Our scheduled shipment of Polish Crested Bantams did not arrive today. We were notified by our hatchery that they will be unable to ship any Polish Bantam chicks until May.
I have added 30 Assorted Crested Bantams to our schedule, they will arrive Thursday, May 5th.
Be sure to check our website regularly to see the most recent version of our chick schedule. It is continually updated to reflect any changes that occur. Of course, you are always welcome to contact me at the store with any questions or concerns you have!
Polish Roo at 14 weeks
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Frizzle Bantams:
Frizzles are a bantam Cochin with a twist! Although they share most Cochin characteristics, including feathered feet, Frizzles have “backwards” feathers. Unlike most birds, Frizzle’s feathers grow up and out giving them a curled, “styled” appearance.
Cochins are popular because of their sweet, docile personality and Frizzle Bantams are no exception! Frizzles make excellent family pets and children love them! Their feathers make if difficult to fly any distance, another great characteristic for a backyard breed.
They are not known to be the strongest layers, but you can expect 3 eggs a week.
Belgian d’Uccle
Belgian Beared d’Uccles were first breed in 1900. They are closely related to the Booted Bantam. Unlike many bantams, there is no standard size variety of the Belgian d’Uccle. They lay a small, cream egg.
d’Uccles are a small, feather legged breed available in many colors. The Mille Fleur color is the most popular and many people refer to d’Uccles as simply “Mille Fleur.” They are slow to mature to full coloring.
d’Uccles are known to be a remarkably calm, sweet and broody breed. d’Uccle roosters are known to be less aggressive than other bantam breeds.
Mille Fleur d'Uccle
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The Old English Bantam is one of the smallest chicken breeds, with mature hens weighing only 22oz. Their long legs and muscular, upright stature give them an appearance similar to wild jungle fowl. Old English are one of the most colorful varieties of bantams.
Old English Bantams are very hardy. The hens have a sweet, timid personality and make a great pet for children. The roosters are confident. They are an extremely active and alert breed and are capable of considerable flight.
The hens lay cream colored eggs. Bantams are not sexed.
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We just received our shipment of WeatherBeeta’s new rain coats for dogs and they are great! The coats are waterproof and a great weight for spring rains, not too warm! WeatherBeeta uses a durable rip stop material and trims the coat in reflective fabric, making the coats very durable.
I know a lot of people argue that dogs do not need coats and I agree. My dogs don’t need coats. But I would argue that I need my dogs wearing coats! There is nothing worse than 3 wet dogs on my bed and couch!!
I love them so much, I bought each of my dogs one! Here they are wearing Holly Stars in a 16in, 18in and 24in.
Perfection.
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The Delaware is a relatively new breed, having been adopted by the APA in 1950. As you may have guessed, it is named after the state it originated in. During 1940-1950, the Delaware was the premier broiler fowl. Although it’s economic dominance was short lived, they are still highly regarded as dual purpose birds. They produce quality meat and medium sized, brown eggs.
Delwares are a medium sized American breed. Their body has the same general shape of a New Hampshire red with Columbian markings. (White across the body and breast with light black barring on the hackles and tail.) Delawares mature quickly and chicks feather early. They have a large, bright red single comb and wattles. A mature hen will reach 6lbs, a mature rooster 8lbs.
Unlike most broiler fowl, Delawares have a quiet friendly temperament that makes them ideal for the backyard. They are a calm bird that does well free range, with a tendency towards being broody.
The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy considered the Delaware to be critically endangered.
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Although the Brahma is a dual purpose bird that lays medium sized brown eggs, they are highly regarded for their beautiful appearance. Brahma’s originate from India and are descended from an Asiatic Jungle Fowl. The earliest Brahmas were truly massive in size, some weighing up to 14lbs!
Brahmas are beautiful birds. The APA recognizes 3 varities: the dark, light and buff. This year we are carrying Dark Brahmas. Brahmas are a large breed, with mature hens reaching 8lbs and roosters 11lbs. Their large stature is made even more impressive because of their loose, profuse feathering. They also have densely feathered legs and toes. The Dark Brahma is a lovely brown-gray with dark penciling along their feathers.
In addition to a wonderful appearance, Brahmas have wonderful personalities. They are calm, friendly, docile and easily handled. They are not skittish and are not broody. Brahmas tolerate confinement well and their size makes them very cold hardy. Brahmas are known as the “gentle giants’ of the poultry world and with good reason. Despite their size, Brahmas can be picked on by more dominate chickens.
Perhaps you can tell, I love Brahmas! My favorite chicken, Natasha, is a Dark Brahma and she is nothing less than perfection. Not only does she have a sweet, friendly personality but I am 100% confident that she is the smartest of my chickens.
Tashi. Pure Poultry Perfection!
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The Wyandotte is an American breed that originated in the late 1800s. They are a dual purpose breed and lay brown eggs.
Wyandottes are one of the most popular backyard breeds; highly regarded because of their very decorative feather pattern. The APA recognizes 8 color patterns however overall there are about 17 established varieties. The silver is the original Wyandotte coloring and by far the most popular. The “Wyandotte ideal” pattern is very similar to the Seabright bantam. This year, The Grange Supply is carrying Buff and Silver Laced Wyandottes. Wyandottes are a medium sized bird with a rose comb.
Wyandottes are friendly, easy keepers. They are known to be a more vocal breed and have a tendency towards dominance. This is not to say that Wyandottes are aggressive; just that they are more likely to establish themselves at the top of the chicken pecking order.
Buff Wyandotte
Silver Laced Wyandotte
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Over the weekend, I went to visit Baxter Barn in Fall City. Visit their site at: www.baxterbarn.org
The property is beautiful and has been established with all native plants. In addition to their conservation efforts, Baxter Barn raises chickens, quail, pheasants, horses and mini donkeys! I am 100% taken with these mini donkeys. Not only are they beautiful, but they have the sweetest personalities. These donkeys are like dogs!
Here I am with Daisey:
- Is this the cutest thing ever?
If you are interested in visiting Baxter Barn, they host several events and also will provide personal tours by appointment. Say ‘hi’ to Daisey for me!
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The Buff Orpington is one of the most requested breeds we sell every year.
They orginiated in the 1800’s from Orpington, Kent and are a dual purpose breed. They are a steady producer of large, pinkish brown eggs. Their personality is very calm and friendly and they are known to be one of the most broody standard breeds. They make excellent mothers. Because of their calm nature, Buff’s tolerate confinement very well.
Buff Orpingtons are a heavy breed with large, loosely feathered plumage. Orpingtons come in 4 colors: Buff, Blue, Black and White however the Buff coloring is by far the most common. Their large size makes them very winter hardy. A mature hen can be expected to weigh 6lbs.
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Although new to Grange Supply, the Buckeye has a rich history.
The Buckeye is the only American breed to have been created by a woman. In 1865, Nettie Metcalf set out to make a breed that would produce well and survive frigid Midwest winters. She bred Buff Cochin Roosters with Barred Plymouth Rock hens which resulted in a “fat, lazy hen”. She then bred those “fat, lazy hens” with Black Breasted Red Game birds. A few flocks later, she created the Buckeye. These consistent layers are extremely cold weather hardy.
Many people are familiar with the Rhode Island Red, another red, American breed. Interestingly, the Buckeye was established shortly before the Rhode Island Red and Nettie Metcalf actually sent some of her Buckeyes to Rhode Island Red breeders to help establish the bird. The Buckeye is now extremely rare and considered critically endangered by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Very few hatcheries breed Buckeyes now but our hatchery, Privett, does as part of a growing movement to revitalize the Buckeye.
The Buckeye is the only purely American breed to sport a pea comb. They have yellow skin and beak, red ears and a well rounded breast. Their feathers lay close to their body (characteristic of American breeds) and are a rich Mahogany color with a black tail. A mature hen will reach 6.5lbs, a rooster 9lb.
Buckeyes have tons of personality. They are extremely friendly towards humans and accept handling well. They are very active birds and persistant forages. It is said that Buckeyes are extremely vigilant in the pursuit of mice.
The Buckeye is another breed I’m planning on adding to my flock this year. I can’t wait to see one of these heritage hens running around my yard!
A Heritage Breed
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