Chicken Profile #4

Plymouth Rock

The Plymouth Rock originated in New England in the 19th Century and was first recognized as a breed in the year 1869. They created the first Rock (Barred) by using breeds such as Dominique, Dorkings Cochins, etc. After that other colors and forms of the Plymouth Rock were created. It has been a great bird due to hardiness, egg laying, broodiness, and meat production. The first production meat chicken happened to be the Barred Rock. But now The White Rock is typically the female used to create Cornish X meat chickens.

We have two of these little chicks. They are black and fluffy and go peep, peep, peep. This is the second most popular breed on the backyard chickens breed ranking.

Photo and history courtesy of http://www.backyardchickens.com/

Chicken Profile #3

Ameraucana

The Ameraucana was developed in the 70's by a few people who were trying to standardize the Araucana breed. The Ameraucana is easier to breed as there are no complications due to lethal genes. A very detailed history of the Ameraucana can be read at the Ameraucana Breeders Club website. Besides the above color requirements the following are some of the traits Ameraucanas should posess:

{eyes - bay (reddish brown)}
{shanks & feet - slate (blue grey) black accepted on black birds, bottoms of feet white}
{ear lobes - red, pale on females (no white)}
{comb - pea}
{wattles - very small, absent}
{skin - white}
{toes - four}
{muffs & beard - forming three seperate lobes, absence is a DQ}
{egg color - blue, minty green}
{cock weight - 6.5 lbs/cockerel - 5.5 lbs}
{hen weight - 5.5 lbs/pullet - 4.5 lbs}
{full breast, medium back, and tail carried at 45 degrees above horizontal}
{the bird must breed true to color}

Photo and history courtesy of http://www.backyardchickens.com/

We have two of these chicks that are about two weeks old and are very pretty. They are starting to get little wing and tail feathers. So cute. 

Chicken Profile #2

Golden Sex Link

Imported originally from the Netherlands, this strain is used in over 60 countries worldwide. Capable of laying over 300 strong shelled eggs per year, the Golden Sex Link also known as the Bovan Brown is a very hearty bird that can withstand cold temperatures. When hatched, the males are a creamy white with the females colored in shades of red.

We have one of these chicks, she is now about three weeks old and is starting to get her tail feathers and is doing a lot of flapping.

Photo and profile courtesy of http://www.backyardchickens.com/

Chicken Profile #1

Dominique

Dominique Chickens have endured a long and rich history. First developed by the Colonists, they were not recognized as a specific breed until the early 1800's.

They steadily lost popularity as Asiatic breeds became the norm on American farms, and were almost extinct by the early 1900s. The National American Dominique Club was founded to help boost their popularity, but folded in the 1930s.

After facing another near extinction by the 1970s, Dominiques began to again regain popularity and more people sought to add these wonderful birds to their farms and breeding programs. In the past few years however, their popularity has again waned, and many folks have moved on to other breeds.

The Dominique Club of America was founded in 1973 to help promote the breed and serve as a source of information and breeding stock for members working on their own strain. For more information on the DCA, visit their website at http://www.dominiqueclub.org

I have one of these in my new flock and she is the oldest at almost 4 weeks. She appears to be acting as the mother hen to the younger chicks.

Photo and history courtesy of http://www.backyardchickens.com/