Delaware
Lost American heritage breed making a comeback.
Is the Delaware right for you? Take the Breed Matcher →About the Delaware
Delawares are medium to large birds with a rectangular, compact body and a broad breast. They have striking white feathers with black markings, which gives them a distinct appearance. Known for their calm and friendly temperament, they are suitable for backyard settings. Delawares are also noted for being good layers of brown eggs.
History
The Delaware breed originated in the 1940s in Delaware, USA, primarily for meat production. Developed by crossing the New Hampshire and Rhode Island Red breeds, they quickly gained popularity for both meat and egg production. Their numbers declined in the later 20th century, but efforts to revive them have led to their resurgence in backyard flocks.
Care tips
Delawares are hardy birds that adapt well to various climates. They may be moderately broody, so providing nesting boxes is important for egg-laying. Due to their friendly nature, they often get along well with other breeds, but sufficient space is necessary to prevent overcrowding. Regular health checks will ensure they thrive in a backyard environment.
Color varieties
Fun facts
- Delawares were the first recognized American breed developed solely for commercial poultry.
- They are known for their efficient growth rate and adaptability.
- Delawares were once the main bird used by the poultry industry before other breeds took over.
- This breed is recognized by the American Poultry Association as part of the American Class.
What Delawares are like to keep
The Delaware was developed in Delaware in the 1940s from Barred Plymouth Rock and New Hampshire stock. Light colored birds with dark markings appeared in those crosses and were bred into a new breed. It was a popular meat bird in the Delmarva region for a short time, before Cornish Cross broilers took over.
Delawares are white with black barring in the hackle, tail and wing tips. They are calm, friendly and easy to handle, and they grow fairly fast for a heritage breed.
Who they suit
- Homesteaders wanting a dual-purpose heritage bird.
- Families who want a calm, easy breed.
- Keepers who want brown eggs and decent meat from one flock.
Eggs and growth
Delawares are good layers of brown eggs, usually medium to large. They grow faster than many heritage breeds, which made them popular for meat in their time. Some hens go broody, but it is not common.
Space and climate
They fit standard large fowl space. Single combs can freeze in a hard winter. Dry air and good ventilation matter more than heat. With shade, they cope with hot weather fairly well.
Raising Delawares for the table
If you plan to raise some for meat, Delawares make a good homestead option. They grow faster than most heritage breeds, and their light feathers leave fewer dark pin feathers on the carcass, which makes for a cleaner look after plucking. Many keepers keep the hens for eggs and raise the extra cockerels for the freezer.
Compared with similar breeds
A Columbian Rock looks similar but has solid black striping instead of barring. A New Hampshire Red is one of the Delaware's parent breeds and is red rather than white. The dual-purpose breed list covers more options.
Where to buy
Delawares are a conservation breed, but several hatcheries and breeders sell them. Hatchery birds are often smaller than breeder birds.
Common questions about Delawares
Are Delawares good layers?
Yes. Yes. Expect a steady supply of brown eggs.
Are Delawares good for meat?
Yes. They grow fairly fast for a heritage breed.
Are Delawares friendly?
Most are calm and easy to handle.
