tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51972867950757290622012-05-25T13:53:39.087-07:00Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-46795423001269965832011-03-13T17:27:00.000-07:002011-04-09T18:08:32.453-07:00

Often confused with the Americauna, and the not-so-noble Easter Egger, the Araucana is very different from both of them as I pointed out in my last post. In summary, I will be writing on the North American Araucana Standard, meaning that it lays blue eggs, is rumpless (missing the last vertebrae in it's back, causing it to have no tail feathers, as at left), has ear-tufts, and no beard or muffs.

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-14621070062319531912011-02-06T07:30:00.000-08:002011-04-09T18:11:32.070-07:00

Just for those who do not know already, the fact is that there is a lot of confusion on the nets, about what exactly the difference is between these three breeds. So, may I offer the following explanation: Easter Eggers--- a general grouping of chickens that possess the "blue egg" gene. This means that any chicken that is not strictly an ameraucana, an araucana, or some other variety that may

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-79864416474588780772011-01-20T15:00:00.000-08:002011-04-09T18:11:14.703-07:00

This breed of chicken can be traced back to the Italian port of Ancona, from which it was originally shipped abroad. Originally found in a variety of colors, ranging from white to brown to black, these chickens have been standardized into a single breed. Nowadays they sport mottled black plumage, with occasional white-tipped feathers that are found throughout the bird. They have a beetle-green or

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-29465713298754823332010-11-01T16:38:00.000-07:002011-04-09T18:11:00.547-07:00

Also called the Poland, these fowl are known for their wacky "hairdos." Though attractive, however, often these feathers on their head will inhibit their eyesight, so a little bit of trimming may be necessary around their eyes (Be careful if you do!). Otherwise they may occasionally run into things. They can show aggressive behavior towards others of their kind, but this can be remedied with

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-4390075594816807212010-08-31T19:52:00.000-07:002010-09-08T21:04:12.890-07:00

The Speckled Sussex is a beautiful chicken that becomes more decorative with age. They are ideal for backyard chicken owners who need to impress neighbors, yet they still produce a fair number of eggs, and are good for eating when the time comes. However, they are not commonly used in the meat industry, because they develop slowly, but they a good choice for those who are not burdened by time.

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-9184348302221354582010-07-30T10:57:00.000-07:002010-07-30T14:06:41.615-07:00

Up there with Rhode Island Reds, Barred Plymouth Rocks are a chicken that you will see in the majority of backyard flocks. Though this is not too surprising considering their tolerance of small spaces, their docile nature, and their eye-catching plumage. These birds were the first variety of the Plymouth Rocks, and are commonly referred to as Barred Rocks, Plymouth Rocks, or even just plain old

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-27717272230036935772010-06-30T17:11:00.000-07:002010-07-30T11:07:28.068-07:00

Known to be a free-spirited bird, the Hamburg breed has earned themselves a reputation of being intolerant of confinement, partly because of their flying ability. They are characterized by a few key traits such as a good feed-to-egg ratio and quick maturation. This breed traces back to the late 1600's, and possibly before with an account of the Italian naturalist Aldrovandi, describing a spangled

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-3361022089494212952010-06-12T06:03:00.000-07:002011-04-09T18:10:43.675-07:00

This bird has made a name for itself as one of the world breeds that produces chocolate brown eggs. It is highly prized by chefs, both for it's color and quality. However, it does not have a APA (American Poultry Association) Standard of Perfection, so there are many varieties, but the French Standard is your best bet. Unfortunately for us though there is no single strain that is the French

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-44747546536545366892010-06-05T04:27:00.000-07:002011-04-09T18:10:29.470-07:00

Y.E.onDOMReady(show_notes_initially); Y.E.onDOMReady(show_notes_initially); Y.E.onDOMReady(show_notes_initially); Y.E.onDOMReady(show_notes_initially) Black Jersey Giants were initially bred as table birds by the Black brothers of New Jersey. In their composition were Black Javas, Black Langshans, and Dark Brahmas. Initially called Black's Giants, they were developed between 1870 and 1890.

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-48242657883315979032010-05-29T11:00:00.000-07:002010-06-03T22:20:58.148-07:00

The Wyandotte chicken, in general, is well-known to be an all-around bird. They have a beautiful, simple appearance, they lay a fair number of eggs, but also are a good meat bird when it is their time. The Silver-Laced variety was the first developed of the Wyandotte chickens, around the year of 1885, with all of the other varieties emerging a few years later. This breed in particular is known to

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-33170801501523089142010-05-22T11:00:00.000-07:002010-06-03T22:21:28.661-07:00

The most common of the Orpington chicken breeds, the Buff version is a later-developed variety, developed by William Cook in Orpington, Kent, England. This chicken was revealed in 1894, and made its way to the USA soon afterward. They hit a decline, but are now recovering and becoming a popular choice for the backyard chicken owners like us. They lay a good number of eggs and are heavily and

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-76422911865030135332010-05-16T03:00:00.000-07:002010-06-03T22:22:19.164-07:00

Originating in Holland the Barnevelder chicken was a very sought after chicken in the early 1900's for it's ability to lay dark brown eggs in good numbers. That is not the case today, with the majority of breeds being produced for looks, rather than for egg color and production. Nonetheless some breeders are determined to bring these aspects back, and some chickens of greater quality can be found

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-53126541213353062082010-05-08T11:53:00.000-07:002010-06-07T22:47:38.833-07:00

Another incredibly common chicken, that is found in many varieties, with the most common, and famous being the White. They are the primary white egg producer of the world, and will be the source of what you pick up in the supermarket. Especially the Pearl-White variety (pictured) are very regal looking, and would be a nice addition to your flock in more ways than one. However they are a bit of a

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-60206486802543681762010-05-01T03:36:00.000-07:002010-06-07T22:04:28.860-07:00

Australorps were bred from a variety of breeds in Australia, including Black Orpingtons from which they take their name. They were bred as utility birds, and have a good egg laying rate, currently holding the world record for most eggs laid in a year, with 364. However, this was in the 1920's, when the breed had a better laying rate. Australorps are unofficially considered the chicken of

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-69743691654390841292010-04-24T02:25:00.000-07:002010-07-30T15:24:47.572-07:00

One of the most common chickens in our world today, the Rhode Island Red (RIR), originated in Rhode Island over a century ago. The single combed variety was admitted to the standard of perfection of the American Poultry Administration (APA) in 1904---the rose-combed variety recognized a year later. RIR's have hard feathers, and can be very good egg layers, even through winter if kept under

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-40743297046272060262010-04-04T00:30:00.000-07:002011-04-09T18:11:57.667-07:00

For each of my chicken entries I will begin with a paragraph, about the chicken, whether their personality, tendencies, or other unique traits. Then I will continue with a list of facts about the chickens, summarized below. Appearance: As in what they look like, whether colors, or other body features. If not mentioned, they are assumed to have four toes, and un-feathered legs. Weight: How much,

Anthonyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923514349489788756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197286795075729062.post-25878287557610495932010-04-01T05:50:00.000-07:002010-04-05T05:48:25.038-07:00

In the beginning of buying of a few chickens, I found no proper website of how to pick a chicken, without only trying to advertise to buy some from them. So, in order to help others from facing the same dilemma, I am beginning this website, Pickin' a Chicken. This site is geared towards finding the right chicken for you, the backyard chicken owner, through suitability of conditions, personality,

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