Grow Chicken

13/02/2025

🐔 2 Hours of Relaxing Chicken Videos

Unwind with 2 hours of peaceful chicken sounds from a serene farm setting. 🐔🌾 Whether you're looking for relaxation, background noise, or a calming sleep a...

13/02/2025

1 Hour of Chicken Videos 🐔

Give your cat the ultimate relaxation with 1 hour of calming chicken sounds! 🐔🐱 This peaceful farm video features chickens clucking, scratching, and peckin...

13/01/2025

The Iowa Blue is a unique breed of chicken that originated near Decorah, Iowa, in the early 20th century. Despite its name, the breed is not actually blue according to poultry standards. It is considered to be an exceedingly rare fowl and is not officially recognized for showing by the American Poultry Association or the American Bantam Association.

The exact origin of the Iowa Blue is unknown, but there is a folk legend surrounding it, suggesting it may have involved the mating of a White Leghorn hen and a pheasant. However, this is unlikely due to the significant differences between Leghorns and the Iowa Blue breed.

Throughout the 20th century, the Iowa Blue faced declining numbers and nearly disappeared after several hatcheries in Iowa stopped selling the breed. However, dedicated breed enthusiasts have worked to preserve the Iowa Blue into the 21st century, even though their numbers remain small. As a result, it is listed as a “Study” breed by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, indicating it is of conservation interest but lacks sufficient documentation for firm categorization.

Iowa Blues are known to be a dual-purpose chicken, suitable for both meat and egg production. Males can weigh around 7 pounds (3.2 kg), and hens around 6 pounds (2.7 kg). They are good layers of brown eggs and may go broody. These chickens are also skilled foragers, making them well-suited for free-range conditions. While they can be skittish, male Iowa Blues are known to be excellent guardians of their flock, particularly adept at fighting off hawks.

The breed has several distinctive characteristics, including red earlobes and a single comb. In terms of appearance, they have a silvery white head, and their body plumage is dark brown or black with white lacing. Roosters have a white back, and their overall coloration is often referred to as “penciling.” When bred with other breeds, especially White Plymouth Rocks or New Hampshire, Iowa Blues can produce s*x-linked hybrid offspring.

Despite not being officially recognized for show standards, the Iowa Blue remains a fascinating and rare breed, appreciated by dedicated breeders and poultry enthusiasts who aim to preserve its unique characteristics and heritage.

Read More: https://buff.ly/408KSo0

13/01/2025

🐓 "Just another day in the office... the chicken coop office!"

For all the hardworking chicken lovers out there, this shirt is for YOU! 🐔💪 Whether you're collecting eggs, cleaning coops, or just hanging out with the flock, do it in style.

📢 Grab yours now and show off your coop pride! 🥚✨


Buy Now: https://buff.ly/3P3R23G

11/01/2025

Hollands are a relatively rare breed of large chickens that originate from America. They are considered a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are suitable for both egg-laying and meat production. Hollands are similar in appearance to Plymouth Rocks and Dominiques but can be distinguished by specific characteristics. For instance, Plymouth Rocks have colored feet, while Hollands have white feet, and Dominiques have a rose comb, whereas Hollands have a different comb type.

The breed was developed at the Rutgers Breeding Farms in New Jersey by crossing birds imported from Holland with White Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshires, Lamonas, Barred Plymouth Rocks, Australorps, and Brown Leghorns. These breeding efforts led to the creation of two main varieties of Hollands: White Hollands and Barred Hollands. Both varieties were accepted by the American Poultry Association in 1949.

Hollands are classified as part of the American class of chicken breeds. There are two main varieties: White and Barred. They are valued for their dual-purpose capabilities, producing both eggs and meat. The egg size is medium, and the egg color is white. Hollands have yellow skin, which is a common trait among many chicken breeds.

In terms of weight, the standard weights for adult Hollands are as follows: C***s weigh around 8½ lbs (3.9 kg), Hens weigh approximately 6½ lbs (2.9 kg), Cockerels weigh about 7½ lbs (3.4 kg), and Pullets weigh around 5½ lbs (2.5 kg).

Additionally, there is also a bantam version of the Holland breed, which is a smaller, miniature version of the standard Hollands. Bantams are popular among poultry enthusiasts who have limited space or prefer smaller chickens.

Overall, Hollands are an interesting and versatile breed, and although they are not as common as some other breeds, they have their dedicated admirers and continue to contribute to backyard flocks and exhibition shows.

Read More: https://buff.ly/4j7R48m

10/01/2025

The Faverolles is a French breed of chicken that was developed in the 1860s in the north-central region of France, near the villages of Houdan and Faverolles. The breed got its name from the latter village, and it is spelled “Faverolles,” not “Faverolle” – the final “s” is silent in French.

Originally, Faverolles were bred as utility fowl, serving both as egg-layers and meat birds. Over time, they have become primarily raised for exhibition purposes, although they still retain their excellent laying and meat-producing abilities.

Faverolles are classified as a heavy breed and are easily recognizable by their unique features, such as a beard, muffs (feathered cheeks), feathered feet, and an extra toe on each foot (five toes per foot instead of the usual four). They adapt well to both confinement and free-range environments.

The most common color variety is Salmon, with females having mainly brown and creamy white plumage, while males display darker feathers in shades of black, brown, and straw color. Other color varieties include white, black, ermine, cuckoo, mahogany, splash, and blue.

Faverolles are known for their docile and gentle nature, making them popular as pets, especially for families with children. They are also increasingly favored by small-scale poultry keepers for their dual-purpose qualities, excelling in both egg production and meat quality. They are considered to be good layers, with a well-cared-for hen laying around four eggs per week.

The weight of Faverolles varies depending on the region and breed standards. For example, British Faverolles c***s weigh around 9-11 lb (4-5 kg), hens weigh 7.5-9.5 lb (3.4-4.3 kg), while bantam c***s weigh 1130-1360 g, and hens 907-1133 g. The Australian and United States standards call for slightly smaller birds, but they are still relatively large chickens.

Faverolles are a charming and versatile breed, combining ornamental and productive qualities that make them well-loved by poultry enthusiasts around the world.

Read More: https://buff.ly/3DLc9FB

09/01/2025

The Dorking is a British breed of domestic chicken that is one of the oldest chicken breeds in the country. Its name comes from the town of Dorking in Surrey, England, where the breed was originally developed and from where birds were sent to the markets of London.

The Dorking breed has a long history and is sometimes suggested to have been brought to Britain by the Romans in the first century AD. Some historical records mention five-toed hens as being the best breeding stock, which could indicate that the Romans brought poultry with them, but the exact origin of the Dorking is not certain.

The Dorking was primarily known for its meat production and was the principal meat breed supplied to London until it was gradually replaced by the Suss*x breed in the early 20th century. It was also popular as an exhibition bird and was shown at the first poultry show at London Zoo in 1845.

The breed has a rectangular body and short, five-toed legs. It is well-regarded for its versatility, being used for both egg and meat production. Dorkings are known for producing white-shelled eggs and have red earlobes. The skin color beneath their feathers is white.

There are five recognized color varieties of the Dorking breed: white, silver-grey, red, dark, and cuckoo. The weight of Dorkings varies between 4.55 and 6.35 kg (10 to 14 lb) for c***s, 3.60 to 5.00 kg (8 to 11 lb) for c**kerels, and 3.60 to 4.55 kg (8 to 10 lb) for hens.

Interest in the Dorking breed waned over time, leading to a decline in numbers, and it drew close to extinction. However, the Dorking Club was restarted in 1970, contributing to the breed’s preservation. The breed was also recognized in the United States, with three color varieties and three bantam varieties included in the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection.

Read More: https://buff.ly/407glXD

08/01/2025

The Dominique is an American breed of chicken known for its black-and-white barred plumage and rose comb. It is considered to be the oldest American chicken breed and is believed to have descended from birds brought to America by colonists from southern England. Chickens with barred plumage and single or rose combs were well-known by about 1750, and by the mid-nineteenth century, the Dominique was widely distributed in the eastern United States.

The breed has been known by various names, such as Blue Spotted Hen, Dominic, Dominicker, Dominico, Old Grey Hen, and Pilgrim Fowl, but it became commonly known as the Dominique. It was exhibited at the first American poultry show held in Boston in 1849.

In the 1860s, the Plymouth Rock breed was created by cross-breeding Black Java with large single-combed Dominiques. However, a ruling was made in 1870 that only rose-combed barred birds could be exhibited as Dominiques, while those with single combs were entered as Plymouth Rocks. In 1871, this ruling was confirmed in the Standard of Excellence for Dominique. The breed was officially recognized in the first edition of the American Standard of Perfection by the American Poultry Association in 1874.

During the 20th century, the Dominique breed declined in numbers and was close to disappearing by the 1970s. However, a conservation initiative was launched, leading to a recovery in numbers since 1983. The breed is now listed as “watch” by the Livestock Conservancy, indicating it is not at risk.

The Dominique is of medium size, with mature birds typically weighing 5-7 pounds (2.3-3.2 kg). The plumage coloration is cuckoo, a pattern of light and dark barring. The breed has a high head carriage, a rose comb with a single spike pointing backward, red earlobes and wattles, and yellow legs and feet.

The Dominique is a dual-purpose breed, commonly kept for its brown eggs. Hens lay approximately 200 eggs per year, each weighing around 58 grams. The breed is also known for its resistance to frostbite due to its tight plumage and rose comb.

Read More: https://buff.ly/3W9mnpF

07/01/2025

🐔 "I don’t argue, I just cluck and they listen!"

Introducing the perfect shirt for every proud Chicken Whisperer out there! 🐓💕 Let your flock know who's in charge—in style.

📢 Get yours today and wear your love for chickens loud and proud! 🥚✨


Buy Now: https://buff.ly/3W89NHi

06/01/2025

The Derbyshire Redcap is a breed of chicken that originated in the English county of Derbyshire. It is known for its unusually large Rose-type comb, which gives it the name “Redcap.” The comb should ideally be more than 7 centimeters (3 inches) in length, covered in small fleshy points, and have a distinct spike pointing backward called a “leader.” Redcaps are classified as light fowl, with c***s weighing around 3.4 kilograms (7.5 lb) and hens weighing approximately 2.75 kg (6.1 lb). They can be distinguished from similar-looking breeds like the Hamburgs by their red earlobes and larger comb.

The breed displays various dark hues of red, brown, and black in their plumage, with c***s showing a greater diversity of colors. Both males and females have black tails and a crescent shape of black on the edge of most body feathers.

Derbyshire Redcaps are hardy and active chickens that do well in free-range conditions. They are well-suited for dual-purpose farm flocks, as they are used for both meat and egg production in addition to their ornamental qualities. The hens typically lay a good amount of large, white-colored eggs, although they are not known for going broody.

The exact breeds that contributed to the creation of the Redcap are not fully known, but it is believed that Golden Spangled Hamburgs, Dorkings, Old English Pheasant Fowl, and Black-Breasted Red Games might have played a role. The breed was common on British farms until the middle of the 20th century, particularly around the southern Pennines. However, they have always been primarily barnyard fowl and were not preferred by intensive farms or commercial operations.

As a result, the Derbyshire Redcap is now a very rare breed, with the largest numbers still residing in the UK. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust lists them as Vulnerable on their watch list, while in the United States, they are listed as Critical on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy watchlist.

Read More: https://buff.ly/4gFM2hL

06/01/2025

The Cubalaya is a Cuban breed of domestic chicken known for its stately carriage, pea comb, and long, well-spread tail carried at about 20 degrees below the horizontal. It is the only chicken breed with official recognition from the Asociación Nacional de Avicultura, the Cuban National Poultry Association. The breed has a fascinating history that traces back to the middle 19th century when Spaniards brought several varieties of Asiatic game fowl from the Philippine Islands to Havana, Cuba.

The Cubans selectively crossed and re-crossed these Asiatic breeds with birds of European origin, aiming to create a triple-purpose breed for meat, eggs, and c**k-fighting. They selectively bred the birds for specific traits, such as wide, extended tails, a curving beak, fierce eyes, and a courageous expression, giving rise to the Cubalaya.

In 1935, the Asociacion Nacional de Avicultura approved the Cubalaya breed’s recognition. The name “Cubalaya” was chosen in honor of the Republic of Cuba, which supported and refined the breed. The Cubalaya was introduced to the United States at the International Poultry Exhibition in 1939 and gained recognition from the American Poultry Association the same year. The bantam variety of the Cubalaya is recognized by the American Bantam Association.

The Cubalaya is characterized by its friendly and curious disposition, heat tolerance, and excellent foraging abilities when allowed to roam freely. The hens are known for laying small eggs and being good brooders. The breed comes in two sizes: standard and bantam. Standard-sized c***s weigh around 2.40 kg, and hens weigh about 1.59 kg. Bantam c***s weigh approximately 740 g, and hens weigh around 625 g.

The original Cuban standard allowed three colors: black, black-breasted red, and white. However, many other colors were bred in Cuba during that time. Currently, the American Poultry Association and the American Bantam Association recognize the same three colors for the Cubalaya breed.

Read More: https://buff.ly/427b3hL

06/01/2025

The Chantecler is a breed of chicken originating in Canada, specifically developed at the Abbey of Notre-Dame du Lac in Oka, Quebec, in the early 20th century. Brother Wilfrid Châtelain, a Trappist monk and Doctor of Agronomy, aimed to create a practical chicken that would be well-suited to Canada’s climate and production needs.

The White Chantecler, the original variant, was created by combining Dark Cornishes, White Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, White Plymouth Rocks, and White Wyandottes. It was admitted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1921. The breed was primarily bred for its white color, which is preferred for commercial meat production due to the clean-looking carcass it produces.

In the 1930s, the Partridge Chantecler was developed by crossing Partridge Wyandottes, Partridge Cochins, Dark Cornishes, and the rose comb type of Brown Leghorns. This variant was more adapted to free-range conditions and was admitted to the Standard in 1935. Additionally, a Buff variety has been present since the 1950s, but it has not been admitted to show standards.

The Chantecler faced extinction in the late 1970s, but a few small farms continued to maintain the breed. In the 21st century, the Chantecler is still in existence but is considered a critically endangered breed by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.

Characteristics of the Chantecler include its large size, respectable egg-laying capabilities, and good meat production. Roosters weigh around 9 pounds (4.1 kg), while hens weigh between 6.5 and 7.5 pounds (2.9 to 3.4 kg). They have yellow skin and beaks and lay brown eggs. The breed is known for its cold hardiness, with plumage that lies tight against the body and an exceptionally small cushion comb and wattles. Chanteclers are generally gentle and can be tamed, but they may become temperamental in confinement.

Read More: https://buff.ly/423ndYO

05/01/2025

The California Gray is an American breed of domestic chicken, also known as the “production black.” It was developed in California in the 1930s by Horace Dryden in Modesto, California. Dryden’s goal was to create a dual-purpose chicken that would be suitable for meat production and also lay large white eggs.

The California Gray was created through cross-breeding Barred Plymouth Rock and White Leghorn birds, resulting in an autos*xing breed with barred gray adult plumage. Autos*xing breeds allow the s*x of chicks to be distinguished at about a day old, which is useful for poultry farmers.

Although the California Gray was never officially recognized as a breed by the American Poultry Association, it was a successful creation and served its purpose as a dual-purpose bird. It is not widely recognized in the modern poultry industry and is considered a rare breed. As such, it is not listed on the conservation priority list of the Livestock Conservancy, and it is not reported in the DAD-IS database of the FAO.

The California Gray is utilized for both meat and egg production. In commercial settings, male California Gray chickens are often crossed with White Leghorn hens to produce the California White commercial s*x-link hybrid, which is widely used in the poultry industry.

Read More: https://buff.ly/4gDLlG3

02/01/2025

The Buckeye is an American breed of chicken that was created in Ohio in the late nineteenth century by Nettie Metcalf. It is a dual-purpose chicken, meaning it is kept for both meat and egg production. The Buckeye is named after the Ohio Buckeye plant, and its plumage color was intentionally bred to resemble the color of the plant’s seeds, hence why Ohio is called the ‘Buckeye State’.

Nettie Metcalf crossbred Barred Plymouth Rocks, Buff Cochins, and some black-breasted red games to develop the Buckeye breed. Her goal was to create a functional breed that could thrive in the harsh winters of the Midwest. The Buckeye was developed before the Rhode Island Red breed, and interestingly, Metcalf sent birds to Rhode Island Red breeders to help improve their breed.

The Buckeye was officially recognized by the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1904. This recognition allowed Buckeyes to be entered into poultry shows and judged according to the breed standard. While the Buckeye hasn’t been very popular in exhibition poultry shows due to its lack of color variations, there has been growing interest in the breed for its dual-purpose qualities.

Today, the Buckeye breed is listed as “watch” by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, meaning there are fewer than 5,000 breeding birds in the United States and the estimated global population is less than 10,000. The breed is included in the Slow Food USA Ark of Taste, which catalogs heritage foods at risk of extinction.

Characteristics of the Buckeye breed include a medium to large size, with males weighing around 9 lbs (4 kg) and hens weighing around 6.5 lbs (3 kg). They have yellow skin and lay brown eggs. The primary color of the Buckeye is a mahogany red with black tails, and their plumage is intended to resemble the hue of an Ohio Buckeye’s seeds. The breed has a pea comb, which is unique among purely American chicken breeds. Buckeyes are known for their cold-hardiness, compact build, and good foraging abilities. They are generally calm but can become aggressive in rare cases. Buckeyes are good meat producers and lay between 150 and 200 eggs per year, making them well-suited for small farmyard and backyard flocks.

Read More: https://buff.ly/41IfOxW

01/01/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard!

Isaac Hall, Jeanne Davisson, Jon Magdas, Gerre Skinner Ahlstrand, Chris Carroll, Ana Haughn, Janice Rogers, Betty Collins, Sherry Engebritson, Jr Harris, Busara Chantornvong, Alisa Silveira, Veronica Rondon, Diane Caldwell, Joseph Remley, Marilyn Lore, Faye Lane, Deborah Brubaker, Peggy Brewer, Lee Sherry, Becky Woods, John Cargill, Earnest R Smith, Darlene Hester, Mary Middleton

31/12/2024

The Braekel, also known as Brakel, is a traditional Belgian breed of chicken that is believed to have originated in the area of Brakel, in the Flemish province of East Flanders, for which it is named. It is part of the same extended population of gold and silver chickens that gave rise to other closely related breeds like the Ostfriesische Möwe and Westfälischer Totleger.

The Braekel breed was recognized in two distinct types in 1884: the larger Braekel of Flanders and a smaller, lighter type from the Campine region to the east. However, in 1926, the separate Braekel and Campine breeds were brought together under a single breed standard. It is worth noting that the Campine breed in the United Kingdom is different from the Braekel breed, likely resulting from cross-breeding with pencilled Hamburgs. One principal difference is that c**k birds in the UK Campine breed display hen-feathering, which is not seen in the Belgian Braekel type.

The Braekel is a light breed, with standard-sized c***s weighing around 2-2.5 kg and hens weighing 1.8-2.2 kg. The bantam version of the Braekel is smaller, with c***s weighing approximately 800 g and hens around 700 g.

The breed is known for its straight banding pattern of feathers and a uniform solid neck color, and it comes in various color variants, with gold and silver being the most common. Braekel hens are good layers, starting to produce eggs at around six or seven months of age. In a year, they can lay approximately 180 white-shelled eggs, each weighing about 60-65 g.

Due to a decline in population during and after the Second World War, the Braekel is now considered a rare breed. Efforts are being made to preserve and protect this traditional Belgian chicken breed.

Read More: https://buff.ly/3Dv4X0a

30/12/2024

The Brahma is an American breed of chicken that was developed in the United States from birds imported from the Chinese port of Shanghai. These large birds with heavily feathered legs, known as “Shanghai” birds, were imported in the 1840s. The Brahma likely resulted from cross-breeding with Grey Chittagong birds of Malay type, which were imported from Chittagong in eastern Bengal (now Bangladesh). This cross-breeding gave the Brahma its distinctive head shape and pea comb, distinguishing it from the Cochin breed, which also descended from “Shanghai” birds.

Initially, the breed had various strains and names, but it was eventually named “Brahmapootra” at a poultry judges’ meeting in Boston in 1852, later shortened to “Brahma.” The breed was first exported to England in 1852, and the Dark Brahma variety was developed there and re-exported to the United States.

The Brahma became the principal meat breed in the United States from the 1850s until around 1930. Some individuals were exceptionally large, with recorded weights of about 8 kg (18 lb) for c***s and 6 kg (13 lb) for hens.

The Brahma comes in three color varieties recognized by the American Standard of Perfection: light, dark, and buff. The light variety has a white base color with black hackles edged in white and a black tail. The dark variety has a dark gray and black penciled coloration in hens, and black and white hackles and saddle feathers in c***s. The buff variety has the same black pattern as the light but with a golden buff base color.

The breed’s weight typically averages about 5.5 kg (12 lb) for c***s and 4.5 kg (10 lb) for hens. Brahma chickens are known for being good winter layers of large brown eggs, weighing approximately 55–60 g each.

Overall, the Brahma has a rich history and continues to be appreciated for its size, distinctive appearance, and egg-laying abilities.

Read More: https://buff.ly/3VTHBaO

29/12/2024

The Barnevelder is a Dutch breed of domestic chicken that was developed through cross-breeding between local Dutch chickens and “Shanghai” birds imported from Asia in the late 19th century. The breed is named after the town of Barneveld in the central Netherlands, where the cross-breeding took place. It is a hardy and popular breed known for its ability to lay large brown eggs consistently, even during the winter months.

The history of the Barnevelder involves cross-breeding with various Asian chickens, including Brahma, Cochin, and Croad Langshan types, along with possible influences from Amerikaanse Nuthoenders and Buff Orpington stocks. The breed was first shown at an agricultural exhibition in The Hague in 1911, and efforts to standardize its type and color began around that time. The Barnevelder was officially recognized as a breed in 1923.

Several color varieties are recognized in both large fowl and bantam Barnevelders, including double-laced, double-laced blue, black, and white. Additional colors, such as blue and partridge, are recognized by the Entente Européenne in large fowl, and crele and partridge are recognized in bantams. In the United Kingdom, the recognized varieties include double-laced blue, double-laced brown, double-laced silver, and black.

Barnevelder hens are productive layers, laying approximately 175-200 brown eggs per year, with each egg weighing around 60-65 grams. The breed’s reputation for consistent egg production and hardiness has made it a popular choice for poultry keepers worldwide.

Read More: https://buff.ly/41OQRB6