Chicken Breed History:

Delawares are a fairly heavy-bodied, white (silver) bird with black markings. They were originally developed in the state of Delaware in 1940 from some silver sports (birds that differ from the parent stock, often through mutation) that cropped out by chance from a broiler cross using New Hampshire Reds and Barred Plymouth Rocks. They were recognized as a separate breed and admitted to the APA Standard in 1952. While they were thought of as a broiler originally, today they are recognized as a dual-purpose bird, most useful for the backyard or homestead. As a breed originating in America, Delawares are often kept today by those who are interested in maintaining US heritage breeds. Those interested in the show standards for this breed should know that the APA Standard calls for Delaware males to be 8.5 lbs and have a body that is both broad and deep. The comb should have five even points, and the tail should be clearly barred with the black bars predominant. The female Delaware should be 6.5 lbs and should also have a broad and deep body. She, however, should not have barring in her main tail feathers, which should be black with only white lacing on the outer edges. Her tail covert feathers, however, may show barring. Both genders should have barring in the hackle and have yellow legs.

Chicken Breed Comments / Experience:

Delawares are great layers and good foragers on range. Their disposition is usually mild and friendly, although fiery Delaware males are not unheard of. Overall, they are an attractive, old-fashioned bird with good utility value, and well bred specimens can be particularly striking in appearance.