Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
toes. Their earlobes are red, and their eggs are white. Dorkings will lay about three eggs per
week.
These birds are docile and easy to handle. They do not like confinement much and will be
happier free-range. You need sufficient space for them to forage for insects and wander. Dork-
ings take up to two years to mature, and they live up to seven years. Chickens of some breeds
have been known to live up to 20 years, though eight to ten years is the average life span for a
chicken. Feed that is balanced and provides proper nutrients will give you a meatier bird.
Langshan
China is where the Langshan originated; it was discovered in the 1800s. The Langshan was
popular in late 19th century America because of its qualities. They can tolerate all climates,
are meaty, and are adequate egg producers. They also have a gentle temperament. They are
blue, black, and white, with a single comb and white skin. The blue and black birds have a
green or purple sheen to them in sunlight. Green is a more desirable color and represents a
more prestigious bloodline. Their eyes are dark or black. Langshans have long, clean legs
with four toes. Some varieties have lightly feathered legs. By today's standards, these birds
are big but are not as meaty as some commercially produced chickens. These chickens stand
tall, about 20 to 24 inches high and weigh 7 to 8 pounds. Their tails can be long, about 18 to
24 inches, and are erect and carried at a high angle.
These birds are medium egg producers; they provide about 140 to 150 eggs yearly. The eggs
they lay are light to dark brown and, in some cases, plum-colored. These are not as common
but are the most desirable color. Langshans are a good choice for new chicken owners be-
cause they are gentle and docile.
Cornish
Cornish chickens were developed primarily for meat in Cornwall, England. This breed's
trademark is its muscular body and excellent carcass shape. They have yellow skin, and their
feathers are short and close to the body. The feathers range in colors that are dark, white, buff,
and white-laced red. Their eyes are reddish-brown, and they have a single pea comb. Their
legs are clean, and they have four toes.
The roosters of this breed weigh about 10 ½ pounds, and the hens weigh 8 pounds. Bantams
weigh about 3 to 5 pounds. Cornish chickens are the standard breed for grocery stores because
