For the sodbuster concerned in a honorable bird with no gimcrackery , these simple but beautiful chickens are a great , no - nonsense strain .
Delaware chickens were once a leading breed for the meat industry . The Delaware also lay a large issue of eggs in addition to their meat quality .
Today , Delaware chickens are not nearly as popular in the commercial-grade marrow industriousness and are really facing the threat of jeopardy . Any James Leonard Farmer after a good meat manufacturer and egg layer will surely be interested in this marvelous breed .
About Delaware Chickens
The Delaware breed was breed developed in 1940 by cross mainlyBarred Plymouth Rocksand New Hampshire Reds to produce this beautiful clean hiss .
On top of the fact the breed is decent and large , their white feathering makes them a good table bird . White feathering does n’t impart dreary plot on the skin , afford the carcass a great coming into court .
Delaware Characteristics
1. Size and Weight
These chickens are n’t a lumbering breed , despite the fact they ’re commonly raised for meat . Delaware are a medium sized stock . hen weigh about 6.5 pounds at a fully grown weight . rooster weigh around 8.5 pounds .
2. Temperament
Delawares have rather calm disposition , but not excessively well-disposed personality . The hens are often prepared to go broody and make fantastic mother when they do go broody .
Roosters are also well behaved and make good flock watchers .
3. Egg Production
For a slightly larger breed , Delawares have fantastic egg production . you may anticipate an average of about 280 egg per biddy yearly . Compared to many other dual design breeds , this is a decent step above the rest .
4. Meat Production
It ’s no secret why these birds were once a direct manufacturer for the meat industry . Beautifully dressed carcasses with a enceinte amount of centre on them make for a great choice .
Delawares are also commonly crossed with a New Hampshire Red for a respectable core hybrid .
Caring for Delaware Chickens
1. Feeding and Nutrition
Delawares are n’t particularly needy chickens when it comes to food . Give them solid food and they ’ll merrily cosset . Chicks need to start their lives eating a high - qualitychick starterfor 8 week . Once your chick are around 8 weeks old , they need to be on a grower provender .
Most feed stores sell starter / raiser combo , and if your chick are already corrode that , you ’ve got nothing to interest about . Around 16 weeks of age , make the final transition to a good put down provender .
It ’s also a good approximation to provide additional calcium in a disjoined sweetheart so your chickens can supplement themselves when they require to .
2. Housing and Fencing
Delaware River are marvelous foragers , and if you have the space to let them do so , they ’ll thrive in such an environment . If you take to keep your raspberry in arun , allow 10 square feet per bird so they have muckle of room .
Inside thecoop , it ’s best to provide around 4 square feet per snort to verify they have space to avoid squabbles .
3. Health Issues and Care
These hoot are rather robust and sizable birds with few issue . It ’s always best to keep a diligent middle on your mint to catch the job before they become voiceless to maintain .
One thing that can be an issue with all chicken is internal and external sponger . touch , sucking louse , andwormsare a problem and can do issues such as system of weights and feather loss .
4. Breeding
One fun thing about Delaware , is you could breed Red Sex - Links from them . If you cross a New Hampshire Red cock with a Delaware hen , the bird will be sex - linked . This means you ’ll be able to sex your chicks base on the color of their down when they hatch !
Delawares necessitate consecrate breeders to preserve the stock since they are in threatened with peril .
Alternative Breeds
1. New Hampshire Red
These chickens are nearly the same as Delawares when it comes to center and orchis production . If you ’re not after a ashen chicken , New Hampshire Reds are a skillful break in colour . These chickens can also do better foraging because their color aid them blend in and hide from predators .
2. Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rocksare very friendly poulet if you require to raise a more amiable bird than a Delaware . This breed also has excellent meat and ballock production . geminate with their keen personalities , what ’s not to love ?
Did you know?
In 2009 , theAmerican Livestock Breed Conservancyhad this strain listed critically endangered . In the last several years , some dedicated breeders have kick upstairs the numbers and Delaware are now only listed as being keep an eye on by the American Livestock Breed Conservancy .
For the urban or rural farmer , this crybaby is an excellent choice . A good forager , paired with surpassing testicle and essence production , this is just a big , well - flesh out Bronx cheer ! You certainly wo n’t regret the addition of this bird to your raft .
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