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Nankin Chicken Breed Info

Modified: Mar 1, 2023 by Phil · This post may contain affiliate links ·

The Nankin chicken is a true bantam breed, meaning that there is no larger version of the breed. They are raised for ornamental purposes rather than egg or meat production due to their small size.

Adorable Nankin rooster perched on a wooden board in a chicken coop.
Image source: Instagram

The hens lay only about 100 small cream-colored eggs per year and are prone to going broody. This further disrupts their egg-laying but is good news if you plan on hatching and raising chicks on your farm. They are fierce, protective mothers when they do go broody.

If you do plan on hatching Nankin eggs, be aware that their eggs are sometimes round. This makes artificial incubation difficult. Luckily, hens of this breed will act as excellent mothers.

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

Nankin Chicken Description

Nankin Type/Size:Bantam
Feather Color:Buff
Leg Type:Clean
Leg Color:Blue
Skin Color:White
Nankin Ease of Raising/Keeping:Easy
Nankin Special Care Needs:Yes
Is the Nankin breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken?Rare, “endangered” status

Nankin Use

MeatNo
EggsNo
Dual PurposeNo
Nankin Temperament:Friendly, calm
Nankin Ability/Likelihood to Free Range:No

Nankin Egg Production

Egg ColorCream
Egg SizeSmall
Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year100
Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise ChicksHigh

Nankin Meat Production

Dressed Weight MaleN/A
Dressed Weight FemaleN/A

Nankin Climate Tolerance

HeatGood
ColdGood

Nankin Age to Maturity

Number of Months to Reach Full Size7 Months
Number of Months to Start Egg Laying6-7 Months
Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest SizeN/A

Nankin Size at Maturity

Male1.5 lbs
Female1.25 lbs

Origins of Nankin Chicken

Adorable light-brown Nankin hen perched on a wooden bar.
Image source: Instagram

The Nankin chicken is a very old breed that is theorized to have originated in Southeast Asia. It is thought to have arrived in England by the 1500s, if not earlier. By the 19th century, it had been imported to the United States.

See also  Japanese Bantam Chicken Breed Info + Where to Buy

Today, it remains rare and is raised mainly as an ornamental breed. In fact, it is considered an endangered species by the United States Livestock Conservancy.

Some Things to Know About Nankin Chicken

A beautiful black-tailed Nankin rooster in a chicken coop.
Image source: Instagram

Nankins have buff color plumage with black tail feathers and a single or rose comb. Hens have a lighter color of feathering compared to roosters. Their legs are blue, and they have white skin. White legs are considered a defect in this breed. They have red wattles as well as red faces and earlobes.

How Easy is it to Keep Nankin Chickens?

An adorable Nankin pullet perched on the owner's hand.
Image source: Instagram

This is a hardy breed that tolerates confinement well. In fact, they do best in confinement, not as free-range birds. Due to their small size, they can be prone to predation. They do well in the heat and moderately well in the cold.

They are generally friendly, but males can be aggressive. They prefer to have their own flock and not be mixed with other breeds. These birds make great pets and show chickens because of their calm and friendly temperament.

Special Care and Considerations for Nankin Chickens

Nankin chickens can fly, although they do not do so frequently. Nevertheless, some fencing should be used to ensure they stay within their range.

They also can get frostbite in the winter on their comb and wattles. You can use vaseline to help protect their comb and wattles from freezing in low temperatures.

Nankin Chicken Breed Info pinterest image.

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