Rare breed chickens are ideal for domestic, small poultry yards. Many of the rare breeds are dual-purpose which makes them unprofitable for commercial enterprises. These use breeds specifically developed for a particular purpose. Heritage breeds, however, are ideal for backyards and smallholdings. They are mostly tough and quite happy to forage for most of their food requirements.
One of these endearing heritage breeds is the Scots Dumpy, also called Creepies, Crawlers and Bakies. These names refer to the very short stature of the birds. Their legs are so short they waddle as they walk. The Scots Dumpy has been in Scotland for over a century. The body is very heavy but low to the ground. They are long, broad birds with deep breasts and neatly tucked wings. They have a long, flowing tail, a curved beak and small earlobes. The single comb has a serrated edge and the eyes are large and bright.
The hens are very protective mothers and regularly set on a clutch of eggs. They like to range widely although their short legs are a disadvantage on some terrains. They are quiet and placid so make friendly backyard chickens. They do well in cold climates but tend to get chills if they can't get away from wet areas. Because of their short legs, it is important to provide them with low feeders and waterers that they can reach easily.
Adult cocks can weigh up to seven pounds. When dressed for the table the carcass is fleshy. The Scots Dumpy is available in various colors. The black variety has dark-colored legs but most have white legs, feet and beaks. The face, earlobes, wattles and combs of all varieties are red.
Another rare breed is the Hamburg which had its origins in the Netherlands and Germany. It has been around since before 1700. There are a number of different colors as well as a bantam size. They are sometimes called 'Everlayers' because of their great egg-laying ability. They are small chickens with a rose comb. Cocks reach perhaps five pounds. They do not become friendly but are active and tough. They need a substantial area in which to forage and are good flyers.
The Hamburg is quick to mature. They have white, glossy-shelled eggs which are, however, on the small side. They are popular show birds as the plumage of some varieties is very attractive. Silver and golden spangled varieties are available as are silver and golden penciled varieties. They are not popular as table birds because of their dark-colored bones.
Another great dual purpose breed is the Ixworth. This breed has an ancestry which includes the Sussex, Indian Game, Orpington and Minorca. Reginald Appleyard, a poultry enthusiast, lived in Ixworth, Suffolk, England and developed the breed in 1932. These have excellent fleshy qualities as a table bird and are also high-yielding egg producers.
The Ixworth is very attractive with its pure white plumage, pea comb and proud bearing. The beak and legs are pale in color and the eyes are orange to red. It is active when foraging and lays tinted eggs which are medium to large in size. As cocks can weigh around nine pounds, it provides a large carcass of white-skinned meat. Rare breed chickens provide visual appeal and are more than adequate producers for smallholders. Their genetic diversity is also worth preserving.
One of these endearing heritage breeds is the Scots Dumpy, also called Creepies, Crawlers and Bakies. These names refer to the very short stature of the birds. Their legs are so short they waddle as they walk. The Scots Dumpy has been in Scotland for over a century. The body is very heavy but low to the ground. They are long, broad birds with deep breasts and neatly tucked wings. They have a long, flowing tail, a curved beak and small earlobes. The single comb has a serrated edge and the eyes are large and bright.
The hens are very protective mothers and regularly set on a clutch of eggs. They like to range widely although their short legs are a disadvantage on some terrains. They are quiet and placid so make friendly backyard chickens. They do well in cold climates but tend to get chills if they can't get away from wet areas. Because of their short legs, it is important to provide them with low feeders and waterers that they can reach easily.
Adult cocks can weigh up to seven pounds. When dressed for the table the carcass is fleshy. The Scots Dumpy is available in various colors. The black variety has dark-colored legs but most have white legs, feet and beaks. The face, earlobes, wattles and combs of all varieties are red.
Another rare breed is the Hamburg which had its origins in the Netherlands and Germany. It has been around since before 1700. There are a number of different colors as well as a bantam size. They are sometimes called 'Everlayers' because of their great egg-laying ability. They are small chickens with a rose comb. Cocks reach perhaps five pounds. They do not become friendly but are active and tough. They need a substantial area in which to forage and are good flyers.
The Hamburg is quick to mature. They have white, glossy-shelled eggs which are, however, on the small side. They are popular show birds as the plumage of some varieties is very attractive. Silver and golden spangled varieties are available as are silver and golden penciled varieties. They are not popular as table birds because of their dark-colored bones.
Another great dual purpose breed is the Ixworth. This breed has an ancestry which includes the Sussex, Indian Game, Orpington and Minorca. Reginald Appleyard, a poultry enthusiast, lived in Ixworth, Suffolk, England and developed the breed in 1932. These have excellent fleshy qualities as a table bird and are also high-yielding egg producers.
The Ixworth is very attractive with its pure white plumage, pea comb and proud bearing. The beak and legs are pale in color and the eyes are orange to red. It is active when foraging and lays tinted eggs which are medium to large in size. As cocks can weigh around nine pounds, it provides a large carcass of white-skinned meat. Rare breed chickens provide visual appeal and are more than adequate producers for smallholders. Their genetic diversity is also worth preserving.
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