Heirloom Seeds & Poultry
1878 230th Street, Calamus, IA 52729
(563) 246-2299
CHICKENS:
Welcome to our 2024 chicken website.
Please take the time to read the poultry ordering information page.
Remember postage is included in the price for poultry. PLEASE GO TO THE POULTRY PAGE OR THE WEBSITE HOME PAGE FOR THE ORDER BLANK. UPDATED AS OF March 24, 2024
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As we are in this for genetic preservation and sincerely want to get others to maintain the breeds we have instituted a policy that if you indicate no sub on your order we reserve the right to possibly make multiple shipments of your order to get you the specific breeds as they become available. As a result you will possibly get free chicks of some rare breed that have no home. You also agree to take the chicks anytime during our regular season of April through August. Our first wish will be to get you all of your order at one time but sometimes the birds have a mind of their own and the demand can change on a weekly basis.
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gdrowns6@gmail.com will get fastest response for inquiries on orders and availability. It is on my phone and I can use voice to text and answer much easier. Please take the time to go to the main poultry page and read about our ordering requirements and other important information such as we never sell hatching eggs. Please also take notice of the minimum number of birds required for shipment. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO CHECK NEWS AND UPDATES AS MANY TIMES YOUR QUESTIONS CAN BE ANSWERED BY READING THE NEWS AND UPDATES
2023 WAS A CHALLENGING YEAR WITH A LATE AND LONG LASTING WINTER, MANY BREEDS DID NOT START TO LAY UNTIL A MONTH LATER THAN NORMAL. GEESE AND DUCKS STARTED 4-5 WEEKS LATE AND THEN MAY CAME WITH SOME HEAT AND THEY QUICKLY SHUT DOWN. MID MAY BROUGHT 4 WEEKS OF GNATS AND BIRD LOSSES AND SEVERELY DECREASED EGG PRODUCTION. LATE AUGUST BROUGH TWO DAYS WITH HEAT INDEX GREATER THAN 125 AND MORE LOSSES. ALL THE WHILE THE USPS HAD MAJOR ISSUES IN SHIPPING. WE ARE PRAYING 2024 GOES BETTER.
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2024 Hatch Weeks: Specific breeds start April 2,16,30; May 14,28; June 11,25 ; July 9, 23; August 6, 20; September 3, 17: October 1, 15,29. ( No specific breeds in March, September and October only assortments)
We maintain a large number of full size chicken breeds. Our assortments are nothing like anywhere else as you are more than likely to get more rare breeds than common ones. You will get a great chance to experience rare and heritage poultry without a great outlay of expense. In fact I always recommend to first time chicken raiser to get an assortment and explore the world on their own and ignore all the internet reviews and recommendations on a particular breed. Do your own research and find your own favorite that matches with your climate, lifestyle, and personal interests.
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ASSORTED CHICKENS: Chicks $2.50 each. (50 maximum per hatch) This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds of large fowl chicks listed in our catalog. You may receive anything from the most common to the rarest, depending upon what is left after specific breed orders have been filled. An order for 25 chicks will usually include 4 or 5 different breeds. Available from April 2 through October 29.
SUPER ASSORTED CHICKENS: Chicks $2.00 each ( 50maximum per hatch) Can be any of the full size breeds we offer. Will usually contain at least 6 breeds in an order of 25, but can contain more than 10 breeds. SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 14 Available all season as supply allows SOLD OUT THROUGH APRIL 16
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ASSORTED AMERAUCANAS: This assortment may be made up from any of the Ameraucanas. Chicks $4.50 each (15 maximum per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 28
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ASSORTED AMERICANS:This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under American, Chantecler, Giants or Wyandottes. Chicks $4.50 each ( maximum of 25 per hatch)
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ASSORTED CHANTECLERS: This assortment may be made up from any of the 4 Chantecler varieties. Chicks $6.25 each ( maximum 15 per hatch)
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ASSORTED GIANTS: This assortment may be made up from any of the 3 Giants varieties. Chicks $6.00 each (maximum of 15 per hatch)
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ASSORTED SCANDINAVIAN: This assortment may be made up from any of the Scandinavian varieties. Chicks $6.00 each (maximum of 10 per hatch)
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ASSORTED ASIATIC: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Asiatic. Chicks $5.00 each (maximum of 15 per hatch)
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ASSORTED ENGLISH: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under English, Sussex, Orpingtons and
Dorkings. Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 25 per hatch)
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ASSORTED SUSSEX: This assortment may be made up from any of the varieties of Sussex. Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 15 per hatch)
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ASSORTED ORPINGTONS: This assortment may be made up from any of the varieties of Orpingtons. Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 15 per hatch)
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ASSORTED DORKINGS: This assortment may be made up from any of the varieties of Dorkings. Chicks $7.00 each ( maximum 0f 15 per hatch.)
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ASSORTED MEDITERRANEAN: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Mediterranean, Minorcas or Leghorns. Chicks $4.00 each (maximum of 25 per hatch)
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ASSORTED LEGHORNS: This assortment may be made up from any of the varieties of Leghorns. Chicks $4.00 each ( maximum of 25 per hatch)
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ASSORTED MINORCAS: This assortment may be made up from any of the varieties of Minorcas. Chicks $4.00 each ( Maximum per hatch 25)
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ASSORTED CRESTED: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds under the Crested category. Chicks $4.00 each (maximum of 15 per hatch)
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ASSORTED ORIENTALS: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Oriental. Chicks $6.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
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ASSORTED CONTINENTALS: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Continental. Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 25 per hatch)
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ASSORTED MARANS- This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Marans. Chicks $6.00 each ( maximum of 15 per hatch)
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ASSORTED BARNEVELDERS- This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Barnevelders. Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
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FARMYARD ASSORTMENT - $55.00
If you order more than one of these assortments, we can not guarantee they will be shipped on the same day. May be our choice of bantams, chicks, ducks, geese or guineas. The Farmyard Assortment can be all of one particular type of poultry. There are no guarantees that you will get a mixture of all the different types of poultry. It might be all chicks, all ducklings, etc. Or, it might be a combination of many different things. There are no guarantees on hatch dates as these are filled with whatever is left after all orders for specific breeds and assortments have been filled. These are not generally available until the first part of May. You can kind of think of these as a “grab bag” at a carnival. Whatever you get will be a surprise!! You will receive a named list of the contents of the shipment. The number of birds you get will vary depending upon what you get. (Example: Ducks & Geese are much larger than Bantams & Guineas and fill the box up faster.) You will get the “equivalent” of 25 chicks (or more)
MYSTERY CHICKEN ASSORTMENT - $30.00
Occasionally we have some extras from genetic crossing experiments. I’ve long had an interest in genetics and, on occasion, I do some experimental crosses between breeds. This assortment can have anything from our projects (including also the occasional mis-marked egg or oddity). This is not a purebred collection. We only recommend this to someone who doesn’t care about breeds or breeding, but is either just wanting something for eggs or meat. The availability of this is sporadic and would only be available on the weeks when I don’t have time to keep any extras for further study. We reserve the right to fill in with a few pure breeds (if we have them) to fill this assortment. This assortment is not necessarily available at every hatch. Therefore, if you place an order for these, please be as flexible on shipping dates as possible. This assortment is only available as a unit of 25 chicks. This assortment is all full sized chickens - - - no bantams. SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
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Ameraucanas
Ameraucanas are sometimes called the “Easter Egg Chicken” because they lay green, blue or olive eggs as well as brown. Many places list “Araucanas” but they are really “Ameraucanas”. Araucanas are rumpless and have ear tufts (tufts of feathers that grow from the ear). Ameraucanas, however, have a tail and a beard or muff (which is a group of feathers located under the chin). Our mixed color Ameraucanas are not of APA Standard quality. They lay an assortment of colors of eggs though only eggs of “greenish” shades are incubated. Our Black Ameraucanas and Blue Ameraucanas are both selected for the APA Standard. While the APA Standard calls for a blue egg, I’ve yet to ever see in anyone’s Ameraucana flock what I would call a “blue” egg. Most I’ve seen are shades of “greenish blue”. This is why we list ours as laying a greenish blue egg. Ameraucanas have a pea comb.
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ASSORTED AMERAUCANAS: This assortment may be made up from any of the Ameraucanas. Chicks $4.50 each (15 maximum per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 28
Ameraucana (Easter Eggers)
Ameraucana (“Easter Eggers”)- A mixture of types and colors. These are not exhibition stock, but are very good sized and make a hardy dual purpose fowl. While we select for all breeders to have beards (muff of feathers under the chin), occasionally, some chicks will not. Egg color will vary between pale green, olive green, occasionally brown, or olive green with brown spots. We have maintained this breed since 1995. Chicks $5.00 each (maximum of 10 per hatch)
Black Ameraucana
Black Ameraucana- We were fortunate to obtain two different blood lines from show quality stock. These are pure black birds with beards and they lay greenish blue eggs. Mild mannered and easy to handle they do lay nice shaped and sized eggs. We have maintained this breed since 1997. Chicks $6.50 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
Blue Ameraucana
Blue Ameraucana - Typical blue genetics. (See Poultry Glossary on Poultry Page for explanation.) Bearded layers of blue green eggs. We have maintained this breed since 2010. Chicks $8.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
Lavender Ameraucana
Lavender Ameraucana- We were excited to obtain these from Dennis Heltzel and of all of the Ameraucanas we have raised the egg comes the closest to a blue shade as we have seen. Birds are a soft lavender color and calm and relaxed in nature. This strain carries the silkie gene so some can come out like Silkies in feather type. We have maintained this breed since 2017. Chicks $8.00 each (maximum of 5 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 14
Lavender Cuckoo Ameraucana
Lavender Cuckoo Ameraucana- We were excited to obtain these from Dennis Heltzel. Birds are a soft lavender color with a slight cuckoo background and calm and relaxed in nature. . We have maintained this breed since 2021. Chicks $8.00 each (maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 13
AMERICAN BREEDS
This is an APA group based upon the principle that they were all developed and perfected here in North America. As a general rule these birds all have yellow skin and legs. The breeds in this class are listed in the APA Standard unless otherwise noted.
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ASSORTED AMERICANS:This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under American, Chantecler, Giants or Wyandottes. Chicks $4.50 each ( maximum of 25 per hatch)
Barred Holland
Barred Holland- A barred medium sized breed, not as big as Barred Rocks, good layers of a white or tinted egg. They have a single comb with six well-defined points. These were developed in 1934 from White Leghorns, Barred Rocks, Australorps and Brown Leghorns. They lay well year around. We have had these lay well in cold spells in the winter and hot spells in the summer. This is one of the early breeds we gathered up as breeds were rapidly disappearing and have maintained for sometime. For many years no one saw the value they had then the world woke up and thankfully we had maintained them for sometime and they were still around to be appreciated. When we first got these there were no other known breeding flocks other than the one we obtained. They should lay a white egg but do expect a few tinted eggs. The genetics in their background has never produced a pure white egg. We have maintained this breed since 1995. Chicks $7.00 each (maximum of 15 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
Black Java
Black Java- Medium sized black fowl, excellent layers of pale brown eggs. Vigorous and thrifty. These came from show stock but appear on the smaller side of standards. Good foragers. We have maintained this breed since 2016. Chicks $6.00
( maximum of 25 per hatch)
Buckeye
Buckeye- Large sized, dark rich red color, small to medium sized pea comb, gentle temperament. Lay a nice brown egg. These originated in Ohio in the early 1900’s. Buckeyes had their fame and fortune early on in their creation and then steadily declined and when we first obtained them in 1990 there were just a hand full of flocks in breeders hands. In our first few years of offering them the demand for them was near zero and they appeared to be on the path way to slide to extinction. Suddenly a few articles and they started to rebound and are now offered from a number of hatcheries. Chicks $7.00 each ( maximum of 15 per hatch) SOLD OUT FOR 2024
Delaware
Delaware- They are a fast grower, lay huge brown eggs, have moderately large single comb with five well-defined points, white with gray/black cuckoo neck, tail and wing feathers. These were developed in 1940 from off-colored sports between Barred Rock male and New Hampshire female. They are an excellent choice for free-range broilers. Over the years, I’ve attempted to select for large-sized eggs. There appears to be a number of “Delawares” available from other sources that do not anywhere match the traits that we have found to be true for this breed. A “true” Delaware should not be a light weight, flighty bird. We are trying to select for the fastest growing and most productive hens, but with reasonable egg size. This is another breed that had near zero interest in the "Dark Age" of poultry. I frequently refer to the 1980's and early 1990's as the Dark Age when there was near zero interest in true breeding poultry as the public had been bitten with the fast growing white broiler and sex-link layer craze. We have maintained this breed since 1990. Chicks $6.00 each ( maximum of 25 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 14
Dominique
Dominique - “America’s Chicken”, barred pattern, small to medium rose comb. They do well on foraging and are pretty good about being a free ranger that comes home at night to roost. Very early American breed. They are brown egg layers. They are a medium sized breed. We have maintained this breed since 1992. Chicks $6.00 each (maximum of 15 per hatch)
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Erminettes
Erminettes - A very old American breed that nearly slipped to extinction but was rescued by the late Ron Nelson of Wisconsin. We obtained some of Ron's flock when he passed on and sent out to a number of individuals. The hard work of several people has them back to good status and with the yellow legs they should have. Occasional white legs do show up. They lay a brown egg are nice sized and are a beautiful white color with black specks. We have maintained this breed since 2013. Chicks $7.00 each (maximum of 20 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH AUGUST 6
Golden Erminettes
Golden Erminettes- Ron was working on a golden version of the Erminette and when I saw Ron's flock in 2010 with my passion for buff colored poultry I wanted to bring them all home, but Ron being a perfectionist felt they were not yet ready to distribute. When Ron's neighbor Josh got the flocks after Ron passed on we were able to salvage a few Golden version birds and are still working with them. There are some unique genes here where a lot of off types can be seen. Lots of work to do here but for those who want a project these can get you a start. We have maintained this breed since 2013.
chicks $7.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
Mottled Java
Mottled Java - One of the older breeds of poultry admitted to the Standard in 1883. Brown eggs, rather small single combs. The breed is an excellent forager, but grows very slowly. Only order this breed if you have the patience to watch them develop. Color pattern is black with white spotting. We have maintained this breed since 1998. Chicks $8.00 each( maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 11
Iowa Blue
Iowa Blue- Gray penciled pattern, pale brown eggs, medium to moderately large single comb with six points. Please note that these are not a blue chicken. Developed near Decorah, Iowa in the early 1900’s. The breed was in desperate need of new blood and I have worked for a few years to introduce new blood. There is still a slight possibility of an off-type bird. Chick color will range from a warm cocoa brown to black to an occasional mottled one. This breed is a somewhat seasonal layer of pale brown eggs. They go in spurts. When not broody, we get lots of chicks and then all of a sudden they go broody and we get nothing. These are not recognized by the APA. They do not have yellow legs. They make a nice breed for someone who wants a good forager which will set on eggs. We have maintained this breed since 1990. Chicks $7.00 each ( maximum of 15 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 11
New Hampshire
New Hampshire- A nice sized pale red orange bird which is a good dual purpose fowl and lays a nice big brown egg. They have a medium sized single comb with five points. We have selected for production first, show type second. We have maintained this breed since 1997. Chicks $6.00 each ( maximum of 25 per hatch)
Partridge Rock
Partridge Rock - Colorful breed where the hens are an off-shade of brown with penciling. Males are somewhat tri-toned with red, brown and black. Birds are vigorous and thrifty Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red- Deep red in color with rich yellow legs. They lay a brown egg and have a single comb. These are not the commercial variety called “Production Reds” but are the “true” Rhode Island Reds. We continue to work on breeding for productivity, vigor and ability to forage. We have maintained this breed since 2004. Chicks $6.00 each (maximum of 25 per hatch)
Rose Comb Rhode Island Red
Rose Comb Rhode Island Red - Deep red in color with rich yellow legs. They lay a brown egg. They have a nice, true rose comb. Admitted to the APA Standard in 1905. We have maintained this breed since 2006. Chicks $8.00 (maximum of 5 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JULY 23
White Rock
White Rock- On a visit in 2016 to central Iowa to our friend Larry Hall’s I noticed his two flocks of White Rocks. Both were very impressive with both the size of the bird and the size of the egg. I see many White Rocks at the fairs I judge and none ever seem to have a decent size. These birds were massive and yet thrifty looking and seemed to have lots of vigor. Larry shared some eggs and we now have flock and we are pleased to offer this nice sized version that appears productive and thrifty as well. We have maintained this breed since 2016. Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch)SOLD OUT FOR 2024
CHANTECLERS
The first Canadian breed originating in Quebec in 1918. They are a dual purpose fowl - yellow skin, brown eggs, unique cushion shaped comb that makes them easily adapted to cold climates. These are very popular and book up fast. Chanteclers have always been one of my favorite breeds. They are a relaxed breed,not flighty, just relaxed and easy to deal with. Not the fastest growing birds in the world but consistent growers and layers. There is a lot of misinformation perpetuated on the internet about them being great winter layers. What they are is very winter hardy but they will only lay in the winter with supplemental light.
ASSORTED CHANTECLERS: This assortment may be made up from any of the 4 Chantecler varieties. Chicks $6.25 each ( maximum 15 per hatch)
Buff Chantecler
Buff Chantecler- A buff colored version of Chantecler. Very attractive stocky built birds. They lay a very pale brown egg. These have not yet been admitted to the APA Standard. They tend to lay the best in Spring and Summer. We have maintained this breed since 1997. Chicks $8.00 each (Maximum of 15 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 11
Partridge Chantecler
Partridge Chantecler- Still working on improvement of comb type. Body type is good. Colorful breed where the hens are an off-shade of brown with penciling. Males are somewhat tri-toned with red, brown and black. They tend to lay best in the Fall and Winter and once it gets warm production decreases. When we obtained this breed there were no other documented breeders left and they were headed straight for extinction. We have maintained this breed since 1995. Chicks $8.00 each ( maximum 15 per hatch)SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 11
Red Chantecler
Red Chantecler - A newer creation of this breed. Shades of reddish orange. Good layers and colorful. These have not yet been admitted to the APA Standard.We have maintained this breed since 2009. Chicks $7.00 each (maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT FOR 2024, WILL START TAKING ORDERS FOR 2025 ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
White Chantecler
White Chantecler- They have a large structure and are a calm breed with a very tight to the head comb and virtually no wattles. They lay a very pale brown egg. We started looking for this breed in the late 1980's and found none for sale anywhere and were finally able to locate a few in 1995. We have maintained this breed since 1996. Chicks $8.00 each (maximum of 15 per hatch)SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 14
JERSEY GIANTS
Jersey Giants originated in the 1880’s from crossing Black Javas, Dark Brahmas and Black Langshans. The key to Giants is their slow growth. They have a massive bone structure that they put on first before body mass. Please remember these grow very slowly. Jersey Giants have a large single comb with six points.
ASSORTED GIANTS: This assortment may be made up from any of the 3 Giants varieties. Chicks $6.00 each (maximum of 15 per hatch)
Black Jersey Giant
Black Jersey Giant- A super large chicken that lays a nice large brown egg. We have maintained this breed since 1995. Chicks $8.00 each (Maximum 15 per hatch)
Blue Jersey Giant
Blue Jersey Giant- Same as the Black Jersey Giant except a nice blue color. Brown eggs. We have maintained this breed since 1995. (See Glossary on Poultry Page for “Blue Genetics” explanation) CHICKS $8.00 EACH. (Maximum 5 per hatch). SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 11
White Jersey Giant
White Jersey Giant- White version of the magnificent black birds. Lay brown eggs. We are noticing some interesting things occurring - one of which is the occasional almost lilac grey adult bird. We have kept a totally closed flock since obtaining these from Mrs. Miller in 1995. It has been an interesting study in genetics. Many will not meet APA Standards but are hardy and productive.We have maintained this breed since 1995. Chicks $8.00 each ( Maximum 10 per hatch)
WYANDOTTES
The breed originated in the 1880’s in New York and Wisconsin. Medium weight, dual purpose fowl with yellow skin and eggs in shades of brown. They all have a rose comb.
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte- Gorgeous color pattern of blue lacing on a red to reddish gold bird. Remember with Blue, the multiple possibilities for off-types occur. Chicks $8.00 each (Maximum of 15 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 28
Buff Wyandotte
Buff Wyandotte- Gorgeous solid buff colored birds of good size and excellent growth rate. Chicks $7.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch)
Columbian Wyandotte
Columbian Wyandotte - Stocky built birds, white with black neck & tail feathers. Eggs tend to run on the small side. We have.maintained this breed since 2007. We recently acquired Tom Bruning's flock where he has been working on size and type for many years. Chicks $7.00 each ( Maximum 15 per hatch)
Golden Laced Wyandotte
Golden Laced Wyandotte- Golden laced pattern, orange and black, used to be called Winnebagos. They are one of the oldest of the Wyandotte breeds. Excellent early season layers that slow down in the heat of summer. We have maintained this breed since 1994. Chicks $6.00 each (Maximum 10 per hatch)
asiatic breeds
Asiatic is an APA classification which include most of the feather footed breeds of poultry. Most of these breeds originated on the continent of Asia. On all Asiatics we select for the largest size that is still naturally mating. All lay pale brown eggs and have medium sized comb with 5 points.
ASSORTED ASIATIC: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Asiatic. Chicks $5.00 each (maximum of 15 per hatch)
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Black Langshan
Black Langshan- Black colored tall statured birds. Eggs tend to be various shades of brown. Birds are generally mild mannered. Chicks $6.00 each ( Maximum of 20 per hatch)
Buff Brahma
Buff Brahma- Large buff colored gentile birds. Chicks $8.00 each ( Maximum of 5 per hatch)UNAVAILABLE IN 2024
Light Brahma
Light Brahma- Large stocky birds with the columbian pattern of black and neck and tail feathers. Chicks $6.00each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
Partridge Brahma
Partridge Brahma- I first sa these at the Eastern Iowa Poultry Show back in the late 1980's. When I finally had a place to house them they were no longer showing up at the show. Eventually a friend found few and we are still working on perfecting the color and type. Chicks. $5.00 each ( Maximum of 5 per hatch) SOLD OUT FOR 2024. WE WILL START TAKING ORDERS FOR 2025 AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
Black Cochin
Black Cochin- very large and gentile. Easy to handle and very calm. Chicks $7.00 ( Maximum of 5 per hatch)
Buff Cochin
Buff Cochin- very large and gentile. Easy to handle and very calm. Chicks $6.00 ( Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT TF FOR 2024.
White Cochin
White Cochin- very large and gentile. Easy to handle and very calm. Chicks $7.00 each ( Maximum of 10 per hatch)
ENGLISH BREEDS
All members of this APA classification group were developed in Great Britain and have the characteristic white skin and usually white legs with a pinkish streak. Most of them tend to lay what would be considered a tinted egg (off-white).
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ASSORTED ENGLISH: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under English, Sussex, Orpingtons and
Dorkings. Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 25 per hatch)
Black Australorp
Black Australorp- Faster growing than the Black Orpington but slightly smaller in size. We are selecting for rapid growth, good size and heavy egg production. Brown egg layers. They have a medium large single comb with five points. We have maintained this breed since 2000. Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 15 per hatch)SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
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Cuckoo Scots Dumpy
Cuckoo Scots Dumpy - We are most concerned that more flocks of this breed get established. They are a unique, stocky bird. The short legged gene is lethal so some birds will have longer legs. They are a typical cuckoo pattern, docile and easy to handle. They lay a nice sized, tinted egg. We made some progress in 2023 and will start offering these again. With the constant threat of HPAI, predators, gnats or heat indices over 120 we want them in as many places as possible. I cannot emphasize enough you simply must keep some long legged birds or you will dead end fast. We are only offering these in units of 6 chicks and will not sell single birds for curiosity seekers. If you want to see a short legged bird order American Dumpies.We have maintained this breed since 2010. 6 chicks for $150.00.
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SUSSEX
ASSORTED SUSSEX: This assortment may be made up from any of the varieties of Sussex. Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 15 per hatch)
Coronation Sussex
Coronation Sussex- a gorgeous color variant where the neck feathers are a pale silvery blue. Large bodied birds that are calm and easy to handle. Egg size is typical of all Sussex and not very large. We have maintained this breed since 2015. Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 15 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
Light Sussex
Light Sussex - A typical Columbian pattern with black neck, tail and wing feathers and white elsewhere. We are very grateful to Ron Dinger for obtaining and sharing with us almost 20 years ago two diverse lines and for his work to improve this beautiful breed. They lay very pale brown eggs and have a medium sized single comb with five points. We have maintained this breed since 2005. We have worked and multiplied crossing the strains and have a very productive bird that is very hardy and withstands a lot of stresses. The late August heat index of 125 devastated our flock. Chicks $7.00 each (Maximum 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 11
Red Sussex
Red Sussex- A still slightly variable color variety that is a medium shade of red with some black in the neck and tail. We have combined several lines. Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch)
Speckled Sussex
Speckled Sussex- White spots on a chestnut brown background. White skin and legs. Egg color is a very pale tan. They have a medium sized single comb with five points. Adult birds grow to a nice, large size. This was one of the first breeds I acquired as a young child, the hens can become very pet like when you spend time with them. The first 3 that I had would follow me everywhere and jump up on my lap if I sat down on a bucket in the barn. The roosters lets just say were a bit aggressive. We have maintained this breed since 1990. Chicks $6.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 14
Range Sussex
Range Sussex- Not a true breed but we offer these for those who want an active and somewhat hardy chicken that has the best of both worlds. In 1990 shortly after I started this operation and was gathering up rare breeds as well as breeds I was fond of, I had a disaster. I came home from work one day and found about a dozen chickens that were not mine that someone had dropped off in the ditch in front of the house and they had mixed in with some of mine having flown over the fence into the pens and barn. I quickly gathered them up and isolated them but a few days later I came home to wheelbarrows of dead birds and a few gasping birds. I quickly called the state poultry person and he guided me through the process of figuring it out. Being a biologist helps and we quickly concluded it was LT (laryngotracheitis) brought to me by the dropped off birds. I ordered the vaccine to help slow the spread but was frantic as over 90% of my Sussex perished. I had recently acquired numerous varieties of Dorkings and was fearful the rare genetics would perish fast. I called Craig Russell, a long time poultry expert, and he said no worry Dorkings show resistance. Sure enough he was right and none of the Dorkings perished. Time after time LT would devastate the Sussex but the Dorkings would do fine. By the mid 1990's I decided to see what would happen if Dorkings and Sussex were crossed would the result show resistance to LT. LT is a real problem in this part of Iowa. Interestingly enough it showed true and the crosses handled things well. As an added bonus the crosses showed a greater tolerance to Coccidiosis flare ups, something the Sussex handled better than Dorkings. We have selected these for over 20 years and watched the vigor and tolerances to issues continue to improve and offer them to the backyard enthusiast that wants a hardier bird that tolerates, many issues and cold as well as still goes broody. Egg size is respectable and the eggs are tinted in color. The adults look like a mixed up Silver grey pattern some more uniform than others and some have more rusty salmon on them. This results from using various colors of Dorkings being crossed with the Speckled Sussex. There is a mix of single and rose combs. As a biologist and conservationist I firmly believe in preserving the old and established breeds but also see the need to utilize those old maintained breeds as reservoirs of genetics to make and improve on existing material. We cannot maintain things in isolation and germ free environments and be sustainable in the future. Our modern agricultural philosophy is to maintain things away from the outside world in protected isolated conditions. True biology would indicate that is a recipe for disaster to not allow things to grow stronger through the challenges of the real world. Chicks $4.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH APRIL 30
orpingtons
A general purpose fowl for eggs and meat. Hens are good setters and mothers. Orpingtons originated in the 1880’s in England. Skin color is white. They all have single combs with five points and lay a light brown egg.
ASSORTED ORPINGTONS: This assortment may be made up from any of the varieties of Orpingtons. Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 15 per hatch)
Black Orpington
Black Orpington - Large, true Orpington type, solid black in color. Common at one time, now very difficult to find. We have maintained this breed since 1996. Chicks $7.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch)
Blue Orpington
Blue Orpington - Nice, rich, slate blue colored birds. Gentle and calm. (See Glossary on Poultry Page for “Blue Genetics” explanation).We have maintained this breed since 1986. This breed started it all. As a young child I dreamed of the day I could obtain some. When I was 10 I saw them listed for the first time on long time poultry expert Thane Earle's list (he maintained over 200 breeds) but that was 1971 and he got $2.00 a chick and I made a $1.00 per day per lawn that I took care of. I knew that once I got done with college and got settled I was going to get some. I got to meet Thane in 1984 (my first summer in Iowa) at the Seed Savers Exchange summer gathering. I was so excited that I was now only 4 hours away from his chicken empire and hoped he would let me visit. I was saddened to learn he had cut back to nearly a handful of breeds, this not one of them. I started searching and found 1 remaining breeder and knowing I could not have poultry for a few years my good friend Tom Knoche got the hatching eggs and kept them for me until 1986 when I brought them home from Ohio to my friends the Schroeders who lived down the road from where I was renting. They finally got to the farm here when I fixed a place for them in January 1989 a month after I moved in. The first breed we had on the farm and a band of raccoons in June 2020 almost wiped them out. The last straw that pushed me to redo all of my buildings. Chicks $8.00 each (maximum of 15 per hatch.)
Buff Orpington
Buff Orpington - Large, golden buff color, white skin, white legs. We keep birds that are selected from a cross of a large exhibition strain and a high production strain. We have maintained this breed since 1990 Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH APRIL 30
Chocolate Orpington
Chocolate Orpington- large blocky gentle birds with a deep chocolate color. They are gorgeous and good layers of medium sized eggs. We have maintained this breed since 2017. Chicks $8.00. (Maximum of 20 per hatch)
Crele Orpington
Crele Orpington- large blocky Orpington build, colorful and calm . Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
Cuckoo Orpington
Cuckoo Orpington- Large blocky birds that are cuckoo in color pattern. Variations in the depth and color of the cuckoo will occur. Chicks $6.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
Jubilee Orpington
Jubilee Orpington- Large blocky birds that are speckled and resemble a fat Speckled Sussex. The genetics of this variety causes occasional near solid pale red birds to show up. Chicks $8.00 each ( Maximum of 10 per hatch)SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 28
Lavender Orpington
LavenderOrpington- Large blocky birds that are lavender in color pattern. Variations in the depth and color of the color and body style will occur. Chicks $6.00 each (Maximum of 15 per hatch)
Mottled Orpington
Mottled Orpington- Large blocky birds that are either black and white or greyish in color pattern. Variations in the depth and color of the color and body style will occur. Only in assorted Orpingtons in 2024
Silver Orpington
Silver Orpington- Large blocky birds that are some what silver laced in color pattern. Variations in the depth and color of the color and body style will occur. Available in assorted Orpingtons only in 2024.
White Orpington
White Orpington - White skin, feathers and legs. Occasionally grey legged birds show up. We have maintained this breed since 1991. Only in assorted Orpingtons in 2024. Great Horned Owls love these guys, in the Fall and early spring when I do chores in the dark if they run outside it is Owl dinner time. I have moved the remnant to an indoor only pen.
dorkings
An ancient breed having been described by Julius Caesar. Slow growing, but constant and thrifty foragers. All Dorkings make wonderful dual purpose birds for eggs and meat. The egg color is a tinted white. Skin and leg color are white. They all possess a fifth toe. They like to go broody which makes chicks scarce at times. Please be patient. They are notorious for laying during the shorter day-length time of the year so egg production from these can be quite good during the cold Winter days. Living here in Iowa, I have seen them lay quite well in -25 deg. F weather. Once the warmer Spring weather arrives all the members of a particular pen can turn broody within a day or two. They are stubborn and persistent and many times, during the prime Spring hatching season, we are left with few eggs. When ordering this breed, you must understand this trait and not expect your chicks at a specific time. We are continuing to work on developing larger flocks. Our Dorking building was hit hard by the late August heat index days of over 120. We had planned on saving our stock form the later hatches and that was not possible.
ASSORTED DORKINGS: This assortment may be made up from any of the varieties of Dorkings. Chicks $7.00 each ( maximum 0f 15 per hatch.)
Black Dorking
Black Dorking- A rare color that, in an effort to save it from drastic inbreeding, I crossed with other colors of Dorkings. We are getting both comb types (rose and single) and, while a predominant number are pure black, some off-colors (principally dark grey and birchen) are showing up. We have maintained this breed since 2009. Chicks $8.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
Black Red Dorking
Black Red Dorking - Still not perfected but a stocky color version to the breed. Females tend to have reddish neck. We have maintained this breed since 2020.UNAVAILABLE IN 2024
Colored Dorking
Colored Dorking - Slightly variable in color. Male’s neck and saddle feathers can be silvery to golden straw colored. The remaining feathers are basically black with light straw lacing. Females will vary from silvery to golden straw with varying chest colors. Color variations occur within this variety. They have a single comb with six points. We have maintained this breed since 1990 . Chicks $8.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 14
Dark Grey Dorking
Dark Grey Dorking - Slightly variable in color, but similar to Dark Brahmas in color. We do see other color variations show up. We have maintained this breed since 1990. Chicks $7.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT FOR 2024
Light Grey Dorking
Light Grey Dorking- They still need some improvement as to color, but we are continuing to select for the Columbian pattern of white with black neck, tail and wing feathers, off-white eggs. These have not yet been admitted to the APA Standard. We have maintained this breed since 1993. Chicks $8.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 14
Red Dorking
Red Dorking- Excellent quality. Adults resemble chunky, low to the ground Brown Leghorns. They have a single comb with 6 points. Good Winter layers, hardy and disease tolerant. They have a very old history. We have maintained this breed since 1990. Chicks $10.00 each (maximum of 10 per hatch.)SOLD OUT FOR 2024
Rose Comb Colored Dorking
Rose Comb Colored Dorking- The rose comb version of a very old type that is very hardy and lays well. Males are a color similar to a Silver Grey only with golden straw colored neck and saddle feathers. Hens are mostly black with lighter breasts and straw colored lines on the feather shafts. Some slight variations of this due to the genetics involved can be expected. These have not yet been admitted to the APA Standard. Chicks $8.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT FOR 2024
Rose Comb Red Dorking
Rose Comb Red Dorking - Rose comb version of Red Dorking. According to Dorking expert, Craig Russell, we have two lines traditional which the hens are the color of Brown Leghorns and Clays which are more of a Wheaten pattern. Males look the same, but hens can be 2 different colors. Chicks $8.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT FOR 2024
Silver Grey Dorking
Silver Grey Dorking - hens are a soft grey with salmon chests, males have silver hackle feathers. Large bodied, low to the ground build. Chicks $10.00 each ( maximum of 15 per hatch)SOLD OUT FOR 2024
Wheaten Dorking
Wheaten Dorking - females are a soft wheaten color and males more closely resemble silver grey. Chicks $8.00 each
( maximum of 15 per hatch)
mediterranean breeds
A large group of breeds that all originated in the Mediterranean region of the world. They all lay white eggs. This group of birds is better suited for hot weather climates because of their large combs. In our colder climate and unheated buildings, these breeds get frost-bitten combs most every Winter. While the birds usually recover from this, it leaves them less “beautiful looking” and usually means chick supply is limited early in the season while the birds are recovering from the frostbite.
ASSORTED MEDITERRANEAN: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Mediterranean, Minorcas or Leghorns. Chicks $4.00 each (maximum of 25 per hatch)
Ancona
Ancona- Nicely spotted white on black. We are selecting for a heavy production bird. White egg layers. Anconas were developed in a city in Italy from which they take their name. They have yellow skin and a single comb with five points. Introduced into the APA Standard in 1898. We have maintained this breed since 2000. Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 15 per hatch)
Blue Andalusian
Blue Andalusian- Large sized beautiful blue color. Excellent layers of white eggs. They have a single comb with five points. Large combs of male make winter hardiness a challenge. (See Glossary on Poultry Page for “Blue Genetics” explanation) Admitted to the APA Standard in 1874. A graceful, hardy breed from Andalusia, Spain.We have maintained this breed since 1999. Chicks $6.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch)
Sicilian Buttercup
Sicilian Buttercup- Originated in Sicily. Male is orange red with some black spangles. Hen is buff with parallel rows of black spangles. They have a unique, buttercup shaped comb, something like moose antlers. White eggs. First came to America in 1835. Not large chickens. We have maintained this breed since 1991. Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 15 per hatch)
Buff Catalana
Buff Catalana - Originally from Catalana, Spain. Now much more common in Latin America, but very rare in the USA. We are still trying to work with them to refine color and conformation. The birds are deep, rich buff with black tails. They lay large white to tinted eggs and have a single comb with six points. We have maintained this breed since 1995. Chicks $6.00each (Maximum of 10 per hatch)
Marraduna Basques
Marraduna Basques - (Euskal Oiloa) Special thanks to Mary Alban for sharing some of these with us. They are a unique land race type from the Basque area of Spain. They sort of resemble a buffy Delaware in type and color. Considerable color variations exist in this breed. Common things to select for are yellow feet and legs and a single comb. They are incredibly friendly, almost annoyingly so when it comes to friendliness. We have maintained this breed since 2013 . Gnats nearly got all of them in 2023. Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch) SOLD OUT FOR 2024.
Black Penedescenca
Black Penedescenca- Black Minorca-like chicken with a unique single comb that has almost a crown at the back side. They lay a dark brown egg. Their behavior is very flighty and is similar to a Leghorn. They have an unusual comb - - - single in the front with multiple lobes at the rear. Our strain tends to not have the pure white earlobes. We strive to select for darkest egg first, comb type second. Our males tend to have bright, white earlobes and the proper combs. Hens tend to have less white earlobes and not always the best combs. These have not yet been admitted to the APA Standard. We have maintained this breed since 2005. Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch)
Crele Penedescenca
Crele Penedescenca- Minorca-like chicken with a unique single comb that has almost a crown at the back side. They lay a dark brown egg. Their behavior is very flighty and is similar to a Leghorn. They have an unusual comb - - - single in the front with multiple lobes at the rear. We strive to select for darkest egg first, comb type second. Our males tend to have more yellow legs. Hens tend to have slate colored legs. These have not yet been admitted to the APA Standard. We have maintained this breed since 2019. Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 28
Empordanesa
Empordanesa- White Minorca-like chicken with a unique single comb that has almost a crown at the back side. They lay a dark brown egg. Their behavior is very calm compared to their Penedescenca relatives. They have an unusual comb - - - single in the front with multiple lobes at the rear. Our strain tends to have less crown to the comb but lay a very dark brown egg. The limited gene pool in this country has created some issues. I had some back in the early 2000's and after a year or so started showing spotted offspring. I lost that strain to raccoons and now this strain is doing the same thing, These have not yet been admitted to the APA Standard. We have maintained this breed since 2019. Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) We are not offering them in 2024 and will be studying this issue.
Partridge Penedescenca
Partridge Penedescenca- Their color is slightly variable with the females being marked similar to a Light Brown Leghorn. The males are more variable in color but resemble slightly the Light Brown Leghorn male in color. Leg color varies from slate blue to off white. They are rather large fowl with an extremely nervous temperament. They have varying degrees of the typical Penedescenca comb which is a single comb with a crown at the back. Our primary method of selection is for the darkest egg possible. Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch)
LEGHORNS
The original breed came from Italy, but most of the color variations were developed in either England, Denmark, or the United States. All of ours are single combed with five points.
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ASSORTED LEGHORNS: This assortment may be made up from any of the varieties of Leghorns. Chicks $4.00 each ( maximum of 25 per hatch)
Black Leghorn
Black Leghorn - Solid black leghorn with excellent egg-laying ability, white eggs. Occasional off-color feather shows up. Birds are very thrifty and grow fast. They forage well.We have maintained this breed since 2000. Chicks $6.00 each (Maximum of 15 per hatch)
Buff Leghorn
Buff Leghorn - Solid bright light buff colored leghorn with excellent egg-laying ability, white eggs. Birds are very thrifty and grow fast. They forage well. We have maintained this breed since 2000 then lost them and now have a fresh start. Chicks $8.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH APRIL 30
Barred Leghorn
Barred Leghorn - More of a cuckoo pattern. They forage well. There are active and good sized. Some variability in color exists. Chicks $6.00 each ( Maximum of 15per hatch)
Dark Brown Leghorn
Dark Brown Leghorn - A very nice sized colored and sized leghorn. There are active. They are hard to find in todays world of no one wanting white egg laying chickens. Gnats destroyed our flock, please let us know if you maintain this varietyChicks $6.00 each ( Maximum of 10 per hatch) UNAVAILABLE IN 2024
Exchequer Leghorn
Exchequer Leghorn - Beautiful mottled pattern distinctive from Ancona in the large amounts of white. Rare in this country. Superb layers of large white eggs. Maintaining yellow legs is the biggest challenge. We are continuing to try to stabilize the color to the proper spotting so variations do occur. These have not yet been admitted to the APA Standard. We have maintained this breed since 1995. Chicks $6.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 11
Mille Fleur Leghorn
Mille Fleur Leghorn - Our dear friend, Ron Nelson, shared these with us. Colored similar to a Mille Fleur D’uccle bantam. These are rather mild mannered for a Leghorn. They lay an off-white egg. These have not yet been admitted to the APA Standard. There is still some variability with these but they are colorful and good layers.Please expect some color variations and degrees of the mille fleur color pattern as well as some of the eggs will be tinted. UNAVAILABLE IN 2024 working on selection. Gnats really set us back.
Red Leghorn
Red Leghorn- the calmest of all leghorns and the colorer of paler Rhode Island Red. They lay a nice white egg and are easier to handle than any of the Leghorns. Chicks $6.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 28
Rose Comb Brown Leghorn
Rose Comb Brown Leghorn- The only rose comb leghorn that we maintain. They lay a nice white egg and are easier to handle than any of the Leghorns. Chicks $6.00 each ( Maximum of 5 per hatch)
Silver Leghorn
SilverLeghorn- I had long marveled at the color of these when I judged fairs and was always saddened at how small they were and then one year I found an exhibitor with a magnificent pen of large birds. We have worked with them for several years to increase vigor and productivity and crossed several lines to get to the point where we have a vigorous bird of decent size. They lay a nice white egg.Chicks $8.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch)SOLD OUT THROUGH APRIL 30
Single Comb Light Brown Leghorn
Single Comb Light Brown Leghorn- We maintain the production line so they are not the top show birds. We select for winter hardiness, egg size and productivity. We have maintained this breed since 1992. Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 20 per hatch)
White Leghorn
White Leghorn- A single comb version that is composite of 2 strains a superb show strain and a regular commercial line to produce a very active foraging bird of good size and layer of nice sized white eggs. We are breeding for disease tolerance, thriftiness and foraging ability. We have maintained this breed since 2009. Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 15 per hatch)
MINORCAS
Largest of the Mediterraneans. Long, strong bodies, large combs and wattles which can make winter hardiness a challenge, excellent layers of large, white eggs. All of ours are single comb with six points.
ASSORTED MINORCAS: This assortment may be made up from any of the varieties of Minorcas. Chicks $4.00 each ( maximum of 25 per hatch)
Buff Minorca
Buff Minorca - We combined 3 commercial strains some years ago and have been selecting for the largest and thriftiest birds. These are not as large as the blacks. They do grow fast and dress out beautifully clean. They are excellent layers of white eggs and are thrifty and great foragers.We have maintained this breed since 2001. Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 15 per hatch)
Black Minorca
Black Minorca - Pure black. They were admitted to the APA Standard in 1888. They are excellent layers of large, white eggs. Ours are from a superb show strain noted for heavy production of large eggs. They would do better in a free-range situation. These are very large birds (do not confuse them with the common, smaller, commercial types). We have maintained this breed since 2001. Chicks $7.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 14
Rose Comb Black Minorca
Rose CombBlack Minorca - Pure black. . They are excellent layers of large, white eggs. Ours are from a superb show strain noted for superb body types. They love a free-range situation. These are very large birds (do not confuse them with the common, smaller, commercial types). We have maintained this breed since 2023. Chicks $7.00 each (Maximum of 25 per hatch)
White Minorca
White Minorca - When ALBC did a survey of important breeds in our country’s development, I realized I hadn’t seen one since I was a child. In those days there were large flocks, but now their numbers are low but thanks to a few individuals are increasing again. Ron Nelson, shared some nice birds with us way back in 2000 when their numbers were most likely less than 50 in the entire US. This breed is another example of where we need to wake up before it is too late. We have maintained this breed since 2000. Photo is from Craig Johnson who obtained stock from us and continues to work and improve on them.Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch) UNAVAILABLE FOR 2024, Gnats devastated the flock
continental breeds
A group of breeds classified together based upon their European origins.
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ASSORTED CONTINENTALS: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Continental. Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 25 per hatch)
Bielefelder
Bielfelder- I first saw a picture of these many years ago and had them on my wish list for sometime. I finally got some chicks about 5 year ago only to not get any males. Finally we were able to get a different bloodline for males and had an excellent year for them . They are a nice calm chicken that is very colorful and lays well. They lay light brown eggs. Chicks $7.00 each (Maximum of 20 per hatch)
Bresse
Bresse -an excellent all around chicken. They are white and seem to have a larger breast area than most breeds. Long known in France for their table qualities. They are a calm and personable breed that does grow reasonably fast for a "real " chicken. Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
Creme Brabanter
Creme Brabanter- colorful and good layers of white eggs. Not really a crest or tuft but a group of feathers on the top of the head. Chicks $8.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 14
Golden Campine
Golden Campine- Deep rich golden neck feathers. Striking appearance, originating in Belgium. They have a single comb with five points. White eggs, vigorous foragers. These were admitted to the APA Standard in 1914. When we have the young in the range pens foraging in the orchard they love to roost in the fruit trees and unfortunately we always loose a good chunk of the replacements to the owls when the young ones refuse to come to a safe building at night. We have maintained this breed since 1992. Chicks $6.00 each (Maximum of 20 per hatch)
Golden Lakenvelder
Golden Lakenvelder - Same as Lakenvelder except a rich gold replaces the white feathers, white eggs. They are truly beautiful and have a single comb with five points. This breed has not yet been admitted to the APA Standard.We have maintained this breed since 2001. Chicks $8.00 each. (Maximum of 5 per hatch)
Golden Penciled Hamburg
Golden Penciled Hamburg - A small sized, very old Dutch breed which was admitted to the APA Standard in 1874. Males and females are golden penciled and attractive. They are a small but active and though their egg is not large their feed conversion is great. We have maintained this breed since 2000. Chicks $6.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch)
Golden Spangled Hamburg
Golden Spangled Hamburg- Small sized and very active , chicks are the most colorful of any we carry. yet another one of the white egg laying breeds in serious danger of depletion. We have maintained this breed since 1995. Chicks $8.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch) SOLD OUT FOR 2023
La Fleche
La Fleche - A rare old French breed with a unique v-shaped comb that looks much like 2 points going straight up (like two horns). Birds are pure black and lay a white egg. The head is such a unique shape the chicks can easily be picked out. They are a unique and fascinating breed but unfortunately the gene pool in the US is very limited and they are in dire need of new genetic inflow. We maintained this breed from1999 until May of 2020 when the last ones were destroyed by raccoons. One of the things that pushed us to redo and rebuild all of our poultry facilities as fast as we could. We were fortunate that our good friend Joe Putnam found a source of very nice birds and we are able to offer them again. Chicks $10.00 each (maximum 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
Lakenvelder
Lakenvelder- A white chicken with black neck, tail and wing feathers. They are medium sized, lay a white egg and are excellent foragers. They have a single comb with five points. These are an established German breed from at least 1860. I never recommend this attractive breed for 4H kids to exhibit as they are somewhat flighty and a challenge to show but it can be done with the right individual spending the right amount of time. We have maintained this breed since 1997. Chicks $6.00 each. (Maximum of 15 per hatch)
Salmon Faverolle
Salmon Faverolle - Originated from crosses of Houdans, Dorkings and Asiatics in Faverolle, France. They lay tinted colored eggs. Calm, elegant birds with a medium size single comb. Males are greenish black with silver white neck and hackle feathers. Hens are a soft creamy tan. Both have muffs, five toes and feathered legs.We have maintained this breed since 2002. Chicks $6.00 each (Maximum of 20 per hatch)
Silver Penciled Hamburg
Silver Penciled Hamburg - Very old Dutch breed that was admitted to the APA Standard in 1874. Males are a silver-gray with slight barring. Females are neatly penciled. They have a rose comb covered with small points. When we first got these we knew of only 2 remaining breeders in the US. Both lines were very inbred and not very thrifty. We have worked with the combination of these lines for some years and have flushed out some genes and are continuing to select for the best type bird with vigor. We are getting closer each year to birds that are properly colored and have vigor.We have maintained this breed since 1996. Chicks $8.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 14
Welsummer
Welsummer - Named after the village of Welsum in Holland. Most famous for the deep, dark brown eggs. Medium sized bird with yellow skin and a single comb with five points. Color pattern of chicks and adults is similar to Brown Leghorns. We have maintained this breed since 1993. Chicks $8.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JULY 23
BARNEVELDERS
A dark egg laying breed of Dutch origin. Generally they are very calm breed. I have never seen a mean rooster. In fact sometimes they are so mellow other breeds beat them up as they reach teen age years.
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ASSORTED BARNEVELDERS- This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Barnevelders. Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
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Blue Laced Barnevelder
Blue Laced Barnevelder- colorful and good layers of a nice medium brown egg. Color pattern stills needs some work. chicks $8.00 each. ( maximum of 10 per hatch
Barnevelder
Barnevelder- I have been working with these for over 30 years. I was fascinated by a picture I saw of them in 1980 and have struggled with them since I found the first ones in 1990. I have seen perfectly marked specimens that do not lay a brown egg, lousy colored that lay a real nice dark egg and everything in between. They also seem very weak when it comes to disease resistance and other stresses but I just keep working to try to get the closest to egg color, bird color and healthy. I am not there yet but keep working. Chicks $8.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
Partridge Barnevelder
Partridge Barnevelder - A color variant found at one time in Europe. I obtained these with some regular Barnevelders who claimed he got them from Europe via Canada. They are fairly docile and lay a medium dark brown egg. Some are darker than others. Color pattern is similar to a Partridge Rock, but many females lack pattern in chest area. Hens are productive layers. We have maintained this breed since 2003.Chicks $6.00 (Maximum of 10 per hatch )
Wheaten Barnevelders
Wheaten Barnevelders- over 20 years ago I aquired a group of Barnevelders of various color patterns . These are not perfect yet but show the most vigor of any. Eggs are nice sized shaped and a good shade of medium dark brown. Chicks $5.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
marans
While we dearly enjoy these large gentle chickens they have many issues to be considered before keeping a flock of them and not have other breeds in the mix. The majority do lay a very nice dark egg and are relatively calm and easy to be around. I have found over the years they are very susceptible to many poultry ailments with almost no tolerance or resistance. They succumb easily to coccidiosis as chicks. They have little if any tolerance to Coryza, Laryngotrachitis and zero tolerance to Marecks. Late winter of 2020 confirmed what I had noticed had been happening with tolerance to cold. The birds were laying well after a mild winter and then we had mini cold spell in late February and many hens succumbed quickly to the frozen combs they obtained and the males mostly remained sterile until well into July. They are best suited for a farm in a moderate climate and where not a lot of poultry has been raised before. First time chicken raisers in a place that rarely gets below zero should do fine with them.
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ASSORTED MARANS- This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Marans. Chicks $6.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
Black Copper Maran
Black Copper Maran - Basically black with reddish tint on the hens in the neck and breast area. Males have more red. Feather legged. Currently the darkest brown eggs we have. We have maintained this breed since 2010. Chicks $8.00 each ( maximum of 15 per hatch)
Blue Copper Maran
Blue Copper Maran - Beautiful, deep blue color with fiery orange-red neck and hackle feathers in the males. Females have fewer orange-red feathers. Lay deep, dark brown egg. We have maintained this breed since 2011. Chicks $8.00 each ( maximum of 20 per hatch)
Cuckoo Maran
Cuckoo Maran - Both French (feather-legged) and English (clean-legged) strains are kept together. Selection is for the darkest color in the egg as they are not the darkest egg layers. During their first year of laying they are superb layers, from the second year on they love to become broody and egg production drops off. Of the dark egg laying breeds, these are the tops for production. They have a single comb with five or more points. We have maintained this breed since 2004. Chicks $6.00 ( Maximum of 5 per hatch)
Lavender Maran
Lavender Maran - Very attractive and thrifty. Very colorful shade of soft pastel lavender. They have a single comb with five or more points. We have maintained this breed since 2021. Chicks $8.00 each ( Maximum of 15 per hatch)
Wheaten Maran
Wheaten Maran - Typical wheaten color pattern. These are still showing some variability in the color pattern. Lay deep, dark brown eggs.We have maintained this breed since 2011. Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch)
crested
Crested fowl are mentioned in historical writings from the 1500’s. The following lay medium to large sized white eggs. They all have a v-shaped comb.
ASSORTED CRESTED: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds under the Crested category. Chicks $4.00 each (maximum of 15 per hatch)
Black Crested Blue Polish
Black Crested Blue Polish - A selection that is solid blue with a darker blue/black crest. Many of the crests will be a deeper shade of blue, but not necessarily black. This breed is not currently in the APA Standard. (See Glossary on Poultry Page for “Blue Genetics” explanation) We have maintained this breed since 2005 . Chicks $5.00each (Maximum of 5 per hatch)
White Crested Blue Polish
White Crested Blue Polish - A selection that is solid blue with a white crest. (See Glossary on Poultry Page for “Blue Genetics” explanation) We have maintained this breed since 2005 . Chicks $5.00each (Maximum of 5 per hatch)
Buff Laced Polish
Buff Laced Polish- Bearded, crested, soft buff color, huge crests, white eggs.We have maintained this breed since 1991 Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch)
Cuckoo Polish
Cuckoo Polish- A selection that is a beautiful cuckoo pattern and they lay a white egg. These have not yet been admitted to the APA Standard. We have maintained this breed since 2020. Chicks $8.00 each ( maximum of 5 per hatch)
Crevecoeurs
Crevecoeurs- Solid black in color, crested, with a beard, lays white eggs. Very old French breed. We have maintained this breed since 1996 .Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 15 per hatch)
Silver Spitzhauben
Silver Spitzhauben- gorgeous black and white spotted very old breed with more of a tuft than a crest..Chicks $10.00 each ( Maximum of 5 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 28
Golden Polish
Golden Polish- Bearded, white eggs, golden laced pattern, orange and black. We have maintained this breed since 1991 Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch)
Silver Polish
Silver Polish- Silver laced pattern, bearded, striking color pattern, white eggs. We have maintained this breed since 1991Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch)
White Crested Black Polish
Thrifty and colorful with dark black bodies and nice white crests. Good sumer layers and hens make great pets for children. Chicks $5.00 (Maximum of 10 per hatch)
ORIENTALS
A broad grouping of birds that tended to have been developed (or selected for) in the Orient. All Orientals lay a very pale brown egg.
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ASSORTED ORIENTALS: This assortment may be made up from any of the breeds listed under Oriental. Chicks $6.00 each ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
Ayam Cemani
Ayam Cemani- a truly unique and special breed. They have incredible disease tolerance, are thrifty, great foragers and a beautiful deep purple black over all body tissue that has blood flowing in it. They are calm and friendly as well.
Chicks $12.50 each, ( maximum of 20 per hatch)
Black Breasted Red Cubalaya
Black Breasted Red Cubalaya - Developed in Cuba from original stock imported from the Philippines. They have a small pea comb, off-white eggs. Males are typical Black Breasted Red pattern. Hens are cinnamon color. These are small but very attractive and have good foraging ability. Chicks $7.00 each (maximum of 10 per hatch)
Black Breasted Red Kraienkoppe
Black Breasted Red Kraienkoppe- Unique, old, Dutch type game fowl, males are the Brown Leghorn color pattern, the hens are a cinnamon color or the color of Brown Leghorn hens. They have a small walnut comb and are fairly small sized, but lay extremely well an off white egg and for the most part have a nice temperament. Select your breeders to have uniform walnut combs. They are excellent foragers and mothers. This breed is not as yet listed in the APA Standard. We have maintained this breed since 1996 . Chicks $7.00 each ( Maximum of 5 per hatch)
Black Breasted Red Shamo
Black Breasted Red Shamo- We have maintained this breed since 1992. While our strain is not nearly as tall as some seen today they do have an upright stance and are a very firm fleshed husky bird. The males will fight with one another if a strange one is introduced but they are very loyal to their owner and I have never been attacked by one. Their legs are massive and thick . Egg supply is always sporadic and you must be patient and wait for them. In 2023 Raccoons found one weak spot and got into the Shamo's . Chicks $10.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch) UNAVAILABLE IN 2024.
Golden Kraienkoppe
Golden Kraienkoppe- Golden version of this foraging breed. They like their other colored counterparts are active thrifty and like to go feral when given a chance. Chicks $7.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch) SOLD OUT FOR 2024
Red Pyle Cubalaya
Red Pyle Cubalaya- A colorful small sized chicken with a small pea comb. The breed dates back many years. Males are white with red-orange neck and hackle feathers and red patches on the wings. They are very attractive. Females are somewhat variable with light orange-yellow neck and some orange feathers. Females can be basically white except for head and neck. Not all chicks hatch out the Red Pyle pattern. We have maintained this breed since 1996 . Chicks $7.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch)
Silver Kraienkoppe
Silver Kraienkoppe- Color pattern like a Silver Grey Dorking, off-white eggs. They have a small walnut comb. See Black Breasted Red Kraienkoppe for breed history. This breed is not at this time listed in the APA Standard.We have maintained this breed since 1996. Chicks $7.00 each ( maximum of 5 per hatch) UNAVAILABLE IN 2024
SCANDINAVIAN BREEDS
I am well aware that there is not APA category with that name. I do however want to groups the breeds we have collected from that part of the world into one area. They all share some similar traits. All are pleasant and mild mannered breeds.
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ASSORTED SCANDINAVIAN: This assortment may be made up from any of the Scandinavian varieties. Chicks $6.00 each (maximum of 10 per hatch)
Flame Jaerhon
Flame Jaerhon- The genetics of the Norwegian Jaerhon produces some off-types. This darker version, considered not proper for Norwegian Jaerhons, is a beautiful and hardy selection. Females are a cuckoo pattern with gold in neck and hackles. The males are a cuckoo pattern with brilliant flame orange-red hackles, neck and wing patches. Much hardier than the regular Norwegian Jaerhons. Not perfected and not in the APA Standard. There are off-types in this breed. Strictly for the person wishing a colorful layer. We have maintained this breed since 2008. Chicks $5.00 (Maximum of 5 per hatch)
Icelandic
Icelandic - An unbelievably hardy land race. A land race means that they are not all uniform in color or body type. You will see a diversity in comb type as well. They all do seem to have a tuft of feathers on the top of the head. They are superb layers of small to medium sized off-white eggs. Knowing Iceland’s moderate maritime climate and that this breed had developed there for over a thousand years, I was fearful they would not handle the extremes of Iowa weather very well. I was first pleasantly surprised in the Winter when they handled -25 deg. F with ease. Then on that horrible July day with a heat index of 133 deg. F, I was afraid that when I reached their pen I would find them all dead. I was pleasantly surprised to see none dead even though there were massive losses in adjoining pens. They are superb foragers with a most pleasant temperament. This is perhaps the ideal breed for someone who wants a diversity of color, but only wants one breed. They are not a terribly large chicken but are extremely feed efficient. We have maintained this breed since 2011 . Chicks $8.00 (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT FOR 2024
Norwegian Jaerhons
Norwegian Jaerhon - Colorful, almost a creme bar pattern. Small in size, very active foragers. Lay white eggs. Developed in Norway. They have a small single comb. This breed is not as yet listed in the APA Standard. Norwegian Jaerhons are not very winter hardy and struggle with many common poultry ailments. They are gorgeous and thrifty but are not long-lived. We have maintained this breed since 2002. Our strain comes from the late Ron Nelson and looks somewhat different. Chicks $7.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 11
Swedish Flower Hens
Swedish Flower Hens- the real thing that is mottled orange and white and lays a tinted egg. Chicks $10.00 each ( maximum of 5 per hatch. SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
Swedish Garden Hens
Swedish Garden Hens- the largest of the Scandinavian breeds we have. A very nice full sized chicken of multi- colored spotted birds. Roosters are calm and hens are docile. Ours lay mix of tan and pale green eggs. When we purchased these in in 2021 as Swedish Flower Hens we were assured they were the real thing but research indicates even with occasional mutations something wasn't right. We still find them to be a wonderful variety so wish to continue them. Chicks $8.00 each. ( maximum of 10 per hatch)
Swedish Orust
Swedish Orust- colorful and spunky chicken. Color pattern similar to an Exchequer leghorn/Ancona. They lay a white egg and have the characteristic of turning dark faced when they are stressed. Chicks $10.00 each ( Maximum of 10 per hatch) Gnats nearly destroyed everything. Hope to have them back in 2025
OTHER BREEDS
This is a group that doesn’t fit into any other APA category and, unless otherwise noted, are not listed in the APA Standard at this time.
Egyptian Fayoumi
Egyptian Fayoumi- Truly a unique breed as they mature very quickly. They are flighty and prefer to range over a large area. They have a moderately large single comb. Color is similar to a Campine only the barring is not as distinct and they are a silver color. Pale brown eggs. This breed is not as yet listed in the APA Standard. We have maintained this breed since 1992. Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum 15 per hatch)
Breda
Breda- a simply gorgeous and adorable Dutch fowl that has many long thick feathers on their feet and stands very elegantly. they are not the hardiest of breeds and when not raised with other large fowl. As chicks they tend to get picked on for their large feathered feet. Chicks $10.00 each ( Maximum of 5per hatch)SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
Genetic Hackle
Genetic Hackle- interesting very long hackle feathers of the barred color, calm temperament.Not very fast growing. Do best when raised by themselves. Chicks $7.00 each ( Maximum of 10 per hatch)
American Dumpies
American Dumpies- Not a recognized breed but the result of culling the off types from the Cuckoo Scots Dumpies. When we obtained the Cuckoo Scots Dumpies they threw a few yellow legged birds, which at first we immediately culled and then as we removed the trait from them I kept a few of these and noticed how much more vigorous and thrifty they were than their white legged true to type form. It seemed like the more we perfected the true Dumpies the worse they became but these yellow legged types show high degree of vigor and lay well. If you want a nice short legged thrifty little bird and don’t care that they have yellow legs, these are a perfect match. They lay a tinted egg, forage well and have a pleasant disposition. They are cuckoo in color pattern.We have maintained this breed since 2015. Remember you do get long legged birds out of a short legged mating so you have to cull some off spring. Chicks $8.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch)
Creme Legbars
Creme Legbars- a colorful breed with cuckoo pattern that has a slight tufty crest. They lay a nice blue egg, really closer to blue with my vision than any Ameraucana. We have maintained this breed since 2013. Chicks $8.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH MAY 28
Opal Legbars
Opal Legbars- an attractive soft lavender version. Calm and productive like the cream colored ones. Eggs are a pale blue color though white eggs do show up . Chicks $10.00 each ( Maximum 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 11
Manx Rumpie
Manx Rumpie- Rumpless, variable color and comb. A very rare breed that lays colorful eggs and are difficult to breed. They have various comb types but small, single combs are the most common. The absence of the tail makes it a challenge to get fertile eggs. They are superb layers, but fertility rate can be very low at times. This breed is not as yet listed in the APA Standard. We have maintained this breed since 1998 until May 2020. The final straw that pushed me to redoing all my poultry buildings when a raccoon worked a weak space in the metal and devoured them. I hope someone that I sent them to has maintained them or they are lost.
Muffed Old English Game
Muffed Old English Game- A colorful mix of muffed (bearded) Old English Game Fowl. Their history is very old. They are excellent foragers, good setters and mothers. They have a small single comb with five points and lay a tinted egg. This breed is not as yet listed in the APA Standard. We have maintained this breed since 2005. Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 5 per hatch)
Mixed Game
Mixed Game- A colorful mix of American Game Fowl various strains. Their history is very old. They are excellent foragers, good setters and mothers. They have a small comb and lay a tinted egg. This is really not a breed but a mixture of many strains our friend Colton was working with and I offer them only to those who want a nearly wild chicken that takes care of and fends for itself. They love to steal out nests and raise their own , roost high in the trees. The reason I caught them this year was the few days before Christmas with -14 F air temps and 40 mph winds and snow they left their tree branches 15 feet off the ground and I cornered them in the dark in a building. One hen raised 3 batches of chicks this past summer never confined and never fed regular feed. We have maintained these since 2020. Chicks $5.00 each (Maximum of 10 per hatch) SOLD OUT THROUGH JUNE 25
Spangled Russian Orloff
Spangled Russian Orloff- A truly beautiful gentle bird. Tall in size, similar to a Shamo, with muffs and a unique head. Colored similar to a Speckled Sussex. Good setters and mothers. They lay pale brown eggs and have a small walnut comb. Orloffs are fantastic layers their first year, but egg production drops off drastically in their second and each of their subsequent years. Chicks $7.00 each ( Maximum 15 per hatch)