

First bred in Uccle (Belgium) before 1900 by Michel Van Gelder. Breed is often referred to simply as Mille Fleur, the most popular variety.

creamy white

tiny

small single with large spikes

white skin & shanks

white

great brooder

hardy; because of fancy feathering, not suited for foul weather

very slow to mature for full coloring

tolerates confinement; fliers; quiet, friendly, cocks less aggressive than other banties

Booted or Sabelpoot
FS PP box club
The booted, unbearded bantam

<top>

Black, Blue, Buff, Mille Fleur, Porcelain, White, Mottled, others

Very rare
0%

True bantam:
1.4 lb/0.65 kg

APA:
Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: True Bantam, Rare

Bantam
Feather Footed

One of the more ancient bantams; developed in the Netherlands.

creamy white

tiny

single

white skin & shanks

bright red

great brooder

hardy

some reports indicate chicks difficult to rear

tolerates confinement; fliers; friendly, cocks can be aggressive

Brahma
FS OK Om AR PP box GO PB club
Large and regal.

<top>

Light, Dark, Buff

Less common.
48%/20% (light/all other)

Standard:
9 lb/4.1 kg
Bantam:
2.6 lb/1.2 kg

APA (1874):
Large:Asiatic Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Soft feather Heavy

Dual Purpose
[formerly Meat]
Fancy:
Feather Footed, outside only

Introduced from China in mid-19th century. The largest breed at the time. Before the name Brahma was settled on, they were also called Chittagongs, Shanghais (as were the Cochins), and Brahmapootras.

brown

medium

pea

yellow skin & shanks

red

good brooder

robust; very hardy in heat & cold

slow to mature

adaptable to confinement or free range; mostly gentle; can be easied handled, but also standoffish; has a tendency toward fatness

Buckeye
FS OK AL
Buckeye brown bird from the Buckeye state.

<top>

Nut brown only

Very rare.
12%

6.5 lb/2.9 kg

APA (1904):
Large: American
PC: Not recognized

Dual Purpose

Developed by Mrs. Nettie Metcalf of Warren, Ohio, in late 19th century. Never widely popular.

brown

medium

pea

white skin & blue/gray shanks

red

can be broody

very cold hardy

moderately slow maturing

adaptable to confinement, very adaptable to free range; calm, friendly

Buttercup or Sicilian Buttercup
FS OK Om PP box PB
Known for its comb.

<top>

Golden, only

Rare, even as a show bird
36%

5 lb/2.3 kg

APA (1918):
Large: Mediterranean
PC: Light, Rare

Layer
Fancy:
Large buttercup comb

Developed in Sicily, in mid-19th century.

white

small

buttercup

yellow skin & shanks

white

non-setter

heat tolerant; combs subject to frostbite

early maturing, but full comb takes longer

does not do well in close confinement; very fidgety; active, flighty, wild even for a Mediterrean breed; avoids human contact

Campine
FS OK PP box RB
Beautiful bird with unique pencilling.

<top>

Golden, Silver

Uncommon.
40%/32% (golden/silver)

5 lb/2.2 kg

APA (1914):
Large: Continental
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft feather Light

Layer
Fancy: Some males are hen-feathered

May have ancient ancestry, but refined & further developed in Belgium in the 19th century. Braekel is a closely related European breed.

white

medium

large single

white skin, blue shanks

white

non-setter

hardy; comb subject to frostbite

quick feathering but late maturing

economical eater; adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; flyer; alert, lively; inquisitive; some are rather wild, others can be friendly

Catalana
FS OK box PB
The most popular breed of South America.

<top>

Buff

Very rare.
8%

6 lb/2.7 kg

APA (1949):
Large: Mediterranean
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Layer

Developed in Spain in late 19th century as a meat & egg bird.

white to light tint

medium

single

yellow skin & shanks

white

non-setter

very hardy in heat

early maturing

less tolerant of close confinement; active, vigorous, avoids human contact

Chantecler
FS OK box
Canada's breed.

<top>

White, Partridge

Extremely rare. Rare even in Canada.
8%

6.5 lb/2.9 kg

APA (1921):
Large: American
Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Dual Purpose

Developed in Canada in early 20th century by Brother Wilfred as a good meat & egg bird that could stand the extreme cold.

brown

large

cushion

yellow skin & shanks

red

can be broody

extremely cold hardy

early maturing

bears confinement well; skittish, avoids human contact

Cochin
FS OK Om AR PP box GO PB club
Big ball of fluff and feathers.

<top>

Buff, White, Black, & Partridge

Still popular as a show bird.
64%

Standard:
8.5 lb/3.8 kg
Bantam (aka Pekin):
1.3 lb/.6 kg

APA (1874):
Large: Asiatic
Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Soft feather Heavy

Fancy:
Feather Footed, fully

Introduced from China in early 19th century. Originally known as the Shanghai (a name also used for the Brahma). The breed that launched interest in poultry shows. Pekins are recognized as a separate bantam breed in some countries, rather than as bantam Cochins.

tinted or yellowy brown

small

small single

yellow skin & shanks

red

excellent brooder; good mother; excellent foster mother

robust, cold hardy

slow to mature

well adaptable to confinement or free range; peaceful, friendly, easily handled

Cornish or Indian Game
FS OK Om AR PP box GO
Famed meat bird, especially when crossed.

<top>

White, Dark, White Laced, Red, Buff

Uncommon,
40%

Standard:
8 lb/3.6 kg
Bantam:
2.6 lb/1.2 kg

APA (1893):
Large: English
Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Hard Feather Heavy

Meat
Game or Other

Developed in Cornwall in 19th century. Now principally used commercially for cross breeding purposes for Cornish X Rock.

light brown

small

pea

yellow skin & shanks

red

can be broody; protective mother

cold hardy

moderately early maturing

poor forager; easily contained; less active; very docile for a game bird, noisy, can be friendly or aggressive

Crevecoeur
FS OK PP box
Is it beautiful and elegant, or just peculiar-looking?

<top>

Black

Very rare.
16%

6.5 lb/3 kg

APA (1874):
Large: Continental
Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

Fancy:
Crested Bearded & Muffed

Developed in Normandy, perhaps before the 18th century.

white

medium

horn, V-shaped, duplex

white skin, dark shanks

red [hidden by feathers]

non-setter

because of fancy feathering, not suited for foul weather; may have problems with freezing crest feathers

suited for close (and dry) confinement; active; not particularly friendly

Cubalaya
FS AL OK GO
Cuba's fighting meat bird.

<top>

Black-Breasted Red, White, Black

Practically unknown outside the Caribbean until recently.
20%

4.5 lb/2 kg

APA (1939):
Large:All Other
PC: Not recognized

Game

Developed in Cuba in 19th century from Phillipine or Indonesian stock.

white

small

pea

white skin & shanks

white

great brooder

very hardy in heat

slow to mature

excellent forager; needs to be active; less tolerant of close confinement; aggressive, noisy

Delaware
FS OK AL
A broiler cross that became a breed.

<top>

White [Columbian]

Rare.
32%

6.5 lb/2.9 kg

APA (1952):
Large: American
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Dual Purpose

Developed by George Ellis in 1940 in Delaware.
Unknown in most of the world.

medium to rich brown

good winter layer

large

single

yellow skin & shanks

red

can be broody

robust; hardy in heat & cold

early maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, friendly

Dominique or Dominiker
FS OK GO PP club
Claimant to title "America's first breed."

<top>

Barred only

Rare, but now has new interest.
52%

5 lb/2.2 kg

APA (1874):
Large: American
Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather
Heavy, Rare

feathers prized for fly tying
Dual Purpose

Developed in New England in early 19th century. Not distinguished from the Barred Rock until APA Standards were developed. Most modern Dominques may be traced to stock developed by A. Q. Carter after 1900.

brown

good winter layer

medium

rose

yellow skin & shanks

red

good brooder; good mother

robust; cold hardy

early maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm mostly, but more flighty than other dual purpose breeds

Dorking
FS OK Om AR PP box GO RB club
Short legged, very ancient, very English.

<top>

Silver Gray, White, Colored

Extremely rare.
16%/4% (silver/all other)

Standard:
6.5 lb/2.2 kg
Bantam:
1.0 lb/0.8 kg

APA (1874):
Large: English
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft feather Heavy

Dual Purpose
Fancy:
Five-Toed
Short legs

Ancient; believed to have been introduced to England by Romans -- based primarily on a description by a Roman writer of a chicken with five toes.

creamy white to light tint

medium

rose & single

white skin & shanks

red

great brooder; good mother

less hardy in general, but cold hardy

chicks delicate & slow to mature

adaptable to confinement or free range; does not scratch excessively; calm; stately or awkward; fattens easily; gentle; friendly; easily tamed & handled

Dutch
FS Om PP box RF
The littlest bantam.

<top>

11 recognized, including Light Brown, White, Black, Blue, Blue Light Brown, Silver

Rare.
0%

True bantam:
1.0 lb/0.45 kg

APA (1992):
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: True Bantam

Bantam

Developed in the Netherlands, perhaps from Dutch East Indies stock. Introduced to North America after WWII, declined, reintroduced in the 70s & 80s.

light tint

tiny

single

white skin & white or blue shanks

white

broody; protective mother

hardy

slow to mature

tolerates confinement; fliers; active, lively, cocks have been compared to snapping turtles

Fayoumi or Egyptian Fayoumi
FS PP
Precocious scavenger and escape artist.

<top>

Gold & silver penciled

Still rare.
36%

3.5 lb/1.6 kg

APA: Not recognized
PC: Soft feather Light

Layer

Ancient Egyptian origins; only recently spread to the rest of the world.

off-white to light tint

small

single

white skin, dark shanks

white

non-setter

very hardy; excellent hot weather bird

quick feathering & very early maturing

very economical eater; does not like containment; lively; flighty, known for wildness

Hamburg or Hamburgh
FS OK AR PP box GO
The spritely, little "everyday layer."

<top>

Silver-Spangled, Golden-Spangled, Golden-Penciled, Silver-Penciled, White, Black

Less common.
56%/24% (slvr-spng/all other)

Standard:
4 lb/1.8 kg
Bantam:
1.5 lb/0.7 kg

APA (1874):
Large: Continental
Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Light

Layer

Developed in Holland (not Germany) before 1700; may be ancient. Historical names include Pheasants, Moonies, Crescents, Corals & Everlayers

low-gloss

white

small

rose

white skin, slate blue shanks

white

non-setter/p>

hardy; cold hardy

very early maturing

very economical eater; likes wide range; less tolerant of close confinement; high flyer; very flighty; spritely, active, avoids human contact

(No picture available)
Holland or American Holland
FS OK AL
The calm white-egger.

<top>

White & Barred

Rare.
12%

6.5 lb/2.9 kg

APA (1949):
Large: American
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Dual Purpose

Established in 1949 as an improved, yellow skinned, heavy breed with white eggs. Unknown in Holland & most of the rest of world.

white

medium

single

yellow skin & shanks

red

can be broody

cold hardy

moderately slow maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, good tempered

Houdan
FS OK Om PP box
The crested French bird with big eyes.

<top>

White, Mottled

Uncommon.
32%

Standard:
6-7 lb/2.7-3.2 kg
Bantam:
1.75 lb/0.8 kg

APA (1874):
Large: Continental
Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

Dual Purpose
Fancy:
Crested
Bearded
Five-Toed

Developed in France before 1700, possibly as a cross between Polish and Dorking or related breeds.

white

small to medium

leaf (or V)

white skin, darker shanks

red [hidden by feathers]

can be broody

because of fancy feathering, not suited for foul weather; may have problems with freezing crest feathers

early maturing

economical eater; bears confinement well; active; docile; easily handled

Japanese or Chabo (and still called Japs in some parts of the world)
FS AR Om PP box club
The short-legged, low-built, squirrel-tailed bantam.

<top>

Black, White, Black Tailed, Birchen, Mottled, others

Popular
86%

True bantam:
1.3 lb/0.6 kg

APA (1874):
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: True Bantam

Bantam
Short legs

Developed in Japan as early as the 7th century perhaps from Indo-Chinese stock. First introduced to Europe in 1860. Truest bred carry a "lethal gene" which is also connected to the shortened leg characteristic.

creamy white

tiny

large single

white skin & shanks

bright red

excellent brooder; protective mother

because of short legs & fancy feathering, not suited for foul weather

slow to mature

tolerates confinement; some are fliers; generally friendly, cocks can be aggressive

Java
FS OK AL
Old breed, but endangered.

<top>

Black, Mottled

Extremely, perhaps critically rare.
16%

7.5 lb/3.4 kg

APA (1874):
Large: American
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Dual Purpose

Developed in U.S. after being introduced from Java in 1835.

brown

medium

single

yellow skin, dark shanks

red

good brooder

cold hardy

very slow maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm

La Fleche
FS OK Om PP box GO
The devil bird.

<top>

Black, Blue, White, & Cuckoo

Very rare.
12%

5.5 lb/2.5 kg

APA (1874):
Large: Continental
Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

Dual Purpose
Fancy:
Horns for a comb

Dates back to France before 1660.

tinted white

large

horn, V-shaped, duplex

white skin, dark shanks

white

non-setter

hardy

early maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; active, flighty, avoids human contact

Lakenvelder
FS OK Om PP box GO
Shadow on a sheet.

<top>

Black/white/black pattern.

Rare.
52%/20% (silver/gold)

4 lb/1.8 kg

APA (1939):
Large: Continental
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft feather Light

Layer

Developed in Germany in early 19th century. Golden Lakenvelders are not standard. Vorwerk is a bantam with the black/gold/black pattern.

white to light tint

small

single

white skin, dark shanks

white

non-setter

hardy

early maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; flyer; flighty, avoids human contact

Lamona
FS OK
The rare, possibly extinct, yellow-skinned, red-ear-lobed, white-egg-laying table bird.

<top>

White

Extinct or verging on extinction.
0%

6.5 lb/2.9 kg

APA (1933):
Large: American
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

Dual Purpose

Developed by Harry Lamon in 1912 specifically to be a yellow skinned heavy breed with white eggs.

white

medium

single

yellow skin & shanks

red

Langshan
FS OK box GO PB
The long-legged, high-tailed, and feather-footed regal bird.

<top>

Black, White, & Blue.

Uncommon.
32%/16% (black/all other)

7.5 lb/3.4 kg

APA (1883):
Large: Asiatic
Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Soft feather Heavy

Dual Purpose [formerly Meat]
Fancy:
Feather Footed, outside only (some varieties are clean footed)

Introduced from China in mid-19th century. Major Croad introduced them to England & gave his name to an early variety of Langshans. In Europe & elsewhere, distinctions are made between Croad & Modern Langshans.

brown
[Croad Langshans once layed very dark brown]

medium

single

greyish white skin, dark shanks

red

can be broody

very hardy; cold hardy

slow to mature

well adaptable to confinement or free range; active for their size; graceful; not as calm or docile as other large breeds

<top>

Dark Brown, Light Brown, White, Buff, Black, Silver, Red, Black-Tailed Red, Columbian

Common
84%/80%/32% white/brown/all other

Standard:
4.5 lb/2 kg
Bantam:
1.75 lb/0.8 kg

APA (1874):
Large: Mediterranean
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Light

feathers prized for fly tying
Layer

Ancient, but greatly developed in 19th & 20th centuries. Honored by the Romans, and the white variety was reportedly developed for use in ceremony and foretelling the future. One of the most popular birds around the globe.

pearl white (non-white feathered varieties are less prolific.)

medium to large [commercial whites are especially large]

large single; also rose

yellow skin & shanks

white

non-setter

hardy; heat tolerant (esc. white variety); combs subject to frostbite

very early maturing

economical eater; well adaptable to confinement or free range; flyer; flighty; spritely, noisy, nervous, usually avoids human contact

<top>

Black Breasted Red, only

Very rare
4%

7 lb/3.2 kg

APA (1883):
Large: All Other
Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Hard Feather, Rare

Game

An ancient breed, introduced from Malay

light tint or brown

medium

strawberry

yellow skin & shanks

rich red

can be broody

hardy, very hardy in heat

very slow to mature

needs to be active; less tolerant of close confinement; more placid than most game birds

<top>

Black, White, Buff

Rare to uncommon.
44%/28% (black/all other)

Standard:
7 lb/3.2 kg
Bantam:
1.75 lb/0.8 kg

APA (1888):
Large: Mediterranean
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Light

feathers prized for fly tying
Layer

Developed in Spain (and Minorca?) Once known as the Red-faced Black Spanish.

white

large

single & rose

white skin, dark shanks

white

non-setter

excellent hot weather bird; combs subject to frostbite

early maturing

adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; restlessly active, flighty, avoids human contact

Modern Game or Modern English Game
FS OK AR PP box GO
The game bird with style and carriage.

<top>

Black-Breasted Red, Silver Duckwing, Red Pyle, White, Black, many others

Uncommon
16%

Standard:
4.5 lb/2 kg
Bantam:
1.2 lb/0.55 kg

APA (1874):
Large: All Other
Bantam: Game
PC: Hard Feather

feathers prized for fly tying
Game

Developed in England in 19th century for exhibibiton, not for cockfighting.

white to light tint

small

large single (often dubbed)

yellow skin & shanks

red

can be broody; protective mother

hardy in heat & cold; some subject to health problems

slow to mature

needs to be active; less tolerant of close confinement; aggressive, noisy

Naked Neck or Transylvanian Naked Neck or Turken
FS OK Om PP box GO
No, it's not a turkey / chicken cross.

<top>

Black, White, Red, other

Uncommon.
44%

Standard:
6 lb/2.7 kg
Bantam:
1.5 lb/0.7 kg

APA (1965):
Large: All Other
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

Fancy:
Bare neck

Developed near Transylvania in early 18th century.

creamy light brown

medium

single

yellow skin & shanks

red

can be broody; good mother

hardy in cold; does well in high heat because of fewer feathers, but can get sunburned

slow to mature

well adaptable to confinement or free range; active; mild mannered; friendly; easily handled

New Hampshire or New Hampshire Red
FS OK Om PPbox GO
New Hampshire's answer to Rhode Island.

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Light brownish red, only

Fairly common
72%

Standard:
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
Bantam:
1.9 lb/0.85 kg

APA (1935):
Large: American
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

feathers prized for fly tying
Dual Purpose

Developed in New Hamphire from the Rhode Island Red in early 20th century.

light to medium dark brown

good winter layer

large

large single

yellow skin & shanks

red

good brooder & mother

robust; hardy in heat & cold; combs subject to frostbite

very early maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, can be friendly or aggressive

Old English Game
FS OK Om AR PP box GO
Small fighting cocks and their mates.

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Black-Breasted Red, Silver Duckwing, Red Pyle, White, Black, many others

Uncommon
4%

Standard:
4 lb/1.8 kg
Bantam:
1.3 lb/0.6 kg

APA (1928):
Large: All Other
Bantam: Game
PC: Hard Feather

feathers prized for fly tying
Game

Developed in England in 19th & 20th century from ancient stock

white to light tint

small

large single (often dubbed)

white skin & shanks

red

excellent brooder; protective mother

hardy; cold hardy

slow to mature

needs to be active; less tolerant of close confinement; aggressive, self-sufficient; noisy

Orloff or Russian Orloff
FS PP box GO
Wild-looking thing

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Red, White

Very rare
12%

6.0 lb/2.7 kg

APA: Not recognized (dropped from Continental)
PC: Heavy, Rare

Fancy:
Bearded & muffed

Reportedly developed in Russia in 18th century from Persian stock. Once called Chlianskaia, current name probably derives from Count Orloff-Techesmensky, a Russian breeder

light brown

small

walnut

yellow skin & legs

red

non-setter

hardy

slow to mature

adapts to confinement; calm, but not docile, avoids human contact

Orpington
FS OK Om AR PP box GO
Big friendly bird.

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Buff, Black, Blue, White

Only buffs are still popular.
88%/8% (buff/all other)

Standard:
8 lb/3.6 kg
Bantam:
2.2 lb/1 kg

APA (1902):
Large: English
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Dual Purpose [formerly Meat]

Originally developed by William Cook in Orpington (County Kent) the 1880s. Some varieties developed by his daughter.

brown

good winter layer

medium to large

single

white skin & white or dark shanks

red

good brooder; excellent mother

hardy; very cold hardy

moderately early maturing

adaptable to free range; very adaptable to confinement; docile; affectionate, easily handled; can be bullied

Penedesenca
FS GO club
The dark egg layer that wears a crown

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Creole, Partridge, Wheaten, Black

Very, very rare. Only recently available in North America.
0%

4 lb/1.8 kg

APA: Not recognized
PC: Not recognized

Layer

Rescued, or somewhat developed, from ancient stock in Catalan district of Spain in 20th century. Penedesenca Negra developed in 1980s.

very dark red-brown

small to medium

clavell (carnation)

white skin; blue-grey shanks

white

non-setter

very hardy in heat

slow to mature

well adaptable to free range; active; flighty; avoids human contact

Phoenix
FS PP box GO
Honorable long-tail.

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Partridge; Silver Duckwing; White; other colors

Uncommon 36%

Standard:
4 lb/1.8 kg
Bantam:
1.75 lb/0.8 kg

APA (1965):
Large: All Other
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Light Rare (not recognized separately from Yokohama)

hackel feathers prized for fly tying
Fancy
Long-tailed

Developed in Europe and the U.S. from the Japanese long-tailed breed called the Onagadori.

white to tinted

small

single

yellow skin; yellow or slate shanks

red

can be broody, protective mothers

reportedly short lived; because of fancy feathering, not suited for foul weather

slow to mature

requires special housing or cages & high perches to accommodate long tails; generally docile; not friendly

Plymouth Rock
FS OK Om ARPP box GO club
Once upon a time America's favorite breed.

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Barred, White, Buff, Silver Penciled, Partridge, Columbian, Blue

Popular
96%/84%/52%/32% (barred/white/prtg/all other)

Standard:
7.5 lb/3.4 kg
Bantam:
2.2 lb/1 kg

APA (1874):
Large: American
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

feathers prized for fly tying
Dual Purpose

Developed in New England in 19th century. Once common on the homestead, still popular in the backyard.

light (or pinkish) to medium brown

good winter layer

large

small single

yellow skin & shanks

red

broods, but infrequently; good mother

robust; very cold hardy

somewhat early maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; docile, friendly, easily handled

Polish or Poland
FS OK Om AR PP
Perhaps the oldest of the crested breeds.

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Bearded & Beardless; Black, White, Golden, Silver, Buff Laced

Popular as a show bird.
56%

4-4.5 lb/1.8-2 kg

APA (1874):
Large: Continental
Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Light

Fancy:
Crested

Originated in Europe, but probably not Poland, before the 16th century. Once known for good egg production, now almost strictly ornamental.

(varies widely)

to

white

small

small V

white skin, blue shanks

white

non-setter

some subject to health problems; because of fancy feathering, not suited for foul weather; may have problems with freezing crest feathers; special care may be needed since plumage blocks vision

poor forager; bears confinement well; friendly, quiet; can be bullied

Redcap or Red Cap or Derbyshire Redcap
FS OK PP box
Think huge rose comb.

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Red & black pattern, only

Very rare.
8%

6 lb/2.7 kg

APA (1888):
Large: English
Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft feather Light

Layer
Fancy:
Large rose comb

Developed in Derbyshire.

white

small

very large spiked rose

white skin, blue shanks

red

non-setter

hardy

moderately early maturing

can adapt to confinement; active

Rhode Island
FS OK AL Om AR PP box club
Best of breeds for producing brown eggs.

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Rhode Island Red & Rhode Island White (two separate breeds)

Popular, but purebreds are uncommon.
68%/44%/28% (production/red/white)

Standard:
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
Bantam:
2 lb/0.9 kg

APA (1904/1922): Large: American
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Dual Purpose

Developed in New England in 19th century.

rich medium brown

good winter layer

large

large single; also rose

yellow skin & shanks

red

broods infrequently; can be dutiful mother

robust; hardy in heat & cold; combs subject to frostbite

moderately early maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; active, calm & fairly docile, can be aggressive (cocks are especially notorious)

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Black, White, Silver Laced, others.

Common.
67%

True bantam:
1.3 lb/0.6 kg

APA (1874):
Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: True Bantam

Bantam

Origins unclear & disputed. Claimed to be direct descendant of the original Bantam, but may be related to Hamburg.

white to cream

tiny

rose

yellow skin & shanks

white

not broody

hardy in heat & cold

slow to mature?

tolerates confinement; fliers; generally friendly, cocks can be aggressive

Sebright
FS AR Om PP box
The beautifully laced bantam

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Silver, Golden

Very popular.
87%

True bantam:
1.3 lb/0.6 kg

APA (1874):
Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: True Bantam

Bantam
Both male & female hen-feathered

Developed before 1810 in England by Sir John Sebright, after thirty years of breeding.

creamy white

tiny

rose

yellow skin & shanks

purplish red

not broody

not robust; chicks difficult to rear

slow to mature

tolerates confinement; fliers; jaunty, sprightly

Spanish, White-Faced Black Spanish, Spanish White Ear, or Clownface
FS OK PP box GO PB
Handsome, graceful, rare.

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White-Faced Black only

Very rare, & becoming even rarer.
12%

6 lb/2.7 kg

APA (1874):
Large: Mediterranean
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Light, Rare

Layer
Fancy:
White face

Oldest of the Mediterranean breeds, developed in Spain.

white

large

large single

grey skin, dark shanks

white

non-setter

reportedly subject to health problems; heat tolerant; combs subject to frostbite

slow to develop; white face takes more than a year

adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; flighty, haughty, noisy, avoids human contact

Sultan
FS OK PP box
All for show.

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White, only

Uncommon.
24%

4.0 lb/ 1.8 kg

APA (1874):
Large: All Other
Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Light, Rare

Fancy:
Crested
Bearded & muffed
Feather-footed, fully
Five toed

Introduced from Turkey in mid-19th century.

white

small

horn, V-shaped, duplex

white skin & shanks

white? [hidden under feathers

non-setter

not suited for foul weather; may have problems with freezing crest feathers

moderately slow developing

poor forager; suited for close confinement; calm, non-aggressive, easily handled

Sumatra
FS OK PP box GO PB
A giant on long legs

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Black, only

Uncommon
40%

7 lb/ 3.2 kg

APA (1883):
Large: All Other
Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Light, Rare

Game

An ancient breed, introduced from Sumatra.

white

medium

large single

yellow skin & shanks

dark red

can be broody

hardy in heat & cold

needs to be active; intolerant of close confinement; pugnacious

Sussex
FS OK Om AR PP box GO RF
An old English favorite

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Speckled, Red, Light

Uncommon.
44%/0% (speckled/all other)

Standard:
7 lb/3.2 kg
Bantam:
2.2 lb/1 kg

APA (1914):
Large: English
Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Dual Purpose

Developed in county of Sussex in early 19th century.

creamy to light brown

good winter layer

medium to large

single

white skin & shanks

red

good brooder & mother

robust; very cold hardy

moderately early maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm; gentle; active; can be curious; friendly; easily handled

Welsumer or Welsummer
FS AR Om PP box GO club
Backyard bird with big brown eggs.

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Red Partridge

Once little known, but gaining popularity.
12%

Standard:
6 lb/2.7 kg
Bantam:
2 lb/0.9 kg

APA (2001):
Large: Continental
PC: Soft Feather Light

Dual Purpose

Developed in Holland in 20th century.

rich dark terracotta brown

large

small single

yellow skin & shanks

red

mixed reports on setting & brooding

hardy; cold hardy

moderately early maturing

economical eater; well adaptable to confinement or free range; lively, but not especially flighty; energetic; friendly

Wyandotte
FS OK Om AR PP box GO PB
The "bird of curves."

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Silver Laced, Golden Laced, White, Buff, Partridge, Silvered Penciled, Columbian

Popular.
92%/64%/24% (slver/gold/all other)

Standard:
6.5 lb/2.9 kg
Bantam:
2.2 lb/1 kg

APA (1883):
Large: American
Bantam: Rose Comb Clean Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

feathers prized for fly tying

Dual Purpose

Developed in New York State & Wisconsin in late 19th century.

light to rich brown

good winter layer

large

rose

yellow skin & shanks

red

broods, but infrequently; excellent mother

robust; very cold hardy

moderately early maturing

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, industrious, usually docile, but can be aggressive; some are aloof, others friendly

Yokohama
FS PP box GO
Elegant long-tail.

<top>

Red shouldered & white; White; other colors

Rare
4%

4 lb/ 1.8 kg

APA:
Large: All Other
Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Light Rare

hackle feathers prized for fly tying

Fancy:
Long-tailed

Called Yokohama from the port of origin. Developed in Germany in the 19th century from the Japanese long-tailed breed called the Minohiki.

tinted

small

walnut or pea

yellow skin & shanks

white

can be broody; protective mothers

because of fancy feathering, not suited for foul weather

slow to mature

requires special housing or cages & high perches to accommodate long tails; generally docile; cocks can be pugnacious around other cocks