About

Rhode Island may be America's smallest state but the breed developed there in the late 1880s made huge changes in chicken husbandry. The Rhode Island Red's amazing ability to lay about 265 eggs a year made it famous worldwide and became the parent of several modern hybrid egg layers. These glossy mahogany-colored hens with black tail feathers are as beautiful as they are gentle and productive. Exuberant, Curious, and Friendly, these are great birds to add to your backyard flock. Hens begin to lay as early as 6 months of age and make protective mothers. Perhaps the most productive layers of all the dual-purpose breeds, they do well in confinement but prefer to free-range.

The Ameraucana breed was derived from blue egg-laying chickens, but they do not have the breeding problems inherent to Araucanas. In addition, rather than ear tufts, they have muffs and a beard, and are very hardy and sweet. They lay eggs in shades of blue, and even have blue (or "slate") legs. Less rare than Araucanas, they are still quite rare and only available through breeders at this time. They should not be confused with Easter Eggers, which can lay blue and green eggs, and do not conform to any breed standard. However, many hatcheries continue to call their Easter Eggers "Americanas" (and other various misspellings). If you are interested in showing your birds, make sure that you have true Ameraucana or Araucana

One time years ago at our Hamilton County Fair the poultry judge was asked to describe the correct plumage color for this variety. Taking out his gold watch he said, "That's the color for Buff Orpingtons." And pure gold they are, symbolic of great value and high quality. Introduced from England in the late 1800's, they became one of the most popular farm fowls in this country. These are large, stately birds of quiet disposition. Easy to dress for the table they are white skinned, plump, and juicy, a beautiful eating bird. Their heavy, full plumage make them excellent winter layers, shelling out brown eggs right through cold weather. They also make excellent setters and mothers. These "Golden Beauties" have been one of our most popular varieties for years and years with their glistening plumage and pinkish white skin. Baby chicks are a soft light buff color. 

Black Australorps, an Australian breed, selected for high egg production, were developed primarily from Black Orpingtons that were exported from England in the 1890s to early 1900. Australian breeders selected these large Black Orpingtons because of their efficient egg production and Orpington shape. Today, the Black Australorp is still a favorite egg producer in small backyard flocks with their quiet, docile, friendly nature. Despite their record-breaking egg production, they are still considered a dual-purpose breed that grows at a good rate and has a well-fleshed carcass. Hens begin to lay around 4-5 months of age with adequate daylight hours. Their plumage is pure black with an intense beetle-green sheen that is breathtaking when seen in the sunlight. Their legs and toes are black while the bottoms of the feet are white. 

One time years ago at our Hamilton County Fair the poultry judge was asked to describe the correct plumage color for this variety. Taking out his gold watch he said, "That's the color for Buff Orpingtons." And pure gold they are, symbolic of great value and high quality. Introduced from England in the late 1800's, they became one of the most popular farm fowls in this country. These are large, stately birds of quiet disposition. Easy to dress for the table they are white skinned, plump, and juicy, a beautiful eating bird. Their heavy, full plumage make them excellent winter layers, shelling out brown eggs right through cold weather. They also make excellent setters and mothers. These "Golden Beauties" have been one of our most popular varieties for years and years with their glistening plumage and pinkish white skin. Baby chicks are a soft light buff color. 

The Polish chicken is a magnificent sight to behold.

Their head feathers are a head turner and a fashion statement for sure – once you see these lovely birds they certainly leave an impression on you. Although they were once considered a good egg layer they are now more commonly kept for show and exhibition purposes.

Her gentle disposition means they are good for children as they are quiet, friendly, and do not mind being held or cuddled. They come from the Netherlands and have been portrayed in a few pastoral paintings from that time.

These days they are mainly kept as ornamental or show birds but at the height of their success, they were considered fine egg layers putting out a respectable number of eggs each week.

As show birds, they require a good deal of prep before the show to get their head feathers looking neat and tidy. Breeders spend a considerable amount of time making sure their chickens look the best.

However, out on the yard, they make a great family chicken.

She is kid-friendly, docile, and pretty quiet.