Marsh Daisy (chicken)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Marsh Daisy is a rare breed of chicken originating in Lancashire, England. It's name may be related to its origin in a marsh-like area, or that its large rose comb resembles the flower of the Marsh Daisy (Armeria maritima). The Marsh Daisy is a hardy and economical barnyard chicken, but is slow to mature. It is a light weight breed of standard fowl, with males at a maximum of 2.95 kilos (6.5 pounds) and females 2.5 kilos (5.5 pounds). A good forager, it prefers to be free range. Though generally calm, it is active and can fly. Hens are layers of a fair number of white eggs.

[edit] History

Beginning in the 1880's in Southport, Lancashire, Old English Game, roosters were crossed with Malay hens to create the foundation for the breed. Black Hamburgs, White Leghorns and Sicilian Buttercups were also added to cement its characteristics.

The Marsh Daisy has never had any populations of consequence abroad, and has never been recognized for showing by organizations such as the American Poultry Association. Extremely rare even in its homeland, it is listed as an endangered breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust of the United Kingdom. It was once found in Black, Brown, Buff, Wheaten and White color varieties, but now only the Wheaten and Brown remain. It has no bantam version.

[edit] References

  • Graham, Chris (2006). Choosing and Keeping Chickens. 2-4 Heron Quays London E14 4JP: Octopus Publishing. ISBN 9780793806010. 
  • Marsh Daisy. 2008 Rare Breeds Watchlist; Category 2, Endangered.. Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Retrieved on 2008-05-31.

[edit] External links


cock This poultry article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.