Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Yokohamas require a taller coop and higher perch than most breeds because of their magnifi-
cent tail. The cock of the breed weighs about 6 ½ pounds, and the hens weigh about 5 ½
pounds. The bantam Yokohama weighs about 3 pounds for a male and 2 ½ pounds for a fe-
male. The males tend to be aggressive and dominating. This breed is not recommended for a
novice, but as you gain more experience, they are an excellent ornamental breed to show.
New Hampshire Red
With its bold, red and orange body and black tail, this bird is a classic vision of a chicken. It is
an American breed derived from the popular Rhode Island Red. Originally, these birds were
bred for laying eggs, but their hearty bodies make them good meat providers. Their eggs are
brown and typically classified as large. Their red single combs have five points, and their eyes
are red. They make great show birds because of their colorful coats. This is one of the easiest
breeds to raise, and they are versatile to show, to use for egg laying, or to produce meat.
New Hampshire Reds are great for beginners because of their friendly nature and tame atti-
tude. They are not aggressive or as flighty as other breeds and are easy to handle. Roosters
weigh about 8 ½ pounds, and hens weigh about 6 ½ pounds. The bantams weigh about 5 ½
pounds.
Japanese Bantam
This bird is a true bantam, meaning it does not have a large counterpart. The color varieties
are white, black, black-tailed white, black-tailed buff (buff is a rusty color), barred brown red
(meaning they have a red body with brown stripes), grey, and wheaten (a creamy tan). They
have a single red comb, red earlobes, and black eyes. Their legs are short and clean with four
toes.
The most notable feature of this bantam is its tail. The body is petite, but the tail is large and
often reaches over the chicken's head. The males sometimes are disqualified from competition
because their tails are
rye
, or fall to the side rather than standing erect. The females have pro-
fuse tails, but not as large as the males'.
The Japanese Bantam is not a proficient egg layer, and the eggs they lay are tiny and rare.
They make good pets because they are easy to tame and gentle on landscape, and they are so-
cial birds that will interact with people.
Black or Blue Sumatras
