Green Lab Chickens

Our coop is complete!  Now to make the nursery warm and secure.  The breeds we have ordered and their descriptions are listed below.  We are very excited about our fine feathered friends and anxiously await their arrival on May 4th!

Black Australorp-

This breed originated in Australia developed from Black Orpingtons imported from England; and the emphasis of the breeding program was on egg production without sacrificing too much in size and meat quality. Some sensational results were made in the Australian program, and one hen set a laying record of 364 eggs in 365 days. Introduced into this country in the 1920′s, they have become useful and popular and are certainly one of the best layers of light brown eggs of all the heavy breeds. A flock of Black Australorps with their glossy black plumage which has a greenish-purple sheen and their larger than average bright red combs make an unusually handsome sight. They are big birds, cockerels weighing 6 to 8 pounds at maturity and pullets 5 to 7. They have a pinkish white skin and plump bodies which dress out nicely once the birds have their final plumage. Pullets mature early and many will be in production between 5 and 6 months of age. They are quiet, gentle, and stand confinement well. Baby chicks are black with a good deal of white in the underparts and small white patches around the head and wings. We have handled this breed for years and think it is one of the best of the heavy breeds.

Black Giants-

This is the original Jersey Giant developed in New Jersey in the late 19th century by crossing several of the large, dark Asiatic breeds. It is a super heavy bird even a little larger than the whites. Its black plumage has a beautiful green sheen, the eyes are dark brown, shanks and toes are black except for yellow skin showing on the bottoms of the feet. With the straight red comb and tremendous size it makes an unusually handsome variety for exhibition. Hens are good layers of brown eggs and especially persistent through cold weather. Baby chicks are mostly black but do show creamy patches on the under body, wing tips, and around the face. The white persists in the plumage until final molt of chick feathers takes place.

Buff Orpington-

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.

Buttercup-

This interesting breed was imported from the island of Sicily over 100 years ago and is another member of the Mediterranean class. It has attracted wide-spread interest over the country because of its unique beauty. The golden color and cup-shaped comb are the basis for the very descriptive name. The comb is a cupshaped crown with a complete circle of medium sized regular points. The male and female do not look alike in coloring. The males are a rich, brilliant orange red with some black spangles in the feather of the body fluff and cape feathers at the base of the hackle; with lustrous, greenish black tail. The base color of the female is buff with all feathers on the body marked by parallel rows of black elongated spangles, giving the hen an appearance of being beautifully spotted and suggesting a ringneck pheasant hen. Skin color is yellow and shanks and toes are a willow green. Because of its unusual appearance the Buttercup is an excellent breed for exhibition projects.

Phoenix-

Phoenix are an ancient breed in Japan where they were kept in the imperial gardens. Individual males were given special care and the tail feathers sometimes developed to the fantastic length of 20 feet. Modern fowl are still unusually handsome in color and combinations of silver and black and tails are striking although of more ordinary length. There has been much confusion as to the proper name for this breed. It is now generally accepted that the single comb birds as pictured above should be called PHOENIX.

Silver Leghorn-

This rare and beautiful variety has especially handsome plumage. The males are a combination of silvery white and lustrous greenish black. The females are quite different with silvery gray neck, back and wings, and beautiful salmon shading in the breast. They are good layers of white eggs and very vigorous, quick, and alert. Our strain is very carefully selected for correct color and type, which makes them outstanding exhibition birds. If you are looking for something a little different, with good chance of winning in the poultry shows, try some Silver Leghorns. They are most unusual and attractive. Baby chicks are striped like Brown Leghorns, but stripes are a lighter brown and base color more of a grayish cast.

White Rock-

Our White Rock pullets are outstanding for egg production the entire year, and are especially desirable through the cold winter months when lighter breeds slack off. They lay a brown egg of fine quality and size. The rapid growth, white, easy-to- dress feathers, and golden yellow skin of the cockerels of our strain make them equally desirable. Raise some for the frying pan or roaster. They are compact and well fleshed at almost any age. They are all big birds, hens reaching 6 to 7 lbs. and cocks 8 to 9 lbs. A flock of these pure white birds ranging busily over a grassy field is one of the prettiest sights you will ever see. Baby chicks are a creamy white and may show a touch of gray smokiness.

Crevecoeurs-

Crevecoeurs are a rare breed originating in Normandy, France. The Creveceour is very similar in size to the Houdan, but only has four toes and is all black in color. It lays white eggs.

Golden Campines-

This is a very old and rare breed which originated in Belgium. Golden Campines feature a beautiful combination of lustrous black and golden bay to make the distinctive barred feather pattern. They are rather small and lay white eggs. The chicks are the most highly colored we hatch, showing a bright zigzag pattern of black, brown, and white stripes.

It will be fun to watch them grow and identify the various breeds.  This is going to be a great learning experience for the Urban Chicken Enthusiast!