As the name suggests, Delaware chickens were developed in the state of Delaware in the 1940s. This heavy dual-purpose breed was originally bred to be a meat bird, but is also favored for their egg laying abilities. This breed adds a touch of beauty and utility to any flock.
Delaware Cross Chickens: Great Dual-Purpose Bird
This breed retains the unique beauty of the Delaware itself, but because it is a cross, it also pulls features from both sides of the parent stock. They have Barred Plymouth Rock in their lineage. They may present with light or dark feathering depending on which genetics they inherit.
Delaware chickens produce large brown eggs. This cross breed is considered a good egg layer. With optimal care and climate conditions, growers can expect
200-280 eggs per year. They typically do not go broody.
As chicks, you will be able to tell whether your Delaware cross will present with light or dark features as an adult. Females typically have a white or silvery plumage, accented with some light barring on the neck and wings. Their tails are tipped with black.
Males look similar, but with a more pronounced barring pattern on their neck and tail feathers. They also have silvery to white plumage.
Before the
fast-growing Cornish Cross became the gold standard for broilers, the Delaware chicken breed was the go-to choice for meat production. They are still a great dual-purpose bird, but these days, they are more favored for their docile personalities and egg laying ability.
Active and natural-born foragers, Delaware chickens are suitable for free-range or pastured poultry settings. These are great backyard birds for beginners, or for homesteaders seeking a true dual-purpose chicken.
This breed is cold-hardy and heat tolerant, but extra care will need to be taken in cold months to avoid frostbite on their comb.
Average mature weight for males is 8.5 lbs, females average 6.5 lbs.
Ordering Details:
- A minimum of 5 females per breed is required, this does not apply for males.
- Free shipping to Zone 1 or Zone 2 on orders of 25+
- Small order fee on all zones for 15-24 chicks.
- For pricing and orders above 300 please Call our office (814) 539-7026.
- Want to add more to your flock? Browse our full selection of brown egg layers here.
- View our shipping chart here.