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Delaware Chicken Breed Info + Where to Buy

Modified: Feb 28, 2023 by Phil · This post may contain affiliate links ·

This heavy dual-purpose breed was a staple of the American broiler industry during the early 20th century. Today, they are making a comeback among young and beginning farmers who value their rapid growth and high-quality meat and egg production.

A big Delaware Chicken rooster in a chicken coop.

They are a great breed for small farms and homesteads and are very easy to care for. They excel as free-range chickens, and despite their highly-visible white plumage, they are intelligent when it comes to staying away from predators.

Jump to:
  • How to Buy Online Delaware Chickens
  • Delaware Chicken Breed Quick Info
  • Origins of the Delaware Chicken
  • Some Things to Know About the Delaware Chicken
  • How Easy is it to Keep Delaware Chickens?
  • Special Care and Considerations for Delaware Chickens

How to Buy Online Delaware Chickens

Cackle hatchery
The Best Hatchery to order from: Read reviews here.

Delaware Chicks As low as: $2.75 - Read reviews

Delaware Hatching Eggs As low as: $3.84 - Read reviews

Delaware Started Pullets As low as: $125.00 - Read reviews

Delaware Chicken Breed Quick Info

Delaware Chicken Description

Delaware Type/Size:Standard
Feather Color:White with light barring
Leg Type:Clean
Leg Color:Yellow
Skin Color:Yellow
Delaware Ease of Raising/Keeping:Easy
Delaware Special Care Needs:No
Is the Delaware breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken?Rare, under conservation “watch” status

Delaware Use

MeatYes
EggsYes
Dual PurposeYes
Delaware Temperament:Docile, calm
Delaware Ability/Likelihood to Free Range:Yes

Delaware Egg Production

Egg ColorBrown
Egg SizeX-Large
Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year180-260
Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise ChicksLow

Delaware Meat Production

Dressed Weight Male6 lbs.
Dressed Weight Female4 ½ lbs.

Delaware Climate Tolerance

HeatGood
ColdExcellent

Delaware Age to Maturity

Number of Months to Reach Full Size4 Months
Number of Months to Start Egg Laying4 Months
Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size16-20 Weeks

Delaware Size at Maturity

Male8 ½ lbs.
Female6 ½ lbs.

Origins of the Delaware Chicken

A Delaware Chicken rooster and a Delaware Chicken hen gobbling snow.

The Delaware chicken was first called the “Indian River” chicken after the town in Delaware where it was developed. George Ellis is credited with creating this dual-purpose American breed in the 1940s. He crossbred Barred Rock males with New Hampshire females and ended up with a solid meat bird that was also a great layer.

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Despite initial success in the broiler industry, they were eventually replaced by the Cornish/Plymouth Rock cross in the 1950s. By the end of the 20th century, their popularity had plummeted. But thanks to organizations like The Livestock Conservancy, they have made a comeback within the last 15 years.

Some Things to Know About the Delaware Chicken

A beautiful Delaware Chicken hen in a backyard.
Image source: Chicken Scratch

You can recognize the Delaware by its white plumage with striking black feathering on the neck and tail regions. They have a single red comb and yellow legs and skin.

Their body is large, deep, and robust, making them an excellent breed for meat production.

How Easy is it to Keep Delaware Chickens?

A Delaware Chicken flock in a backyard.
Image source. The Livestock Conservancy

These hardy birds do well in the heat of summer but especially in the chill of winter. Delawares are cold hardy, and do well when temperatures drop. The only thing to be aware of is their single comb, which may be prone to frostbite. Vaseline can help to protect them from the cold.

Owners report them to be calm and friendly but not to the extent that they want to cuddle. So if you’re looking for a pet, this may not be the breed for you.

Special Care and Considerations for Delaware Chickens

In general, Delawares are low-maintenance birds that are easy to care for and have no major health concerns. They are assertive but won’t bully other chickens around, so they are often in the middle of the pecking order.

If you live in an urban setting or close to neighbors who aren’t fans of chickens, be aware that these birds can be noisy.

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Delaware Chicken Breed Info pinterest image.

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