Site map | Contact us | Links

FREIGHTLINERS FARM 

Home | About us | Education | Events | Services | Animals | Galleries | Jobs/Volunteering | Support us | Farm shop | Farm Café
 

You are here >> Animals >> Chickens

Bantams Chicken

Brahma

These birds came to the UK in the 19th century from the Far East where they are now extinct.  They were a good utility bird producing large eggs in great number and carrying a large amount of meat on the bone.

Bees
Cattle
Chickens
Ducks
Geese
Goats
Pigeons
Pigs
Quail
Rabbits
Sheep
Nowadays Brahmas are only seen as exhibition birds. The birds came in many different colours. At the farm we have the dark, light and brown version. They still lay well but compared to the size of the bird the egg is rather small. Brahmas are docile birds and look like a matron of honour at a very young age. They make excellent mother hens being able to cover up to 15 eggs.

Cochin
Cochins originate from China. It is believed that the Chinese had developed the breed specifically for filling duvets.

They were imported to England in 1845 causing something of a furore due to their large size. The original birds were given to Queen Victoria which of course helped in their popularity and notoriety. Their size was greatly exaggerated and it was said their crow was like the roar of a lion. Particular features of the Cochin are the soft and profuse feathering and the wide cushion that virtually obscures the tail. Initially cochins were very productive birds. Nowadays they are more decorative than utility. The cockeral weights about 5 to 6 kilos and the female in between 4 and 5 kilos.

Silkies
Silkies originate from Thailand. There are various remarkable features. For one the colour of their skin is black, which makes them unfit for a table bird. Another things is that they don't have the traditional feathers. Instead they have very fine feathers which makes it almost seem that they are furry. Silkies make excellent mother hens. They are not choosy either when it comes to sitting on eggs. They are known to raise other chickens, guinea fowl, pheasant, partridge and duck chicks.


Back to Top

 

Freightliners Farm, Sheringham Road, London, N7 8PF | Tel: 020 7609 0467

Registered Charity 1014216 - A Company Limited By Guarantee in England NO 2740034

Created by Quynh Hoang | Last update: 21/06/2007