Delawares are a heritage breed. They are an American-made breed that was considered an excellent dual purpose bird. Until Cornish Rock crosses took over the market, the Delaware was the preferred broiler bird. The males should weigh in at 8 1/2 lbs. by the one year maturity mark. The females are excellent layers of large brown eggs
( http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html#d ).
Female and male Delawares should be a mostly white bird with black barring on the hackle feathers. The females should have black tail feathers edged with white, whereas the males should have black barring on the tail feathers.
The Delaware is a breed that has been neglected long enough to be considered threatened
(http://www.albcusa.org/heritagechicken/cpl_chickenbreeds.html)
However, due to the breed's amazingly calm and friendly personality, Delawares are regaining popularity. Southern Delights Poultry recognizes that the Delaware breed needs more than numbers. The breed needs a focus on the reestablishment of the quality characteristics that once made it a much in demand bird.
Our original Delawares were from the Bill Braden line, either directly or one generation removed. Currently, we are selecting breeders with the biggest size and fullest breast. In addition to type, we are working to improve color, ie better barring, in our stock.
Visit the Hatching Eggs tab for current pricing.
Hatching Eggs: Available February - September
