Chicken Resources: Information on Breeds, Advice for Small Flock Owners, and more.

Ameraucana
FS PB club

Black, Blue, Blue-wheaten, Brown-red, Buff, Silver, Wheaten, & White

APA (1984):
Large: All Other Bantam: All Other Clean Legged
PC: Not recognized

South American. May or may not be genetically related to the Araucana. In pre-Columbian Chile, there are several different blue egg-laying chicken breeds, none called Araucana. Standardized & accepted into APA in 1984. Most hatcheries, however, sell Easter Egg chickens with mixed breeding that may lay blue, green (or other colored) eggs, but do not conform to standard.

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

Our Birds [mostly mongrel Easter Eggers]: a few have been among the most curious & most easily handled birds we have owned. Others have been calm, non-aggressive, but stand-offish. We wouldn't have a flock without them.

The chipmunky blue-egger.

medium

Ancona
FS OK Om AR PP box PB

Black mottled, only

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

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

Much like a leghorn, with black mottling.

small

Andalusian
FS OK PP box GO PB

Blue

Developed in Spain & England in mid-19th century. Studied by Gregor Mendel in experiments in genetics & heredity.
Blue color does not breed true. Black & Splash (White) are necessary for breeding, but are not permitted to be shown.

chalk to creamy white

semi-adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; active, flighty, noisy, avoids human contact

Our Birds: ours, received as adults, never fit in well with the rest of the flock & were nervous all the time. Our one cock crowed louder than any other we've ever had. We've been hesitant to try them again, but we might, since they are such beautiful birds.

The original blue.

Appenzeller or Appenzell
FS OKb OKs Om PP box GOb GOs

Spitzhauben (Pointed Hood)
&
Barthuhner (Bearded)

APA: Not recognized
PC: Soft Feather Light

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

white

The national breed of Switzerland.

medium

Araucana or Rumpless Araucana
FS OK PP box GO PB club

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

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

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.

The rumpless, tufted blue-egger.

small

Aseel or Asil
FS AR Om PP box GO PB

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

APA:
Large: All Other
PC: Hard Feather Heavy

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.

Ancient Indian athlete.

small

Australorp or
Black Australorp
FS OK Om PP AR box GO

Black, only (standard); also blue & white

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

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

white skin,
dark shanks

The egg-laying champion table bird from Oz

medium

Barnevelder
FS OK Om PP box GO

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

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

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.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile

Our Birds: ours fit in well with the flock, but shied away with human contact. Ours laid reddish brown eggs, but most were not especially dark. None currently in our flock, we will likely try them again.

Famous for large dark brown eggs.

large

Belgian D'Anver, or Antwerp Belgian, Barbu d'Anvers
FS AR PP box

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

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

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.

The bearded bantam.

tiny

Belgian D'Uccle or Barbu d'Uccle
FS AR PP box club

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

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

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

small single with large spikes

The bearded, booted bantam

tiny

Booted or Sabelpoot
FS PP box club

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

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

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

some reports indicate
chicks difficult to rear

The booted, unbearded bantam

tiny

Brahma
FS OK Om AR PP box GO PB club

Light, Dark, Buff

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

Origin has been in dispute for more than a century and a half. Introduced in mid-19th century (whether first to New York City or London is also in question). Probably imported from the port city of Shanghai, but may have originated in Chinda, India, or elsewhere in the East Indies. Another claim is that the breed was developed in the United States using Cochins, Malays, and Dorkings. For more information on the origins, see Lewis Wright's 1873 monograph on the Brahma fowl.

Before the name Brahma was settled on, they were also called Chittagongs, Shanghais (as were the Cochins), and Brahmapootras. Since the Brahmaputra River flows through China, India, and Bangladesh, even the name doesn't help shed light.

Was once the largest breed of chicken.

adaptable to confinement or free range; mostly gentle; more easily handled.

Our Birds: some hens were among the gentlest birds we've owned; one rooster became too aggressive toward humans and other chickens in his older age. Some hens ate a lot, got fat, and never laid that many eggs, and we do not currently have any in our flock.

Large and regal.

medium

Buckeye
FS OK AL

Nut brown, only

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

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

adaptable to confinement, very adaptable to free range; calm, docile; can be curious; more easily handled.

Our Birds: some have been among the "friendliest." Perhaps because of docileness, none have risen high in the pecking order. Our first Buckeye hens were low producers, but more recent hens have been much better.

Buckeye brown bird from the Buckeye state.

medium

Buttercup or Sicilian Buttercup
FS OK Om PP box PB

Golden, only

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

Developed in Sicily, in mid-19th century.

Known for its comb.

small

Campine
FS OK PP box RB

Golden, Silver

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

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

white

economical eater; semi-adaptable to confinement, but prefers free range; flyer; alert, lively; can be curious; some are rather wild, others can be quite tolerant of humans

Our Birds: one hen free ranges even to lay eggs -- never in a standard nesting area. Our cock refused to be confined when we tried to initate a breeding program. Some have been "friendly" enough to eat out of a hand or be a garden companion. Our favorites among the white egg layers.

Beautiful bird with unique pencilling.

medium

Catalana
FS OK box PB

Buff

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

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

The most popular breed of South America.

medium

Chantecler
FS OK box

White, Partridge

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

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

bears confinement well; calm, docile, although there are reports of skittishness.

Our Birds: our partridges have blended in so well they remained rather anonymous for a long time. One was a successful mother hen and returned to the flock only to go broody again immediately. We have two now and both have been broody much of their second year.

Canada's breed.

large

Cochin
FS OK Om AR PP box GO PB club

Buff, White, Black, & Partridge

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

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

Big ball of fluff and feathers.

small

Cornish or Indian Game
FS OK Om AR PP box GO

White, Dark, White Laced, Red, Buff

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

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

Famed meat bird, especially when crossed.

small

Crevecoeur
FS OK PP box

Black

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

Developed in Normandy, perhaps before the 18th century.

white

Is it beautiful and elegant, or just peculiar-looking?

medium

Cubalaya
FS AL OK GO

Black-Breasted Red, White, Black

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

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

Cuba's fighting meat bird.

small

Delaware
FS OK AL

White [Columbian]

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

Developed by George Ellis in 1940 in Delaware.

Unknown in most of the world.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile.

Our Birds: Where ours have stood out has been for decent productivity of very large eggs.

A broiler cross that became a breed.

large

Dominique
or Dominiker
FS OK GO PP club

Barred only

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

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.

Claimant to title "America's first breed."

medium

Dorking
FS OK Om AR PP box GO RB club

Silver Gray, White, Colored

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

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.

adaptable to confinement or free range; calm; docile; stately or awkward; fattens easily; more easily handled

Our Birds: first batch were quiet calm, but next generation included at least one very flighty hen. One hen has been particularly broody.

Short legged, very ancient, very English.

medium

Dutch
FS Om PP box RF

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

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

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

The littlest bantam.

tiny

Faverolles
FS OK Om PP AR PP box club

Salmon, White

APA (1914):
Large: Continental Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Dual Purpose
Fancy:
Bearded & muffed
Feather footed, outside only
Five-Toed

Developed in France in early 19th century.

early maturing

bears confinement well; alert; calm; very docile; genteel; prone to bullying by others

Our Birds: ours have not thrived well in the competition with mixed flock. Probably won't replace them when the last one is gone.

The French Poodle of chicken breeds.

medium

Fayoumi or
Egyptian Fayoumi
FS PP

Gold & silver penciled

APA: Not recognized
PC: Soft feather Light

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

Precocious scavenger and escape artist.

small

Hamburg or Hamburgh
FS OK AR PP box GO

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

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

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

low-gloss
white

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

Our Birds: ours have been very economical eaters, and in their prime laid well; even though smaller than most other hens, they have held their own in a mixed flock. We have one hen left that was eight years old as of spring 2009. Because small white eggs are not especially popular with most customers, we probably won't be getting more.

The spritely, little "everyday layer."

small

Holland or American Holland
FS OK AL

White & Barred

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

Established in 1949 as an improved, yellow skinned, heavy breed with white eggs.

Unknown in Holland & most of the rest of world.

white

The calm white-egger.

medium

Houdan
FS OK Om PP box

White, Mottled

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

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

white

The crested French bird with big eyes.

small to medium

Japanese or Chabo (and still called Japs in some parts of the world)
FS AR Om PP box club

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

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

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.

The short-legged, low-built, squirrel-tailed bantam.

tiny

Java
FS OK AL

Black, Mottled

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

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

Old breed, but endangered.

medium

Jersey Giant
FS OK Om PP box GO

Black, White

APA (1922):
Large: American Bantam: Single Comb Clean Legged
PC: Heavy, Rare

Developed in New Jersey in 1870s. Never commercially popular, but bird of choice for capons

because of size, not an economical eater; adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, gentle, more easily handled.

Our Birds: never reached giant-sized porportions; one gentle hen was among the easiest to pick up. We don't currently have any but may try them again.

The chicken world's largest breed.

medium to large

La Fleche
FS OK Om PP box GO

Black, Blue, White, & Cuckoo

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

Dates back to France before 1660.

tinted
white

The devil bird.

large

Lakenvelder
FS OK Om PP box GO

Black/white/black pattern.

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

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

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

Our Birds: never sociable, but not easily startled, either. If we get more, it will be because they are handsome birds.

Shadow on a sheet.

small to medium

Lamona
FS OK

White

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

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

white

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

medium

Langshan
FS OK box GO PB

Black, White, & Blue.

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.

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

Our Birds: One rooster was very personable and had a lovely, deep crowing voice. We liked him better than the hens who have not stood out either in egg-laying nor personality.

The long-legged, high-tailed, and feather-footed regal bird.

medium

Leghorn
FS OK Om AR PP box GO PB RF club

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

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

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.)

economical eater; better adaptable to confinement then some Mediterranean; enjoys free range; flyer; flighty; spritely, noisy, nervous, usually avoids human contact.

Our Birds: Flighty does describe them pretty well, but they aren't without personality. One of our first white Leghorns would lead the pack in greeting us when we came home.

The ultimate egg machine.

medium to large
[commercial whites' are especially large]

Malay
FS OK PP GO PB

Black Breasted Red, only

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

An ancient breed, introduced from Malay

A cruel looking giant on long legs.

medium

Marans
FS Om PP box GO RF

Dark, Cuckoo, others

APA: Not recognized
PC: Soft Feather Heavy

Layer
Feather or Clean Footed,depending on country standard or strain

Developed in France in early 20th century. Since French and English standards are different, and both have been imported into North America, standardization in the United States may not occur any time soon.

varies widely by individual and strain.

Our Birds: Although "cuckoo" was meant to describe feather pattern, we thought it fit the personality as well. Not exactly wild, some have been very active and somewhat difficult to manage. Others have been quite calm. None of ours have laid especially dark brown eggs.

Known for one thing -- chocolate colored eggs.

medium to large

Minorca
FS OK AR PP box GO PB

Black, White, Buff

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

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

white

Largest Mediterranean, extra large eggs.

large

Modern Game or Modern English Game
FS OK AR PP box GO

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

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

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

The game bird with style and carriage.

small

Naked Neck or Transylvanian Naked Neck or Turken
FS OK Om PP box GO

Black, White, Red, other

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

Developed near Transylvania in early 18th century.

No, it's not a turkey / chicken cross.

medium to large

New Hampshire or New Hampshire Red
FS OK Om PPbox GO

Light brownish red, only

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

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

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm; can be docile or aggressive; can be curious

Our Birds: a few have been among our favorites. Addled Adelaide was our first hen to raise a brood of chicks. She earned her name for appearing to be scatter-brained at times as a pullet, but when older could almost seem affectionate -- maybe she was just very hungry. Several enjoyed keeping close to us while gardening. Some have been aggressive in maintaining their position in the pecking order.

New Hampshire's answer to Rhode Island.

large

Old English Game
FS OK Om AR PP box GO

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

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

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

Small fighting cocks and their mates.

small

Orloff or Russian Orloff
FS PP box GO

Red, White

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

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

Wild-looking thing

small

Orpington
FS OK Om AR PP box GO

Buff, Black, Blue, White

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

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

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

Our Birds: ours have been docile enough, and some have fit pretty low in the pecking order, but none of ours have shown the "friendliness" that others have claimed for the breed.

Big gentle bird.

medium to large

Penedesenca
FS GO club

Creole, Partridge, Wheaten, Black

APA: Not recognized
PC: Not recognized

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

The dark egg layer that wears a crown

small
to medium

Phoenix
FS PP box GO

Partridge; Silver Duckwing; White; other colors

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

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

Honorable long-tail.

small

Plymouth Rock
FS OK Om ARPP box GO club

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

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

Developed in New England in 19th century.

Once common on the homestead, still popular in the backyard.

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

Our Birds: ours have been good, solid, dependable birds that have blended in well with the flock, not standing out for good or bad reasons.

Once upon a time America's favorite breed.

large

Polish or
Poland
FS OK Om AR PP

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

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

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

Perhaps the oldest of the crested breeds.

small

Redcap or Red Cap or Derbyshire Redcap
FS OK PP box

Red & black pattern, only

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

Developed in Derbyshire.

white

hardy

Think huge rose comb.

small

Rhode Island
FS OK AL Om AR PP box club

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

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

Developed in New England in 19th century.

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

Our Birds: we've had very limited experience, but the few hens we have had have been more aggressive than most other breeds.

Best of breeds for producing brown eggs.

large

Rosecomb
FS AR Om PP

Black, White, Silver Laced, others.

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

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

The original rosecombed, clean-legged bantam

tiny

Sebright
FS AR Om PP box

Silver, Golden

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

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

The beautifully laced bantam

tiny

Silkie
FS OK AR Om box

Bearded & Beardless; Black, White, Blue, Buff, Partridge, Gray

APA (1874):
Bantam: Feather Legged
PC: Soft feathered Light & Bantam both

Already developed in China by the time of Marco Polo (13th century)

Large & Bantam classes are recognized in some countries

An oddity of oddities of the poultry and pet world

small

Spanish, White-Faced Black Spanish, Spanish White Ear, or Clownface
FS OK PP box GO PB

White-Faced Black only

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

Oldest of the Mediterranean breeds, developed in Spain.

white

Handsome, graceful, rare.

large

Sultan
FS OK PP box

White, only

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

Introduced from Turkey in mid-19th century.

All for show.

small

Sumatra
FS OK PP box GO PB

Black, only

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

An ancient breed, introduced from Sumatra.

A giant on long legs

medium

Sussex
FS OK Om AR PP box GO RF

Speckled, Red, Light

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

Developed in county of Sussex in early 19th century.

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

Our Birds: a few have been among our favorites for personality.

An old English favorite

medium to large

Welsumer or Welsummer
FS AR Om PP box GO club

Red Partridge

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

Developed in Holland in 20th century.

well adaptable to confinement or free range; lively, but more docile than flighty.

Our Birds: some of our hens have laid solid dark brown eggs. Even more popular with many of our customers have been the very large speckled brown Welsumer eggs.

Backyard bird with big brown eggs.

large

Wyandotte
FS OK Om AR PP box GO PB

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

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

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

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm.

Our Birds: Most of ours have been docile, but some individuals have been aggressive. Most have been aloof in terms of human contact.

The "bird of curves."

large

Yokohama
FS PP box GO

Red shouldered & white; White; other colors

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

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

Elegant long-tail.

small