Manuelas Chickens Facts


Penedesenca

 
 

These chickens carry a legacy that spans centuries. Bred by Spanish farmers, Penedesenca chickens were carefully selected for their resilience and ability to thrive in free-range conditions. They're not just birds; they're a living testament to sustainable farming practices.

 

Here are some unique and interesting facts about the Penedesenca chicken breed:

  • They lay dark brown eggs despite having white earlobes. This is unusual, as most chickens with white earlobes lay white eggs.

  • Penedesenca chickens are known for their mesmerizing dark chocolate-brown color eggs, which are some of the darkest eggs laid by any breed of chicken.

  • The breed was first standardized in 1946.

  • They are a relatively rare breed, especially outside of their native Spain.

  • They are a relatively small breed of chicken, with hens typically weighing around 4-5 pounds.

  • They are good foragers and pest controllers. They enjoy eating insects and other pests, which can help to keep your yard and garden healthy.

  • Penedesenca chickens come in a variety of colors, including black, wheaten, partridge, and crele.


Delaware

 
 

The Delaware chicken breed is proudly American, originating in the United States. Bred specifically for its meat and egg-laying capabilities, it carries a piece of agricultural history within its feathers.

 

Here are some unique and interesting facts about the Delaware chicken breed:

  • Delaware chickens were developed in the 1940s by George Ellis, a poultry farmer in Delaware.

  • Ellis crossed a Plymouth Rock rooster with a New Hampshire hen to create the Delaware breed.

  • Hens lay about 4 large to jumbo, light brown eggs a week – up to 200 a year.

  • Delaware hens are known for their broody tendencies. This means they may be inclined to sit on and hatch a clutch of eggs. It's a natural behavior

  • They are curious and like to explore, and although they are white, they are predator-savvy.

  • Delaware chickens are medium-sized birds with a deep and broad body.

  • They are known for their rapid growth and fast feathering.


Olive Egger

 
 

Olive Eggers are the result of a fascinating genetic mix. They are not a true breed, but rather a cross between two breeds that lay different colored eggs. The most common crosses are between an Ameraucana hen and a Marans rooster, or between a Cream Legbar hen and a Welsummer rooster.

 

Here are some unique and interesting facts about Olive Eggers:

  • Olive Eggers are a relatively new breed, having been developed in the early 20th century.

  • The shade of olive green that Olive Eggers lay can vary depending on the specific genetics inherited from their parent breeds. Some Olive Eggers may lay eggs that are a deep, dark olive green, while others may lay eggs that are a lighter, more khaki-like shade.

  • Olive Eggers are typically good layers, producing around 4-5 eggs per week.

  • Olive Eggers can be used to create other hybrid chicken breeds, such as the Easter Egger and the Sapphire Gem.

  • Olive Eggers are relatively low-maintenance chickens and are suitable for backyard chicken keepers of all experience levels.

  • Olive Eggers are often confused with Ameraucanas, which is a standardized breed that also lays blue eggs. However, Ameraucanas have a muff and beard, while Olive Eggers do not.


Easter Egger

 
 

What makes Easter Eggers so fascinating is their genetic diversity. They are not a standardized breed but rather a mix of various chicken breeds, resulting in a mosaic of colors, patterns, and personalities. From feather patterns to egg colors, no two Easter Eggers are exactly alike, making them a truly special addition to any flock.

 

Here are some unique and interesting facts about Easter Eggers:

  • Easter Eggers are renowned for laying eggs in a spectrum of pastel hues. From sky blue to pale green, turning the egg collection into a daily Easter egg hunt.

  • Some Easter Eggers may even lay eggs with speckles or spots.

  • Some Easter Eggers have solid-colored feathers, while others have plumage that is splashed or laced with multiple colors.

  • These chickens have a knack for foraging and hunting insects, contributing to pest control in the backyard.

  • Due to their friendly nature, Easter Eggers are considered excellent family chickens. They tolerate handling well, making them suitable for families with children who want to be actively involved in chicken care.

  • Easter Eggers are not recognized by the American Poultry Association, but they are very popular among backyard chicken keepers.


Grey Jersey Giant

 
 

These chickens have a rich history, originating in the United States in the late 1800s. Bred to be both meat and egg producers, they reflect a time when dual-purpose chickens were highly valued in American agriculture.

 

Here are some unique and interesting facts about the Grey Jersey Giants:

  • Grey Jersey Giants were developed in the early 1900s by John Black, a poultry farmer in New Jersey.

  • They are one of the largest chicken breeds in the world, with roosters weighing up to 13 pounds and hens weighing up to 10 pounds.

  • Grey Jersey Giants are a relatively rare breed of chicken, and they are not often found in commercial poultry farms.

  • They are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are raised for both meat and eggs. They consistently produce large brown eggs, contributing not only to their charm but also to their practical value in the egg basket.

  • They are good foragers and pest controllers. They enjoy eating insects and other pests, which can help to keep your yard and garden healthy.


Cream Legbar

 
 

Hailing from Britain, Cream Legbars were developed in the early 20th century. Bred from a mix of Leghorns, Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Araucanas, they embody a blend of diverse poultry genetics.

 

Here are some unique and interesting facts about the Cream Legbars chicken breed:

  • Cream Legbars were developed at Cambridge University in England by Reginald Punnett, a British geneticist.

  • Cream Legbars were first imported to the United States in the 1950s.

  • They are an autosexing breed, meaning that the males and females can be distinguished by their appearance at the hatch. Males are lighter in color with a yellow spot on their heads, while females have darker stripes down their bodies.

  • They are a relatively small breed of chicken, with hens typically weighing around 4-5 pounds.

  • Cream Legbars are known for their beautiful blue eggs. The eggs are a light shade of blue, and they are often described as having a "robin's egg" color.

  • They are good layers, producing around 200 eggs per year.


Cuckoo Marans

 
 

Originating in France, Cuckoo Marans were developed in the Marans region of France in the mid-1800s. Bred for both meat and egg production, they have a historical significance in French poultry farming.

 

Here are some unique and interesting facts about the Cuckoo Marans chicken breed:

  • They are known for their beautiful, dark brown eggs. Cuckoo Marans hens lay some of the darkest brown eggs of any chicken breed.

  • They are a hardy and adaptable breed. Cuckoo Marans are known for their ability to thrive in a variety of climates. They are also relatively disease-resistant.

  • Cuckoo Marans are a relatively rare breed of chicken. They are not recognized by the American Poultry Association, but they are very popular among backyard chicken keepers.

  • Cuckoo Marans are relatively cold-hardy. They have a thick layer of feathers that helps them to stay warm in cold weather.