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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

Part of our Breed Profiles series, Dominiques were one of the earliest known North American developed breeds, and almost became extinct in the twentieth century.  History Dominiques have a long history in North America as one of the earliest developed breeds, though they weren’t recognized as a distinct breed until the early 1800s. Like so many […]

Part of our Breed Profiles series, the Mille Fleur d’Uccle is a feather variation of the Belgian bearded or Barbu d’Uccle bantam chickens. Mille Fleur (Million Flowers) d’Uccle bantams are truly gorgeous, small chickens with speckled, orange plumage. History A variation of the Belgian d’Uccle bantams, they are true bantams without a larger counterpart. These […]

The Cream Legbar chicken has quickly gained popularity with chicken keepers all over the U.S. since it was introduced about a decade ago. And it’s easy to see why with their beautiful blue eggs, exotic appearances and spunky, free-ranging personalities! Get to know the breed better and see if it’s a good fit for your […]