Heritage Delaware Chickens
Hens
The Delaware is a relatively new breed of chicken, having only been developed in 1940. They're a cross between New Hampshire Reds and Barred Plymouth Rocks with the goal of maintaining the prolific egg production of these two breeds but increased meat value. They're a lovely, calm white breed with black feathers around the neck and the tip of the tail, and with some black striations also working their way into the back. They perform well in the cold and will fare even better if their combs are protected from frostbite with the help of some petroleum jelly in extreme conditions.
Delawares are hardy birds that mature quickly. Hens are good layers of large to jumbo eggs and can go broody. Unlike the most common commercial meat birds in use today, the Delaware does well in free range operations. Delaware's are currently being raised with great success in organic farming situations and on free range. They are great foragers and make a great homestead livestock choice for anyone wanting to raise free-range chickens for high quality meat. Delawares also do very well in confinement. They are calm and docile and are considered well above average in egg production. They produce medium to rich brown eggs.
Delawares are hardy birds that mature quickly. Hens are good layers of large to jumbo eggs and can go broody. Unlike the most common commercial meat birds in use today, the Delaware does well in free range operations. Delaware's are currently being raised with great success in organic farming situations and on free range. They are great foragers and make a great homestead livestock choice for anyone wanting to raise free-range chickens for high quality meat. Delawares also do very well in confinement. They are calm and docile and are considered well above average in egg production. They produce medium to rich brown eggs.
Pullets being introduced to the flock
We sell hatching eggs, chicks and pullets. We also have cockerels for sale for meat birds. Contact us for availability.
Chicken Facts:
Poultry Show Class: American
Weights - Hen-----6 1/2 lbs Rooster------8 1/2 lbs
Pullet---5 1/2 lbs Cockerel----7 1/2 lbs
Purpose - Dual Purpose: Egg laying and meat production
Egg Shell Color - Brown
Egg Production -
200-280 eggs per year. (*estimates only)
Country of Origin - United States (Delaware)
APA: -Yes, Recognized by the Standard of Perfection in 1952
ALBC: -Critical Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed.
Breed Description:
Legs & Beak: Yellow
Comb: Straight
Earlobes: Bright Red
Egg Color: Brown
Appearance: Moderately long horizontal back with deep full broad rounded breast
Color Varieties:
Columbian Barred: A.P.A. 1952
Definition: Rare Heritage Breed
More information on Delaware's and other endangered breeds at The Livestock Conservancy. www.thelivestockconservancy.org