Fancy Chicken Breeds

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It is not always easy to categorise a pure chicken breed. It may be divided into a variety and again subdivided into a strain. Illustrations of a breed may be taken as an example. For many birds, there will be variation in several characteristics, e.g., feather colour, comb type and leg length. Males are invariably bigger and more colourful than hens. Standards are maintained by fanciers exhibiting at the many poultry shows held across Australia each year; by the rigorous standards of judging, and articles in magazines such as Australasian Poultry. Pure breeds are usually categorised into:

• Hard feather – heavy
• Soft feather – heavy
• Soft feather – light
• True bantam

Almost all breeds have miniatures. In some classifications miniature breeds are also referred to as light breeds or bantams. They are normally exact replicas of their heavier counterpart. There are also those breeds whose females are reduced in numbers to around 500 or less. These are classified as rare. Reference is sometimes made to pullets and hens, and cock and cockerels. In both cases the former refers to the bird before the first adult moult. They always weigh less than the mature or adult bird. Some breeds are reluctant to go broody and these are usually referred to as non sitters. The breeds described here are but a sample of what is available worldwide, but are likely to be of interest to Australian poultry keepers.

Australorp

As the name would suggest Australorp is an Australian chicken breed (arrived in 1890) and is also an abbreviation of Australian black Orpington. The Australorp originates from the English Orpington. The Australorp is... read more

Ancona

The Ancona originates from Italy and though this particular bird displays a tendency to be flighty it is easy to train and makes a great breed for family and backyard... read more

Andalusian

The Andalusian originates from the Mediterranean. The bird has bright white earlobe and is a flighty bird and a non sitter. The Andalusian has reddish – brown eyes and don’t... read more

Aracuana

Originating in Chile the Aracuana breed is characterised by tufts of feathers growing out on either side of the head like ‘mutton chops’. The Aracuana has a Small pea comb,... read more

Australian Game

Originally developed from fighting strains, with a strong influence from Malay Game, ‘Aussie Games’ are large, solid and muscular. Their plumage is very hard and brittle.

Barnvelder

Originating from Holland the Barnvelder is a placid bird. Their initial attraction was their large brown eggs and high numbers. The Barnvelder had orange eyes with their legs and feet... read more

Brahama

The Brahama originates from Asia and is a large and versatile bird. They are easily broody , are placid and tolerate the cold very well. Brahamas are calm, friendly birds... read more

Campine

A Belgian bird, the Campine do not often go broody, they are good layers but are a bit flighty. Their shanks and toes are leaden blue. Classification Soft feather –... read more

Dorking

Originating from Great Britain the Dorking may date back to the Roman invasion of England. It was very popular for meat and eggs. They have an extra toe (5), short... read more

Faverolles

Faverolles are good layers and are gentle and affectionate. In Australia there are keepers of two distinct varieties: The ermine (white with black) and the salmon coloured. Faverolles also have... read more

Frizzle

From Asian descent the Frizzle is a purely exhibition breed and is poorly mobile. The Frizzle comes in several colours from black, blue, buff or white. Plumage curls backwards towards... read more

Hamburg/Hamburgh

The Hamburg chicken variety originates from the Netherlands. Though small, these active birds are well renowned for their ability to lay up to 220 eggs a year. There are approximately... read more

Houdan

The Houdan, originally a French bird, has 5 toes suggesting that it may be related to the Dorking - also with a fifth toe. V- shaped comb sits against the bird’s crest.... read more

Indian Game

Indian Game, also known as Cornish Game, originate (as their alternative name suggests) from Cornwell, England. The rather large and stocky bird is not well know for their egg producing... read more

Japanese

The Japanese may not have originated be Japan but instead Vietnam. They have very short legs, a very large comb and a large upright tail. The Japanese Bantam has graced... read more

Langshan

Originating from China, Langshans are very tall birds and can boast very long feathers. A very proud bird, the Langshan has great posture and are very active birds. Langhan birds... read more

Belgian

There are three distinct breeds of the Belgian poultry variety. These include, Belgian d’Anvers Belgian d’Uccle Belgian de Watermael Belgian Bearded d’Anvers The Belgian Bearded d’Anvers originates from Antwerp and... read more

Leghorn

Due to their egg production ability (approximately 300 a year) Leghorn chickens remain perhaps one of the most popular chicken breeds. Originating from Italy, the Leghorn’s cross-bred hereditary provides a... read more

Malay Game

Malay Game are a fierce, proud bird who stand very tall. Due to their size, they require a lot of space, and enjoy being outdoors. They have short, sparse feathering... read more

Minorca

The Minorca is one of the heaviest of the light breeds. Originating from the Mediterranean they lay large eggs and also have large white ear lobes. They are utility fowl... read more

Modern Game

Because Modern Game birds are not good egg producers and their meat is not exceptional, Modern Game are predominantly used for ornamental purposes only. With over eight varieties Modern Games... read more

New Hampshire

As the name suggests the New Hampshire originates from the US and is the basis of the early broiler industry although it is a dual purpose bird. Its shanks and... read more

Old English Game

A descendant of English fighting cocks and a close relation to the original Jungle Fowl, since the prohibition of cock-fighting in the UK these birds are mainly bred for display... read more

Orpington

Being one of the main ancestors of the world commercial egg laying record holder the Australorp the Orpington originates from the United Kingdom. Averaging a decent 200- 220 eggs per year the... read more

Pekin bantam

The Pekin Bantam has short legs and are fully feathered from head to toe. Arguably the most popular breed in Australia where there are breeders of 15 different varieties. Classification... read more

Pit Game

As the name suggests the Pit Game is a descendant of the English fighting bird and was often used in the cruel sport of cock-fighting which is now illegal in... read more

Plymouth Rock

The Plymouth rock is a very popular breed in the United Kingdom and the United States of America as an old, dual purpose breed. A friendly and hardy bird the... read more

Polish

The Polish have a magnificent crest often resembling a hat. Small V – shaped comb; white ear lobes. The Polish, however, lay few eggs and are non broody. The Polish... read more

Rhode Island

Rhode Island chickens are a very popular dual purpose poultry breed. The Red variety is capable of producing 200- 250 large eggs annually. The cock, however, is very aggressive and... read more

Rosecomb

The Rosecomb is an attractive small bantam which is lively by nature and is thus highly flighty. Not the best egg layer amongst other breeds however it is well-known for... read more

Sebright

The Sebright is a true bantam and for this reason is suited best for ornamental purposes only. Having originated from England the Sebright as similar to other smaller bantams is... read more

Silkie

An Asian bird the Silkie makes a great pet due to its stunning appearance and great gentle nature. The Silkie must always be sheltered from the elements as their feathers... read more

Sussex

As its name might suggest the Sussex originates from the United Kingdom. Being a great dual-purpose bird the Sussex depending on how it has been bred is great either for... read more

Welsummer

The Welsummer lays large brown eggs, however, it is a non sitter. Its head is small and its comb is upright and has evenly serrated points. It is a light,... read more

Wyandotte

Apart from its appearance a major factor in favour of the Wyandotte is the ease of which these birds can be kept. Originating from the US, cooperation with the British... read more