Answer to the Delaware Dilemma

bt2000 said:

The delaware history is so badly documented that the green leg issue could have been there right from the original "sports" the breed came up from. We have no way of knowing if the NHR or BR side of the line was carrying this, because really we don't know how pure that foundation stock really was. Secondly, considering our poultry history most old time breeders would never admit to it, even if it happened to them. It is just with the dawn of the internet forums like this and the renewed interest in poultry, along with more open and public discussion that is occurring that issues are more apparent and made public.

Now that I have to disagree with. If there were green legged Dels popping up in the beginning, I'm pretty certain that would have been documented somewhere. They were "broiler/duel purpose" chickens and used alot until the advent of the cornishx. With that in mind, I'm pretty sure leg color would have been a moot point if it was showing up in the breed. Look at the cornishx meat birds. They have yellow legged ones and pale legged ones. Does it make a difference in the outcome of the intended purpose of the bird? No. When people see it, does it bother them? nope it sure doesn't. Other then aesthetics, It makes no difference in the intended purpose of the bird and is part of the breed.​

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LeslieDJoyce said:

From the blurbs I've read about the Delaware breed, the yellow legs were indeed considered an important & desirable feature for a meat bird.

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finnfur said:

all the green legs I have had have disappeared by maturity- but it might make a difference if you are showing a very young pullet

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