Part of our Breed Profiles series, the Shamo Chicken is also known as a “gamefowl.” History The Shamo chicken’s origins are a bit unclear, but the breed probably originated in Thailand (previously known as Siam), and imported into Japan early during the Edo period (1603-1867). Originally bred as a fighting bird, the Shamo was prized […]

Part of our Breed Profiles series, learn more about the Cubalaya, a Cuban breed. History These gorgeous chickens are now recognized as a Cuban breed, but they were developed from Sumatran and Malay birds brought from the Philippines to Cuban in the mid-19th century and then re-crossed with several European game fowl breeds. They were […]

As part of our breed series, Jeannette Beranger clues us into which chicken breeds are North American. Photos courtesy of the Livestock Conservancy. Chickens come in all kinds of sizes, shapes, and general appearances, making them one of our most diverse domestic species. To help make some sense out of organizing them, the American Poultry […]

Jeannette Beranger shares fascinating information about Asiatic breeds of chickens that we know and love. All Photos courtesy of the Livestock Conservancy. There are many numerous breeds of chickens found throughout the world but few can claim to have ignited a literal revolution and renaissance of love for chicken breeding that was aptly named the […]

Part of our Breed Profiles series, the Buckeye is a dual-purpose bird with gorgeous dark-red plumage. History For those of you who know that Ohio is call the Buckeye State after the tree, you won’t be surprised to learn that the Buckeye chicken breed was originally developed by Nettie Metcalf of Warren, Ohio, in 1896. […]

Jeannette Beranger shares some of the rare and beautiful breeds of the continental class of chickens. (All photos courtesy of the Livestock Conservancy.) Chickens come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. To help make sense of it all, the American Poultry Association (APA) splits chicken breeds into a number of categories, including […]

Part of our Breed Profiles series, Sussex chickens are dual purposes birds with several distinctive plumage patterns. History Possible, like the Dorking, originally introduced to the British Isles by the Romans Contemporary  breed Originated in south east  England area of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey.  Probably most popular table bird in 19th c and through mid-20thc. […]

Part of our Breed Profiles series, Cayuga ducks are a medium-sized duck with stunning green-black plumage. History The earliest documentation of the distinctive black Cayuga ducks shows them living in the western, central region of New York state where the Cayuga peoples lived. Often found on or near Cayuga Lake, one of the Finger Lakes, […]

The Ayam Cemani is a striking and unique breed that is becoming increasingly popular among U.S. breeders and backyard poultry owners. Because of their rarity, they are expensive birds and you need to carefully vet sellers to make sure that you are getting what you pay for.  If you want an all black bird, with […]

The Sultan or Serai Taook Part of our Breed Profiles series, the Sultan chicken originated in Turkey as an ornamental bird. History The breed first arrived from Turkey to England in 1854. Known as the Serai Taook in Turkey, this rare breed had been bred as an ornamental meat bird for the royal court in […]