Perfect Chickens
(Page 4 of 6)
September/October 2007
Oscar H. Will III
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With their feathered feet, five toes, beards and muffs, Faverolles have enough visual appeal to keep any fancier fascinated. The breed was developed in 19th-century France principally to supply meat and eggs – but who said a utility breed had to be plain? Faverolles are known to be relatively cold hardy and are so docile they often get bullied by other breeds.
Hamburgs are known to be a little skittish, but they are good foragers, have excellent flying abilities and thrive with free-range management. The breed is cold hardy, highly active and may have been developed before the 17th century. Hamburgs are excellent layers and are not at all broody, but their eggs are small.
This early-maturing breed is an excellent flyer and makes a good free-range bird, although its tendency to avoid humans might make it difficult to manage under those conditions. Both roosters and hens have a relatively rounded breast that’s reminiscent of game birds. Lakenvelder hens generally are not broody.
The Langshan was introduced to the Western world in the mid-19th century. The hens of this breed tend to be broody, but both sexes are extremely cold hardy. Langshans are adaptable and thrive under confinement with free-range management. The birds are noted for their long legs, high tails and stately appearance. Today, Langshans are most often used for exhibition.
The Maran was developed in the early 20th century, and the Cuckoo variety, with its barred plumage, is widely available in the United States. This breed is known for high variability in temperament depending on the strain of origin, but most varieties are hardy and adaptable. The Maran’s current popularity results from its striking egg color.
Among the largest of the Mediterranean breeds, the Minorca is an efficient layer of large eggs. In spite of their size, these birds are not particularly known for meat production because of their narrow frames and characteristically slow growth. This breed makes an ideal laying flock where summers are warm and the birds have plenty of space to range.
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