New Flock Additions

The following is a summary of breed profiles for our new flock additions that came as day-old-hatchlings in Spring 2010. They are now fully integrated into our existing flock and are prolific egg layers.

New Hampshire Red

We've got one New Hampshire, Big Red, and she's the best. This is actually our second time having New Hampshires in our flock and we've never been disappointed with this breed.

Big Red on a stroll through the yard.

Originally developed in the state of New Hampshire, these are beautiful chestnut red birds that grow quickly and lay large brown eggs. If you've ever raised Rhode Island Reds, you'll notice that New Hamphires look similar. That's because this breed originated with Rhode Island Reds. Big Red is a favorite in our flock! New Hampshire Reds are a great addition for a backyard flock.  

Big Red and our Buff Orpington (behind) are two of our most friendly chickens.

Ameraucana

Also known as "Easter Eggers"; the Ameraucana is one of my favorite breeds of chicken. We have three; Hedwig, Little Muff and Big Muff. Our three are prolific layers and are easy going and friendly. Their "piece de resistance" is that they lay colored eggs. Ours all lay green eggs, although this varies from chicken to chicken; they can be blue, green or even pink. The eggs look the same inside and taste the same as brown or white eggs. Only the shell color is different.

Hedwig was our "extra" chicken last spring.
We identified her once she started laying eggs.

This breed was developed in the 1970's from the South American Araucana chickens along with American blood lines. Since their lineage is mixed and varies from breeder to breeder, this is a breed that is normally not shown. Instead, they are prized for their eggs and can be eaten for their meat. If you prefer, Ameraucanas are available as bantams too.

Big Muff has the telltale Ameraucana muffs.

Overall, this is a hardy breed that can add a fun twist to chicken keeping. Each bird looks different and each bird lays a different color egg. I think I'll always have some in my flock.  

Little Muff loves to scratch through leaves for a hidden treat.

Brown Leghorn

We've got two brown leghorns, Minerva and Hermione. Since we already had two white leghorns in our flock, it's been interesting to see the differences between the two breeds. For one, the brown leghorns are much bigger than the white leghorns. As an example, I can hold the white leghorns upside-down in one hand (they are definitely amiable chickens). I can't do this with the brown leghorns; they're too big. The white leghorns started laying early and often. The brown leghorns started laying a little later and are not as prolific. Both lay white eggs.

It's also interesting to see the similarities between the two breeds. (The white leghorns are a commercial breed, and the brown leghorns are a heritage breed. They are related.) They've both got huge, floppy combs that make them look comical. Both breeds are known for being active and skittish. Ours are no different. But, I would also add inquisitive and friendly. Both breeds love to fly if you don't clip their wings. Ours can often be found grazing somewhere outside of their fenced yard. They are a terrific addition to any home flock.