English Poultry Breeds: Best Raising Tips & 17 Facts

There are many highly productive English poultry breeds available. English poultry breeds become medium in sized.

Legs are covered with feathers. Famous for both egg and meat production. Their skin become white colored. Lobe become red colored.

Almost all English poultry breeds lay brown colored eggs. The name and characteristics of some English poultry breeds are described below.

Australorp Chicken

The Australorp chicken is a breed that originated in Australia in the early 1900s. It was created by breeding several different breeds of English poultry, including the Orpington, Langshan, and Minorca. The goal was to create a breed that was good for both meat and egg production, as well as being hardy and adaptable to different climates.

The Australorp chicken quickly became popular in Australia and eventually spread to other countries around the world. They are known for their excellent egg-laying ability, with hens laying up to 300 large brown eggs per year. They are also good for meat production, with a plump and flavorful meat.

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Australorp chickens are medium-sized birds, with black or blue feathers that have a greenish sheen in the sunlight. They have a calm and friendly disposition, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks. They are also hardy and adaptable to different climates, making them a good choice for both cold and warm regions.

  • Australorp poultry breeds are very famous throughout the world for their egg production.
  • They also produce meat highly.
  • Their body is wide and weight high.
  • There is a medium sized crest over their head.
  • Lay about 200 to 250 eggs yearly.
  • An adult rooster weights about 4 kg and hen weights about 3 kg.
  • Their skin is white colored.
  • The body of this types of chicken become straight and very strong.
  • There are no feathers in their legs.
  • Eggshell become brown colored.
  • Their feathers become bright greeny black colored.

Cornish Chicken

The Cornish chicken, also known as the Indian Game, is a breed that originated in Cornwall, England, in the early 19th century. It was originally bred for cockfighting, but today it is primarily raised for its meat.

Cornish chickens are large birds with broad, muscular bodies and short, sturdy legs. They have a distinctive appearance, with a deep, rounded breast and a thick layer of flesh that makes them ideal for meat production. They have glossy, dark feathers and a bright red comb and wattles.

Although Cornish chickens are primarily raised for meat, they are also good egg-layers. Hens lay medium-sized, cream-colored eggs and are known for their broodiness and excellent mothering skills.

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Cornish chickens are hardy and adaptable to different climates, making them a good choice for backyard flocks. They are also docile and easy to handle, making them popular among novice poultry keepers.

  • Cornish have four variant. Black Cornish, white Cornish, white led Cornish and buff cornish.
  • An adult rooster weights about 5 kg and hen about 4 kg.
  • Neck is comparatively long than their body.
  • This breed is very popular for meat production.
  • The original name of this breed is “Indian Game”.
  • Cornish is used for producing broiler strain.
  • Their body is very fleshy and strong.
  • Their crest is like pea comb.
  • Lobe is red colored.
  • Their legs are featherless.
  • Skin of their body is yellow colored.
  • Their feathers are very small.
  • Eggshell is brown colored.

Dorking

The Dorking chicken is an ancient breed that has been around since Roman times. It originated in the town of Dorking in Surrey, England, and is known for its flavorful meat.

Dorking chickens are medium-sized birds with a distinctive appearance. They have five toes instead of the usual four, which is a trait that sets them apart from other chicken breeds. They also have a square, compact body with a broad breast and a long, deep keel. Their feathers are soft and fluffy, and they come in a variety of colors, including white, silver gray, and red.

In addition to their flavorful meat, Dorking chickens are also good egg-layers. They lay medium to large-sized eggs that are brown or white in color.

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Dorking chickens are hardy and adaptable to different climates, making them a good choice for backyard flocks. They are also known for their calm and friendly disposition, making them easy to handle and popular among poultry enthusiasts.

  • Head crest of Dorking chicken is single.
  • Lobe is red colored.
  • Lay white colored eggs.
  • They have five finger in their feet. Three in the front side and two in back side.
  • An adult rooster weights about 4 kg.
  • An adult Dorking hen weights about 3.5 kg.
  • Comb is very beautiful.

Orpington Chicken

The Orpington chicken is a breed that was developed in the town of Orpington in Kent, England, in the late 1800s. It was created by crossing several different breeds, including the Plymouth Rock, Langshan, and Minorca, to create a bird that was good for both meat and egg production.

Orpington chickens are large, heavy birds with a broad, curved body and fluffy feathers. They come in several different colors, including black, blue, buff, and white. They are known for their gentle disposition and are easy to handle, making them popular among poultry enthusiasts.

Orpington chickens are good egg-layers, with hens laying up to 200 large brown eggs per year. They are also good for meat production, with a plump and flavorful meat that is popular among chefs and home cooks alike.

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Orpington chickens are hardy and adaptable to different climates, making them a good choice for backyard flocks. They are also good mothers and make excellent brooders, making them a popular choice for those looking to raise their own chicks.

  • Feathers of Orpington chicken become white, buff, blue and black colored.
  • They contain single crest in their head.
  • Eggs are brown colored.
  • An adult Orpington rooster weights between 4.75 kg to 5.25 kg.
  • An adult Orpington hen weights about 4.5 kg.
  • Their comb is pea comb.
  • Their eggs become big sized.

Sussex Chicken

The Sussex chicken is a breed that originated in the county of Sussex in southern England. It is known for its calm disposition and excellent egg-laying abilities.

Sussex chickens are medium-sized birds with a broad, deep body and a single comb. They come in several different colors, including red, speckled, and white. They are known for their calm and friendly disposition, making them easy to handle and popular among backyard chicken keepers.

Sussex chickens are good egg-layers, with hens laying up to 250 large brown eggs per year. They are also good for meat production, with a plump and flavorful meat that is popular among home cooks and chefs.

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Sussex chickens are hardy and adaptable to different climates, making them a good choice for backyard flocks. They are also good foragers and enjoy free-ranging, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a self-sufficient breed.

  • The feathers of Sussex chicken is white colored. But some feathers of their neck and tail become black colored.
  • They also lay good amount of eggs in summer season.
  • An adult Sussex rooster weights about 4.5 kg and hen weights about 3.5 kg.
  • This chickens are suitable for raising for both meat and egg production.
  • Lobe is red colored.
  • No feathers in their legs.
  • Skin is white colored.
  • Eggshell become brown colored.

English Poultry Breed Facts

Here are some interesting facts about English poultry breeds”

  1. The most common English poultry breeds are the Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, and Sussex.
  2. The Sussex breed originated in the county of Sussex in southern England and is known for its calm disposition and excellent egg-laying abilities.
  3. The Plymouth Rock breed was developed in the United States but has English ancestry, and is known for its hardiness and good egg-laying ability.
  4. The Rhode Island Red breed is a popular dual-purpose breed that is good for both meat and egg production, and is known for its deep, rich color and hardiness.
  5. The Orpington breed, which was developed in the town of Orpington in Kent, England, is known for its large size and gentle disposition.
  6. The Leghorn breed is a Mediterranean breed that originated in Italy but is now commonly found in England and is known for its excellent egg-laying ability.
  7. The Silkie breed is a unique breed that is known for its fluffy, feathered appearance and docile temperament.
  8. The Dorking breed is an ancient breed that has been around since Roman times and is known for its flavorful meat.
  9. The Cornish breed, also known as the Indian Game, was originally bred for cockfighting but is now primarily raised for its meat.
  10. The Hamburg breed is a small, active breed that is known for its good egg-laying ability and attractive plumage.
  11. The Old English Game breed is a small breed that was also originally bred for cockfighting but is now primarily raised for exhibition.
  12. The Marans breed is known for its dark, chocolate-colored eggs and is a popular breed among backyard chicken enthusiasts.
  13. The Wyandotte breed is a medium-sized breed that is known for its hardiness and good egg-laying ability.
  14. The Bantam breed is a smaller version of a larger breed, and is known for its ornamental value and good egg-laying ability.
  15. The New Hampshire Red breed is a newer breed that was developed in the United States but has English ancestry, and is known for its hardiness and good meat and egg production.
  16. The Brahma breed is a large breed that is known for its gentle disposition and good meat production.
  17. The Jersey Giant breed is the largest breed of chicken and is known for its meat production.
  18. The Sussex breed comes in a variety of colors, including red, speckled, and white.
  19. The Plymouth Rock breed comes in a variety of colors, including barred, buff, and white.
  20. The Leghorn breed comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, and brown.
  21. The Orpington breed comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and buff.
  22. The Silkie breed comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, and blue.
  23. The Marans breed comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and copper.

Tips for Raising English Poultry Breeds

If you are interested in raising poultry, there are many different breeds to choose from. English poultry breeds are popular around the world, and for good reason.

These breeds are known for their hardiness, good egg-laying abilities, and tasty meat. If you are considering raising English poultry breeds, here are some tips to help you get started.

Choose the Right Breed

Before you start raising English poultry breeds, it is important to choose the right breed for your needs. Consider your goals for raising poultry. Do you want birds that are good for meat, egg production, or both?

Some breeds are better for meat, while others are better for egg-laying. Consider the size of your property and the climate where you live. Some breeds are more cold-hardy than others, while some are better suited for warm climates. Research different breeds to find the ones that are best suited for your needs.

Start with Chicks

The best way to start raising poultry is to start with chicks. You can purchase chicks from a hatchery or from a local breeder. If you are new to raising poultry, consider purchasing day-old chicks, which are easier to care for than older birds.

Chicks need to be kept in a warm, dry, and draft-free environment. A brooder box with a heat lamp is ideal for keeping chicks warm and comfortable.

Provide a Balanced Diet

Poultry require a balanced diet to stay healthy and productive. A diet that is high in protein is essential for good egg-laying and growth.

Commercial poultry feeds are available that contain all the necessary nutrients. You can also supplement your birds’ diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure your birds have access to clean water at all times.

Provide Adequate Space

Poultry require adequate space to move around and exercise. The amount of space required depends on the breed and the number of birds you have.

A general rule of thumb is to provide 3-4 square feet of space per bird in the coop and 8-10 square feet of space in the run. Make sure your coop is well-ventilated and free from drafts. It should also be secure to protect your birds from predators.

Keep the Coop Clean

A clean coop is essential for the health and well-being of your birds. Clean the coop regularly to remove droppings and debris. Provide fresh bedding, such as straw or wood shavings, to keep your birds comfortable. A clean coop will also help prevent the spread of disease among your birds.

Protect Your Birds from Predators

Predators such as foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey can pose a threat to your birds. Make sure your coop is secure and predator-proof. Use sturdy fencing to enclose your run and make sure there are no gaps or holes that predators can enter through. Lock your birds up at night to keep them safe from nocturnal predators.

Provide Enrichment

Poultry are social creatures and need stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Provide toys and other forms of enrichment, such as perches, swings, and mirrors, to keep your birds entertained. You can also let your birds out of the coop to free-range, which will provide them with opportunities to explore and forage.

Monitor Your Birds’ Health

Monitoring your birds’ health is essential for preventing disease and ensuring their well-being. Check your birds regularly for signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior.

If you notice any signs of illness, isolate the affected bird and seek veterinary care if necessary. You should also have a plan in place for dealing with sick or injured birds.

Be Prepared for Winter

Winter weather can be challenging for poultry. Make sure your coop is well insulated and provides adequate shelter from the elements. Use heaters or heat lamps if necessary to keep your birds warm during the coldest months. Make sure your birds have access to fresh water that doesn’t freeze, and provide them with extra feed to help keep them warm.

Practice Good Biosecurity

Good biosecurity practices are essential for preventing the spread of disease among your birds. Keep your coop and surrounding area clean and free from debris.

Don’t allow visitors to enter your coop or handle your birds, as they could inadvertently bring in disease from other flocks. Quarantine new birds for several weeks before introducing them to your flock.

Provide Proper Nesting Boxes

If you are raising poultry for their eggs, you will need to provide proper nesting boxes for your birds. Nesting boxes should be located in a quiet, secluded area of the coop and lined with clean, soft bedding. Make sure the boxes are large enough for your birds to comfortably lay their eggs.

Practice Safe Handling

Poultry can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, which can be harmful to humans. Practice safe handling techniques when interacting with your birds.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling your birds or their eggs. Don’t eat or drink anything while handling your birds, and avoid touching your face or mouth.

Raising English poultry breeds can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By following these tips, you can ensure the health and well-being of your birds and maximize their productivity.

Remember to choose the right breed for your needs, provide a balanced diet and adequate space, keep the coop clean, protect your birds from predators, provide enrichment, monitor your birds’ health, be prepared for winter, practice good biosecurity, provide proper nesting boxes, and practice safe handling techniques. With these tips in mind, you can successfully raise happy and healthy English poultry breeds.

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