Hybrid birds are highly cross bred chickens. Most hybrids are based on the classic Rhode Island Red, Maran, Plymouth Rock, Sussex or Leghorns. The development of hybrid chickens started in the 1950's when there was a hugh growth in the demand for eggs and meat. The most common hybrid is the warren hen which is a classic brown hen. In recent years however there has been a larger variety of hybrids becoming available which have both good egg layer ability and the looks to match.
The Donkey Paddock – Eastleach
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The Runner duck is one of the most easily recognisable ducks and has always been popular due to their charm, striking appearance and high egg production. It is the furthest shape from the traditional Mallard breed. The Runner arrived in the UK from Asia in the 1850s but it has been around for a lot longer. It featured in the hieroglyphics of ancient Javan temples and is one of the descendants of the traditional herding ducks of Indo-Chinese Peninsula. The Runner has been used to create new breeds such as the Khaki Campbell.
The Barnevelder was developed by the Dutch in the town of Barneveld. The intention was to develop a hen that was both hardy and would produce eggs that were brown in colour. Also one that would be able to be sold in the UK. The breeds that made up the Barnevelder were very carefully chosen. A Dutch fowl crossed with a Langshan, Brahma and Cochin. Most of the Barnevelders have long disappeared. The ones still around do lay quite well as long as they are not allowed to get fat!
Friends and neighbours, have told us fondly, that in days gone by , donkeys, horses and cows, have all been resident in "The Donkey Paddock" located between the Clock Tower and he bank at the bottom of the Victoria Inn, Eastleach,
The Pekin Bantam is a British breed of bantam chicken. It derives from birds brought to Europe from China in the nineteenth century, and is named for the city of Peking where it was believed to have originated. It is a true bantam, with no corresponding large fowl. It is recognised only in the United Kingdom, where the Cochin has no recognised bantam version; like the Cochin, it has heavy feathering to the legs and feet. The Entente Européenne treats the Pekin Bantam as equivalent to the bantam Cochin.
The origin of the Frizzle is unknown. The frizzle gene is thought to have originated in Asia; frizzled chickens have been reported from the Far East since the eighteenth century. The Frizzle breed is the result of breeder selection for exhibition. It is recognised in nine European countries: Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Slovakia and the United Kingdom.
The Campbell is a British breed of domestic duck. It was developed at Uley, in Gloucestershire, England, at the turn of the 20th century; being introduced to the public in 1898 and the Khaki variety in 1901.
The Silver Appleyard duck bred by the famous Reginald Appleyard is famous not only for its egg laying ability but also for its beauty. But until 1980 it did not have a miniature equivalent. Well known waterfowl breeder, Tom Bartlett changed all that by developing this breed in 1980 and it weights one third of the original breed. The miniature is not to be confused with the Silver Bantam which was developed by Reginald Appleyard. The two breeds have been standardised separately. The Silver Appleyard Miniature was taken up with some enthusiasm by breeders and exhibitors for its sheer beauty and it shines on an exhibition bench. It's also popular abroad.
Vince's new pets, Freeman, Hardy & Willis are a bit of a hit with the village, and the following is a little information to answer some of the questions we get asked about them.