Dual Purpose

The Australorp is an Australian breed, was selected for its high egg production, and was developed primarily from Black Orpingtons that were exported from England in the 1890s to early 1900. Australian breeders selected large Black Orpingtons because of their efficient egg production and Orpington shape. Today, the Australorp is still a favorite egg producer in small and backyard flocks. Despite their record-breaking egg production, they are still considered a dual-purpose breed that grows at a good rate and has a well-fleshed carcass. The plumage is pure black with an intense beetle-green sheen that is breathtaking when seen in the sunlight. Their legs and toes are also black while the bottoms of the feet are white. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Energetic Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Black Sex-Link is an excellent brown egg layer. It was created from a Barred Rock hen and a Rhode Island Red cockerel. This creates a very versatile bird that is a great egg layer, has the temperament of a Barred Plymouth Rock, and can hold its own through the cold dark winter. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Gentle, Active Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

One of the best breeds for newcomers to chickens, and families with young children. Named for the English town where they were developed, Orpingtons come in several feather colors, but all are big quiet birds with fluffy feathers that keep them toasty warm during frigid weather. Buff Orpingtons are the most common color and lay about 200 brown eggs a year. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 220 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Gentle, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

Plymouth Rocks are as beautiful and productive as they are easy to care for. In 1620 a travel-weary band of pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock. Years later an ideal backyard chicken breed was named in honor of this famous site. They link the flock owner with American history while yielding abundant eggs and tasty meat. In bygone days when nearly every farm had a chicken flock, the utility and beauty of these birds made them the breed of choice. Few birds are as stunningly real as a Plymouth Rock strolling across a summer lawn. With a New England heritage, they do not let winter blizzards interrupt laying. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Docile, Easy to Care For Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

New Hampshire poultry breeders likely envied Rhode Island for having a chicken breed named for their state. By the mid-1930s they had perfected a breed in the Granite State that grows a bit faster than the Rhode Island and was an important broiler breed until the era of modern hybrids. New Hampshire pullets sport light rusty red feathers and lay about 240 eggs each year. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 240 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Quiet, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Rainbow is a dual-purpose bird that has one of the most unique feather color patterns you will ever see. It has every color you can imagine, and no two birds look alike. The best part about this breed is that they make wonderful birds for small backyard flocks allowing you to butcher them or keep the hens for eggs! Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Social Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Marans breed originates from a town called Marans, France. It is a very winter hardy breed with a docile temperament. They tend to be more athletic, taking to foraging, and free ranging more often than other breeds. Marans lay dark brown and dark speckled eggs. These tough birds make a great addition to any backyard flock. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easy to Handle Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold Hardy But Not Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

In the late 1800s New Jersey breeders created a chicken designed to rival the meatiness of the turkeys back then. The massive Black Jersey Giant was the result of merging the genetics of several large breeds. Later the White Jersey Giant was created. They grow slowly but eventually are a third larger than most other heavy breeds. These birds are ideal for anyone wanting an impressive hen that lays about 240 extra-large eggs annually. When younger, the birds will mature relatively quickly, but they tend to reach a marketable meat weight slower than other breeds. It can take up to nine months for this bird to fill out its meat proportions. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 240 X-Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy Going Mature Weight: 8-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Welsummer hen lays large eggs which are a terracotta dark brown, often with dark speckles. It is a light, friendly, and intelligent breed, with rustic-red and orange color. Like the Marans the Welsummer tends to be more athletic, taking to foraging and free ranging more often than other breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Speckled Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Active, Friendly, Vocal Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

Speckled Sussex originated in England in AD 43, making them one of the oldest known breeds. The oldest and most common coloring is the speckled breed that has dark brown or mahogany-colored feathers and some black and blue feathers with white ends making the speckles show throughout their plumage. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 240 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Gentle Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

A beloved breed that takes the best qualities from its parents, a Rhode Island Red rooster, and a Silver Laced Wyandotte hen. The Cinnamon Queens are wonderful egg layers and can take the cold hardiness of winter, ensuring that you will have eggs all year long. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy Going Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Rose or Single Comb

These lacy girls are not just all show with their elegantly patterned feathers, they are also great egg layers. Wyandottes are one of the most strikingly beautiful chickens to grace a backyard flock. Developed in New York, they are quiet, easy to manage, and one of the most winter-hardy of all breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Rose Comb

One of the best breeds for newcomers to chickens, and for families with young children. Named for the English town where they were developed, Orpingtons come in several feather colors, but all are big quiet birds with fluffy feathers that keep them toasty warm during frigid weather. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 220 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Gentle, Friendly, Good with Children Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

This perfect backyard chicken breed is named for India’s Brahmaputra River. The breed probably came to the U.S. on Nineteenth Century sailing ships, or it may have been developed here from other Asian breeds. Either way, Brahmas are enormous. Feathers cover their feet and shanks, keeping them warm in winter. Their docile, gentle, and quiet temperament makes them one of the best breeds around children. Hens lay about 200 medium-sized brown eggs annually, sometimes go broody, and are attentive mothers. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Pea Comb

Barnevelders are medium heavy, dual-purpose birds that are very cold hardy. Their beautiful double-laced brown and blue feathers are just another perk of this docile bird that takes to foraging easily. The Barnevelders are single combed with yellow legs. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 160 Large Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Curious, Active, Gentle Mature Weight: 5-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Maran breed originates from a town called Marans, France. It is a very hardy breed with a docile temperament. This breed tends to be more athletic, taking to foraging and free ranging more often than other breeds. The hens lay dark brown and dark speckled eggs. These tough birds make a great addition to any backyard flock. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 225 Medium Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easy to Handle Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

The Maran breed originates from a town called Marans, France. It is a very hardy breed with a docile temperament. This breed tends to be more athletic, taking to foraging and free ranging more often than other breeds. The hens lay dark chocolate eggs. These tough birds make a great addition to any backyard flock. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 225 Medium Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easy to Handle Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

The Turkens are not half chicken and half turkey, they are a unique chicken with a bare neck like the turkey and with very little feathering around the breast and wing areas. Despite their lack of feathers, they are very cold weather tolerant. They are friendly and easy to tame, plus they make for great conversation with curious neighbors. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 265 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easily To Tame Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Heat and Cold Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

This perfect backyard chicken breed is named for India’s Brahmaputra River. The breed probably came to the U.S. on Nineteenth Century sailing ships, or it may have been developed here from other Asian breeds. Hens weigh about 5-6 pounds with loose fluffy feathers that make them look bigger. Feathers cover their feet and shanks, keeping them warm in winter. Their docile, gentle, and quiet temperament makes them one of the best breeds around children. Hens lay about 200 medium-sized brown eggs annually, sometimes go broody, and are attentive mothers. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Pea Comb

Developed in 1940 by George Ellis in the state of Delaware, these hardy birds make great dual-purpose breeds to add to any flock. They have white plumage with some black barring on the feather ends of their hackles. This breed matures quickly, and the hens make great egg layers. The Delaware breed does well in free- range environments and this should be kept in mind when selecting these birds for your backyard or farm. This breed also tends to be calm, friendly, and docile. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 260 Large Brown Eggs/Year. Temperament: Docile, Calm, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

This perfect backyard chicken breed is named after India's Brahmaputra River. The breed probably came to the U.S. on 19th Century sailing ships, these Brahmas are enormous. Feathers cover their feet and shanks, keeping them warm in winter. Their docile, gentle, and quiet temperament makes them one of the best breeds around children. They sometimes go broody and are attentive mothers. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Somewhat Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Pea Comb

When created, the White Jersey Giant was the result of merging the genetics of several large breeds. This breed grows slowly but eventually are a third larger than most other heavy breeds. This breed has an impressive hen that lays about 240 extra-large eggs annually. When younger, the birds will mature relatively quick, but tend to reach marketable meat weight slower than other breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 240 X-Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy Going Mature Weight: 8-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

These Columbian Wyandottes are not all show with their elegantly patterned feathers, they make great egg layers too! Wyandottes are one of the most strikingly beautiful chickens to grace a backyard flock. They were developed in New York, have a quiet temperament, and are one of the most winter-hardy breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Easy Going Mature Weight: 5-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Good Mother Comb Type: Rose Comb

The Partridge Plymouth Rock is an American creation developed by mixing Partridge Cochin, Dark Cornish, and Golden Wyandotte. Other reports suggest that Brown Leghorns and Golden Penciled Hamburgs were also used to create this beautiful variety of Plymouth Rock. The Partridge Plymouth Rock combines all the excellent utility traits and hardiness of other Plymouth Rocks with the intricate pattern known as Partridge. The males feature dark red hackle and saddle feathers with a black tail and breast. While the female’s feathers are a rich mahogany brown delicately marked with two to three concentric black bands known as penciling. The feather pattern is even more stunning upon close examination. Like other Plymouth Rocks, they have a gentle temperament and are not only good egg layers, but also grow to a large size, making them excellent dual-purpose chickens. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy to Care For Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

The Buckeye was created in Ohio by crossing Cochins, Plymouth Rocks, and Malay chicken breeds. They are a Dual-Purpose breed that features rich, brilliant red plumage, yellow legs, and a pea comb. They are good egg layers and grow rapidly making them a true dual-purpose farm chicken. Buckeyes are very hardy that resist frostbite very well thanks to their small comb and wattles. Furthermore, due to their Malay ancestry they are very rugged and excellent foragers. They have an easy-going demeanor and are not inclined to be flighty. The Buckeye is the ultimate combination of beautiful plumage, utility, and hardiness for the backyard flock. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Active, Gentle, Friendly, Vocal Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Pea Comb

Our Olive Eggers come from a couple of different crosses. We have one line that is a cross of Americanas and French Cuckoo Marans. With this hybrid, most of the females will be black but a few will come out blue. We also have another cross that is between Legbars and Welsummers, our goal with these is to create a green egg that is speckled similar to the Welsummers. Both crosses have a chance of laying brown eggs. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 260 Large Olive Eggs/Year Temperament: Mellow, Active, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Pea Comb

The Maran breed originates from a town called Marans, France. It is a very winter hardy breed with a docile temperament. They are more athletic and take to foraging and free ranging more often than other breeds. The French Copper Marans lay dark brown eggs. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 225 Medium Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easy to Handle Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

The Chantecler is a cold-hardy, dual purpose breed that was originally developed in Canada in the early 1900s. The first Chanteclers were created by crossing Wyandottes, Cochins, Cornish, and Leghorns. The goal was to create a hardy, dual purpose bird that could withstand the harsh Canadian winters, lay a good number of eggs, and produce a good carcass for the table. Chanteclers feature small cushion combs along with small, practically non-existent, wattles and dense feathering. All of these traits make it very well suited to cold northern climates. APPROX. 200 LARGE EGGS/YEAR | EGG COLOR: BROWN | MATURE WT: MALE 9 LBS. FEMALE 7 LBS.

Partridge Chantecler males have brilliant rich red plumage on the neck and saddle with black tails and breasts while the females are a rich mahogany brown with each feather having intricate black markings known as “penciling”.The Chantecler is a cold-hardy, dual purpose breed that was originally developed in Canada in the early 1900s. The first Chanteclers were created by crossing Wyandottes, Cochins, Cornish, and Leghorns. The goal was to create a hardy, dual purpose bird that could withstand the harsh Canadian winters, lay a good number of eggs, and produce a good carcass for the table. Chanteclers feature small cushion combs along with small, practically non-existent, wattles and dense feathering. All of these traits make it very well suited to cold northern climates. APPROX. 200 LARGE EGGS/YEAR | EGG COLOR: BROWN | MATURE WT: MALE 9 LBS. FEMALE 7 LBS.

The Crevecoeur is an old French breed that was once highly prized for the quality of its meat. Today it is considered a dual-purpose bird laying a fair number of white eggs while producing a moderate amount of meat. The breed was first introduced to the United States in late 1860’s but has always been a rarity. Crevecoeurs have a large globular crest on the top of their head and a small V-shaped comb that is mostly hidden by crest feathers. They are also bearded with small, virtually non-existent wattles. At first glance they seem similar to the Polish breed. However, Crevecoeurs are heavier and with blockier bodies than Polish. Purpose: Dual- Purpose Production: 200 Large White Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Active Mature Weight: 6-8 Lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occassionally Comb Type: V-Comb

The Bielefelder is a recent import to the U.S. that originated in Bielefeld, Germany. A poultry breeder by the name of Gerd Roth developed the breed by crossing New Hampshires, Malines, Amrocks, and Wyandottes to create an auto-sexing, dual-purpose breed. Auto-sexing means that day-old chicks can be sexed when they hatched based on their coloring. Day-old pullet chicks have brown “chipmunk stripes” on their backs, while cockerel chicks are a much lighter shade and do not have any stripes. Adult Bielefelders are beautiful birds and have a color pattern similar to the crele color pattern found in other breeds. The hens have a brown ground color overlaid with faint bars of white and gray. Males have orange barred hackles, backs, and saddles with the tails and breast being black with white barring. Bielefelders are an excellent dual-purpose breed that lays an abundance of brown eggs while still having a well-fleshed carcass. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 230 X-Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Curious, Active, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-10 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

The large fowl Cochin is an ancient breed originally from China. When they first arrived in the U.S., they were immensely popular and were used to develop many American breeds such as the Plymouth Rock and Rhode Island Red. Although originally prized as a meat bird, Cochins today are primarily bred for exhibition. They have a docile temperament and are very cold hardy thanks to their abundant, loose-fitting plumage. The hens are also well known for their broody instincts and mothering ability.