Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Despite this, the breed persevered, and small farmers raised the Java because their dual pur-
pose suited their needs. Even today, the young cockerel makes for a good roaster, and the rich
brown eggs provided by the hens are tasty and bountiful.
Java roosters weigh about 9 ½ pounds, and Java hens weigh about 6 ½ pounds. They are easy
to care for, and their docile nature makes them a pleasant family pet. These birds have a clean
leg, yellow skin, and dark shanks. They have a single comb and red earlobes. This bird will
provide you with plenty of food and companionship.
La Fleche
Originating in France in the 1600s, the La Fleche chicken comes from the Valley of La Sarthe.
This breed has been around for centuries. They come in white, cuckoo, and blue lace, but
black is the most common color, and it is the color they are most known for among chicken
breeds.
La Fleche is a hardy table bird. Males weigh 8 to 9 pounds, and hens weigh 6 to 7 pounds.
Bantams weigh in at 3 pounds. Although their coat is a deep black color, this breed has re-
markable white meat as a table bird. If you are looking for a proficient egg layer, the La
Fleche hen lays 180 to 200 large eggs each year. Their eggs are white to light brown color.
As a pet, La Fleches are not people friendly. They are somewhat shy, yet docile. They are act-
ive and thrive as free-range birds because they enjoy foraging for food. La Fleches move
around and like to roost in trees. You can train them to return to the coop each night by feed-
ing them at the same time each day. They will be hungry and will learn that feeding time is in
the evening. This is the easiest way to gather your flock at the end of the night.
La Fleches have a long, V-shaped wattle, and their comb has dual spikes or horns. They have
even been referred to as the “Devil's Head” because of their shape. Their earlobes are white,
and their legs are clean with four toes.
Ixworth
The Ixworth breed of chicken made its appearance in 1939 and originated in Suffolk, Eng-
land. It is proficient at egg laying and provides sufficient meat to be considered a good table
bird. These chickens were created from a mix of the white varieties of the following birds:
Old English game hens, Sussex, Minorca, Orpington, and Indian game birds.
