Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
white skin, and slate blue or willow green shanks. If you live in a warm climate, these hardy
birds endure heat well. They are economical eaters and are inexpensive to raise.
Lakenvelder
This chicken is a sight to behold. The Lakenvelder's head and tail are a deep black color. Its
body and breast are snowy white. The comb, wattle, and eyes are bright red. This breed is a
classic chicken. They have a high carriage. That, combined with the striking colors of their
feathers, makes them a great show bird as well as a proficient layer. Lakenvelders are a light-
weight breed, too. The rooster weighs 5 pounds, and hens weigh 4 pounds.
Lakenvelders come from Germany. They are not aggressive toward other chickens. Although
they tend to take flight, they adapt well as free-range birds or in confinement. These birds
tend to be shy and not social toward people, but they are a hardy breed and can live in a vari-
ety of climates. Underneath their feathers, Lakenvelders have white skin and dark shanks.
The hens have a high production rate for laying eggs; they lay about 200 eggs a year. The
eggs are small and white.
There are different versions of the Lakenvelder, including the Golden Lakenvelder and the
more common Silver Lakenvelder. Bantams are the Vorwerk variety, with a black and gold
combination. Lakenvelder is said to translate from Dutch to mean “shadow on a sheet.”
Gingernut Ranger
The Gingernut Ranger is a cross between a Rhode Island Red and a Light Sussex. These do-
cile, yet friendly birds are proficient egg layers with hens laying 150 to 200 large brown eggs
per year. This breed of chicken has a deep breast, an upward pointing tail, and wings that give
the appearance of being neatly tucked to the sides.
Their legs are clean and yellow, and each foot has four toes. The comb and wattle are both
medium size. The face is smooth and red. Hens weigh 5 to 6 pounds, and roosters weigh 7 to
8 pounds.
This gentle bird is a great forager and would be happy to wander throughout your garden in
search of slugs, bugs, and other treats. They manage well in confinement. Overall, Gingernut
Rangers are an easy bird to start out with for new chicken owners.
Easter Eggers
