Meet The Welsummer Breed of Chicken

HISTORY

The Welsummer was developed, in the Netherlands, and was named after the village of Welsum in Holland. The breed was created with the Partridge Cochin, Partridge Wyandotte, Partridge Leghorn, later in the 20th Century, the Barnevelder and Rhode Island Red were added.  The American Poultry Association admitted the Welsummer into the American Standard of Excellence, in 1991.

QUALITIES and ATTRIBUTES 

Although the American Poultry Association only recognizes one variety, with a partridge pattern, breeders are working on creating other colors. Welsummers are a medium size bird, hens should be 6 pounds, and roosters 7 pounds. The beautiful, rich brown-red hued feathers and upright single comb make the Welsummer a striking chicken. Another interesting characteristic of the Welsummers, is the male/female feather color at hatching. This makes them (what is considered to be) an autosexing breed, although not as easily discernible as a Sex Link cross.

The most famous of all (make believe!) Welsummers is the Kellogg's rooster. 

Welsummers will adapt well to any environment, although they thrive with the ability to forage, with a   very friendly demeanor. They lay approximately 200 large brown eggs a year, of a dark brown color, some even lay a speckled egg. They do not go broody, so they make a good choice for back yard egg layers. Overall, the Welsummer makes an excellent choice for a backyard chicken, or a small egg farming operation. 

If you enjoyed this article, want to know more about this or other related interesting topics, please like and share this article. Be sure to like us, so you don’t miss anything, we are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens, on Facebook, Google+, Twitter and other social media. We are a local producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, putting great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840s general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market. Fresh garden vegetables, fruit nuts, eggs and flowers straight from the garden to you. We pick during the week, YOU pick available on Friday and Saturday. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193).  We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Special thanks to the American Standard of Perfection by the American Poultry Association, The Chicken Encyclopedia by Gail Damerow, Storey’s Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds by Carol Ekarius, Hobby Farms Guide to Chicken Breeds, Poultry World, the magazine for helpful information, as well as contributions from J. David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of this article. Photo credits to imgkid.com, Pinterest, and Kellogg's. 

Meet the Brahma Breed of Chicken

HISTORY

While the exact origination is unknown of the Brahma, the history is rich. Brahmas are an Asiatic breed of fowl, and is believed to be a cross created in India of the Malay and Cochin, and imported from Shanghai, China. The Brahma was originally called Gray Shanghais (also Shanghaes) and Brahma Pootras (for the river Brahmaputra in India), and was a color in between the Light and Dark. The Light variety was perfected in America, while the Dark variety was perfected in England. The American Poultry Association admitted the the Light and Dark Brahma into the first American Standard of Excellence, in 1874, although the Brahma had landed in America long before. The Buff variety was admitted in 1924. 

QUALITIES and ATTRIBUTES 

Although the American Poultry Association only recognizes three varieties, there are several other colors that would be well suited for backyard chickens, such as Partridge, Gold Partridge, Blue Partridge and Black. The weight of a hen should be 9 1/2 pounds, and the rooster 12 pounds. The beautifully feathered legs and feet, as well as the small pea combs, make them not only stand apart from other breeds, but also thrive in colder weather. (Although they are also very heat tolerant.) 

Don't let the large size of Brahmas scare you, they are very gentle and quite docile. While they tolerate confinement, they do best allowed to free range. (Their size protects them from aerial predators.) Brahmas are a heavy bird, making them a good choice for a meat bird, but also lay fairly well, especially in the winter months. They do go broody easily, so they make a good choice to hatch their own chicks. Overall, the Brahma makes an excellent backyard chicken! 

If you enjoyed this article, want to know more about this or other related interesting topics, please like and share this article. Be sure to like us, so you don’t miss anything, we are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens, on Facebook and other social media. We are a local producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, putting great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840s general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market.Fresh garden vegetables, fruit nuts, eggs and flowers straight from the garden to you. We pick during the week, YOU pick available on Friday and Saturday. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193).  We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Special thanks to the American Standard of Perfection by the American Poultry Association, The Chicken Encyclopedia by Gail Damerow, Storey’s Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds by Carol Ekarius, Hobby Farms Guide to Chicken Breeds, Poultry World, the magazine for helpful information, as well as contributions from J. David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of this article. Photo credits to Fowlvision.

MEET THE RHODE ISLAND RED CHICKEN

HISTORY

The Rhode Island Red chicken was deliberately created for high egg production, high-quality meat production and resistance to some diseases, with development beginning around the mid-1800’s. It was named the Rhode Island Red, after the state of it’s origination. The American Poultry Association admitted the single comb variety in 1904, and the rose comb variety in 1905. During the 1940’s, when commercial egg production exploded, the production variety was created. In 1954, the Rhode Island Red became the State bird of Rhode Island, making it the only breed the American Poultry Association recognizes to have such an honor.

QUALITIES and ATTRIBUTES 

Many experts consider the Rhode Island Red to be the most popular variety of chicken in the United States, and possibly the world. The feathers on the body, hackle (collective group of feathers along neck) and saddle (cock’s long pointed feathers on the rear of the back)  are a lustrous dark, rich red color, with the undercolor (fluff underneath the feathers) a rich intense red. The wings are black, outlined with red and tail feathers are a lustrous greenish black, giving this bird its striking appearance.

The single comb variety should be moderately large and have five, well defined points. The Rose comb should be moderately large and close on head, oval shaped and the surface covered with small, rounded points. Both varieties have red combs and medium sized wattles (two flaps that dangle under the beak). Mature cocks should weigh about 8 1/2 pounds, and hens about 6 1/2, making them a nice table bird. Hens lay more than 200 large brown eggs, annually, and hens (heritage breeds) that brood make nice mothers. Due to their calm, docile personalities, they do well in confinement as well as a backyard chicken. Fencing for containment need not be high, the Rhode Island Red does not display strong flying skills. However, they also do well in a free range environment. Rhode Island Reds tolerate heat well, making them an excellent breed for warmer areas.

To learn more about this breed, or other breeds, like or comment below. If you enjoyed this article, want to know more about this or other related interesting topics, please like and share this article. Be sure to like us, so you don’t miss anything, we are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens on Facebook. We breed sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, with great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. We are blessed to have an 1840s General Store on our property which serves as our own site farmer’s market. Conveniently located on Johnstonville Rd., in Barnesville, Georgia, right off of I-75.

Special thanks to the American Standard of Perfection by the American Poultry Association, The Chicken Encyclopedia by Gail Damerow, Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds by Carol Ekarius,  for helpful information and contributions from David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of this article. Photo credits to Wikipedia.

MEET THE POLISH BREED OF CHICKEN

HISTORY

There is little known about the origination of the Polish, except that it is one of the oldest breeds of chicken. However, it is known that the Polish chicken was depicted in paintings of the fifteenth century, and mentioned as a pure breed in writings in Europe as early as the sixteenth century. Archaeological evidence has also been found proving that crested breeds existed as far back as Roman times.

Perfection, if not origination, of the breed is believed to have been in Holland, but there are strong indications that both Spain and Italy were involved as well in development of the breed, as we know it today. The first Polish arrived in the United States in the mid seventeenth century, from England. The American Poultry Association first admitted the Polish in 1874, in the Continental Class. The APA’s Standard of Perfection consists of four varieties being admitted in 1874, four more in 1883, one variety in 1938, 1963 and 1996. The name “Polish” is more than likely due to the poll, the bony structure on the head, giving rise to the crest, a puff of feathers on the head. Charles Darwin classified all races of fowl with topknots as “Crested or Polish”, although he gave no data as to the origination of the breed we know as the Polish.

QUALITIES and ATTRIBUTES 

Polish chickens come in a variety of colors, and both bearded and non bearded. The American Poultry Association recognizes the Black Crested White, White Crested Black, White Crested Blue, Silver, Golden, White and Buff Laced varieties. Other colors and patterns not recognized, but being worked on by organizations such as the Polish Breeders Club, include laced and spangled, chocolate, mottled, splash, crele, cuckoo, red and more.

The Polish legs and feet are smooth and a slate or blue color. Some varieties have beards and muffs, with small wattles. The non bearded varieties have larger wattles. The v-shaped comb should be small, and set evenly on head, retreating into the crest. According to the APA’s Standard of Perfection, the smaller the comb, the better, and in fact the natural absence of crest is preferred. The nostrils are large, wide and cavernous that is found only in crested breeds. The male’s crest should be very large and free from any split or part, and the females should be small, compact and globular shaped. The crests, also known as topknots make male and females easily distinguishable, even from a distance.

This breed is available in both standard and bantam sizes. Mature standard sized roosters  should weigh 6 pounds, and hens 4 1/2 pounds. Bantam roosters should weigh 30 ounces and hens 26 ounces. The Polish are considered an ornamental breed, kept mainly by fanciers, but since they lay about 200 medium-to-large white eggs, per year, they make a fine backyard chicken. These chickens are very friendly and calm, making them excellent pets, especially for children. They are very entertaining to watch, always strutting their beautiful crests and flowing tail feathers. Due to their impressive crests, their vision can be restricted, so an enclosed coop/run and only allowing them out with close supervision is a must for their protection. Although they can be a bit flighty, they do tolerate confinement well.

If you enjoyed this article, want to know more about this or other related interesting topics, please like and share this article. Be sure to like us, so you don’t miss anything, we are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens on Facebook. We breed sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, with great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. We are blessed to have an 1840s General Store on our property which serves as our own site farmer’s market. Conveniently located on Johnstonville Rd., in Barnesville, Georgia, right off of I-75.

Special thanks to the American Standard of Perfection by the American Poultry Association, The Chicken Encyclopedia by Gail Damerow, Storey’s Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds by Carol Ekarius,  for helpful information and contributions from David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of this article. Photo credits to Wikipedia.

MEET THE ORPINGTON BREED OF CHICKEN

HISTORY

William Cook, a successful poultryman in England, developed the black Orpington in the 1880s. Mr. Cook introduced the breed in 1886 at a poultry show, and won the grand prize cup. The American Poultry Association first admitted the Buff Orpington in 1902, the Black Orpington and White Orpington in 1905, and later the Blue Orpington in 1923. The first Orpington, a Black, first came to America in 1890, and was exhibited in 1895. The original Orpington was created using a cross of Black Minorca, Black Plymouth Rock, and Black Langshan. Other crosses were used to create the Buff and White varieties, and the Black and White were crossed to create the Blue.

QUALITIES and ATTRIBUTES 

Orpington chickens come in a variety of colors, the most common being Buff. The other varieties, not recognized by the American Poultry Association are Jubilee, Spangled (Mottled), Chocolate, Lavender, Splash, Gold Laced, Silver Laced, Lemon, Cuckoo, Partridge, Red and more.

The Orpingtons’ leg colors will vary depending on the variety, however, the Black should have black legs while young, fading to a slate color in adults and the Buff should be a pinkish white. The single comb should be medium in size, and set firmly on head, perfectly straight and upright, with five well-defined points.

This breed is available in both standard and bantam sizes. Mature standard sized roosters should weigh 10 pounds, and hens 8 pounds. Bantam roosters should weigh 38 ounces and hens 34 ounces. The Orpington is a dual purpose breed, being a large breed and laying around 200 large brown eggs, per year. The Orpington chicken is like the Labrador Retriever of dogs, very friendly, docile and affectionate and make excellent pets. Orpingtons tolerate confinement, as well as easily free range. Their heavy size makes them safer from aerial predators. Their feathers are quite broad and full, giving them a substantial stature, and also tolerate cold temperatures well. Hens often go broody and make excellent mothers.

If you enjoyed this article, want to know more about this or other related interesting topics, please like and share this article. Be sure to like us, so you don’t miss anything, we are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens, on Facebook and other social media. We are a local producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, putting great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840s general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193).  We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Special thanks to the American Standard of Perfection by the American Poultry Association, The Chicken Encyclopedia by Gail Damerow, Storey’s Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds by Carol Ekarius,  Hobby Farms Guide to Chicken Breeds, for helpful information, as well as contributions from J. David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of this article. Photo credits to Wikipedia.