Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
This bird is popular in South America and Spain but is also available in North America. They
are hardy birds and good egg layers. They are buff colored, and some have a black tail. They
are a large breed, with males weighing 6 to 7 pounds and females weighing 4 to 6 pounds.
Bantams are about 3 pounds. They have a single comb with six points, and the male's comb
stands erect. They also have a clean leg and four toes. Their wattles are red, and their earlobes
are white.
The hens lay medium-size eggs, which are cream-colored or sometimes tinted pink. Although
these birds are not aggressive, they are active and flighty. They do not particularly like con-
finement and would prefer free-range living with lots of room to move. The males can be ag-
gressive toward each other. This breed fares well in the heat and hot environments.
Hamburg
Hamburgs or Hamburghs derive from Holland. They come in silver-spangled, golden-
spangled, golden-penciled, silver penciled, and black and white. This breed is typically a
small bird, with the adult male weighing 5 pounds and females weighing about 4 pounds.
Bantams weigh 1 ½ pounds.
They have clean legs with 4 toes, and their comb is rose. Their skin is white with slate blue
shanks. The hens are proficient egg layers and lay about 200 small white eggs yearly. They
fare well in the winter. Hamburgs are alert, active birds that do not do well in confinement.
They fare better as free-range birds. Hamburgs tend to avoid human contact and are not as
friendly as other breeds. This chicken breed is spritely, though and will not disappoint if you
want an egg layer.
Fayoumi or Egyptian Fayoumi
The Egypitan Fayoumi dates back to B.C., originating in the area along the Nile River in
Egypt. The roosters walk tall with an impressive posture. Their carriage is almost vertical,
which gives them a long, lean look. They are flighty birds and known to be excellent escape
artists if you keep them confined. Fayoumis mature quickly, and the males will try to crow as
early as 5 or 6 weeks old. They continue their enthusiasm for crowing as they grow. Your
nearest neighbor may not be a fan of the early morning ritual, so be sure you are prepared.
Fayoumis weigh in at 4 pounds for the male and 3 pounds for the female. The hens can start
laying eggs as early as 4 months. They lay small, white eggs. Fayoumis have rose combs,
