The Orpington originates from Great Britain in the late 1800’s during the end of the “Hen Fever” that ignited an interest in peculiar breeds of chickens. This breed was developed by William Cook, a coachman who lived in Orpington, Kent. The Orpington is a large fowl with soft feathering that masks the true size of the bird. The feathering allows the endurance of cold temperatures better than other breeds.
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The Rhode Island Red originated in the New England states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Early flocks often had both single and rose combed individuals because of the influence of Malay blood. It was from the Malay that the Rhode Island Red got its deep color, strong constitution and relatively hard feathers. They were also developed from the black-red Java, where is most likely got its rose comb. The Rhode Island Red was recognized by the APA in 1904 for the single comb then again in 1906 for the rose comb. Rhode Island Reds are a good choice for the small flock owner. Relatively hardy, they are probably the best egg layers of the dual purpose breeds. Reds handle marginal diets and poor housing conditions better than other breeds and still continue to produce eggs.
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The Leghorn originate from a region in Northern Italy near the port for its namesake, Leghorn. The ancestors of this fowl are not known. The Leghorn arrive in America in the mid-1800’s by Captain Gates. The APA recognizes many varieties of the Leghorn, but they all came at different times. A small, spritely, noisy bird with great style, Leghorns like to move about. They are good foragers and can often glean much of their diet from ranging over fields and barnyards. Leghorns are capable of considerable flight and often roost in trees if given the opportunity.
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