BREED INFORMATION*
Plymouth Rock (Barred 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.
Rhode Island Red
It was developed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It came from the Malay breed, because of this, Rhode Island Reds attained their deep color. Rhode Island Reds can produce 200 to 300 eggs per bird in a twelve-month laying period and begin laying early as well. Can have a single or rose comb. This beautiful breed does everything exceptionally well. They lay very well, they can be used for meat, and they are very cold hardy and also hardy in the heat. ***Interesting fact- This breed is actually Rhode Island's state bird!
Black/Buff Orpington
The original Orpington, the Black, was developed in England in 1886 and brought to the US in 1890. It was developed from Langshan-Rock-Minorca crosses. Today Buff, Black, White, and Blue Orpington's are recognized color varieties. Developed as a dual purpose breed, Orpington's make fair table fowl and are excellent winter layers of large brown eggs. They have very laid back personalities and make great family pets. The Buffs are especially good in this regard.
Leghorn
Leghorn, Italy (hence the name of the bird) had its own native common chicken for hundreds of years which were very good layers and came in black, white, brown or grey with white earlobes and yellow legs. Some of these birds were taken to America as early as 1828, and they were bred with other birds to make their body size larger and to produce new colors. They are great layers, beautiful birds, and if raised right very friendly.
Silkie
The silkie chicken was developed in the southeast Asian countries or China. It was valued as a medicinal food item because of its black skin and bones, and was thought to be particularly good to reinforce body immunity and protect from emaciation and feebleness. It also is reported to treat diabetes, anemia, female reproductive functioning and postpartum disorders. Marco Polo gave the first accounts of silkie chickens in the 13th century. The breed was officially recognized in North America by acceptance in to the Standard of Perfection in the first year of publication which was 1874.
Guineas
Whether kept as garden tenders or served up as meat tenders, guineas have a long history of domestication on almost every continent. Originating in west Africa, known to have been present in ancient Egypt, Portuguese colonies exported the birds from African and so began their proliferation in Europe. Guineas are currently feeding and eating pests all over the globe. The adult bird sets a striking silhouette; it resembles an over-sized, polka-dotted football with a tiny neck and a little colorful head, all set on slender legs that tend to disappear beneath the volume of feathers. Breeds come in a variety of plumage colors, from all white (white on white speckles) to the more common blackish-blue with white specks, with every shade from lavender to chocolate in between. Their charms do not stop at the unique appearance. Guinea fowl are known as excellent watch birds, loudly announcing anything strange entering their territory and even known to kill snakes and mice. The feed mainly on insects, with a special taste for ticks and mites. Many gardeners incorporate the birds as a means of pest control, as they rarely damage the plants from which they graze the insects. They can be raised and sold for food, offering a taste slightly "gamier" than chicken, reminiscent of turkey or pheasant.
* Information on this page was derived from Back Yard Chickens website (www.backyardchickens.com) and Suite101.com website (http://www.suite101.com/content/guinea-fowl-a151080)
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