Delaware Chicken: A Historic Dual-Purpose Breed

The Delaware chicken is a historic American dual-purpose breed that is popular because of its striking white feathering with black barring, gentle personality, and consistent performance in meat and egg production.

Delawares were developed commonly in the mid-20th century, but they are still a popular choice with backyard keepers, homesteaders, and small-scale farmers. 

In this guide, we will look at Delaware’s history, appearance, personality, production, care, and whether the breed may be what you are looking for.

Introduction to Delaware Chicken Breed

Developed in the United States, the Delaware is a multi-purpose heritage chicken breed. Delawares were specifically bred to be a utility bird that was fast-growing and dual-purpose.

They are medium to large in size, having a broad and deep body, with a calm and curious temperament.

Both hens and roosters are calm and docile with people. They have attractive plumage, predominantly white feathers, with black barring on the neck hackle and tail, which makes them unique. 

As a heritage breed, the Delaware breed played an important and prominent role in American poultry production. 

Delawares were bred specifically for their tender, yellow-skinned meat and their reliable brown egg-laying ability.

Because of dedicated enthusiasts who appreciate their hardiness and dual utility, the Delaware breed remains a recovering heritage breed. 

Delaware chickens today are still hardy, adaptable, and highly sustainable.

They are great free-range poultry birds, capable of thriving in rural or suburban family farms. 

Delawares are best for individuals interested in a low-maintenance and dual-purpose chicken breed.

Heritage vs. Hatchery Delaware Broilers

It is crucial to differentiate between true heritage Delawares and the so-called “heritage broilers” offered by many hatcheries. 

A heritage Delaware is a pure-bred bird that traces to the original 1940s Delaware lines. 

These birds are bred to the American Poultry Association’s Standards of Perfection, with emphasis placed on the classic white body with black barring, a strong, actual dual-purpose frame, and continuous production of eggs. 

The historic Delawares grow slightly slower than a hybrid, but they produce an authentic heritage meat flavor, and breeding for sustainability.

Some hatcheries are selling a “Heritage Delaware Broiler”, which is a cross-bred bird for faster weight gain and feed conversion. 

Although these hybrids can look similar, they grow fast and reach butcher weight; they are not accurate heritage Delawares. 

Deer Run Farm, among other dedicated breeders, has preserved the original Delaware chickens rather than outcrossing.

For keepers who want authentic, self-sustaining heritage Delawares, it is required to source them from reputable breeders. 

History and Origin of Delaware Chickens

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The Delaware breed originated in the 1940s on the Delmarva Peninsula (the region around Delaware Bay). 

George Ellis of Indian River, Delaware (hence the name), selectively bred Barred Plymouth Rock roosters to New Hampshire Red hens to create a new dual-purpose bird. 

In those early crosses, a few “sports” or mutations produced striking off-white chicks with black barred hackles and tails. 

Ellis refined these birds, initially calling them “Indian Rivers.” By 1940, he had established the Delaware chicken as a stable new variety with excellent meat and egg qualities.

Delaware’s unique plumage – essentially a variation of the Columbian pattern (white body with black “barred” markings) – made it stand out. 

It was standardized and entered into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1952 (white variety). A bantam (miniature) Delaware was later recognized in 1960, though the large fowl is far more common.

From the 1940s through the 1950s, Delawares and their crosses with New Hampshires dominated the regional poultry industry on Delmarva. 

They were especially valued in broiler production because their mostly-white feathering left a clean carcass. 

However, by the mid-1950s, the new Cornish Cross white broiler hybrid (Cornish × Plymouth Rock) became dominant nationally. 

Commercial poultry producers shifted to these faster-growing hybrids, and Delaware numbers declined.

Today, the Delaware is an “American” class heritage breed whose conservation status is listed as Recovering. Small flock breeders and backyard keepers have helped revive interest in Delawares for sustainable agriculture. 

Delaware’s history, from its genetic roots in the 1940s Delmarva to recovery in the 21st century, underscores why it is treasured by poultry enthusiasts today.

Lifespan of Delaware Chickens

Delaware chickens are generally considered hardy and live long life spans. With proper care, a Delaware can live an average of 6-8 years.

This average life span is pretty familiar with large dual-purpose breeds, and some Delawares, depending on care, can live up to 10 years or more. Life span factors consist of predator protection, disease, nutrition, and environment. 

As a conservation breed, Delawares do not have depressingly known genetic health problems that shorten life spans, and of course, breed is not a factor for Delawares because the breed does not suffer from specific ailments.

Delaware Chicken Colour Varieties

The only plumage color pattern currently recognized in Delawares by the APA is white, with black barring. 

The acceptance pattern is based around a clean white body with black barred areas in the neck hackles, wing tips, and tail. While in actuality, some Delawares are more or less black marked, the bird should always be predominantly white. 

There is no other plumage color variety of Delaware listed; the APA lists “none” other than the standard color. 

Separately, Delaware hens will produce colored offspring when they are crossed to other breeds – for example, a Delaware hen crossed to a New Hampshire rooster will create sex-linked chicks – but those are merely hybrids.

Physical Characteristics of Delaware Chickens

Delaware chickens are framed in the medium to large-sized bird class, and they are solidly built birds. 

The birds display a good frame and have a broad, deep body with a long, slightly keel-shaped breast. 

If viewed in a side profile, the overall shape resembles an “inverted U”, with the deepest section located at the breast, tapering off toward the rear of the bird. 

Overall, the shape reflects muscular and solid proportions that are indicative of their characteristics as dual-purpose birds. 

Delawares are typically heavier and more robust than lightweight layer class breeds.

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Key physical features include:

Plumage: Soft, close-feathering, mostly white. Neck hackles and tail are black, barred with colors in a way that defines the breed. The white and black in the plumage provide a clean appearance with bright contrasting colors.

Comb and Wattles: Single (straight) comb with 5–7 upturned points combined with bright red wattles and earlobes. The comb on hens is medium-sized and larger on roosters, and all comb and fleshy parts are deep red in color, in contrast to white feathers. 

Eyes and Beak: Eyes are reddish-bay (warm brown) and the beak is a horn to yellowish color. 

Legs and Feet: Strong, hefty legs set well under the body. The toes and shanks are smooth and clean (no feathers) with yellow shanks and toes, as is the skin. 

Size/Weight: Adult roosters typically weigh 8–8.5 pounds (3.6–3.9 kg) and adult hens typically weigh 6–6.5 pounds (2.7–3.0 kg). 

Temperament and Personality Traits

Delaware chickens are known for their calm, friendly, and curious nature. They can be a first breed for new keepers and families with children. 

Hens and roosters are usually tolerant of handling, and they don’t mind human company. It is this friendliness towards people that makes them a wonderful bird to keep at home.

A Delaware with flock mates, if necessary, will physically assert themselves; a Delaware rooster will defend and protect his hens and may be territorial. 

Delaware hens are also social and will integrate into mixed flocks. Overall, this breed’s disposition is balanced with no inconsistencies in nervousness or concerning temperament.

Since they can roam freely, it should be noted that Delawares are not strong fliers and most will not clear a 4-foot fence; so a little barrier, such as a fence, will generally be enough to keep them. 

In fact, they are typically alert and “predator savvy,” and while they are busy, they watch for any danger or changes in their day.

One thing to be mindful of is that Delaware can be more vocal than some other breeds. 

The hens cluck and chatter much of the time (particularly when excited or laying), and Delaware roosters will crow just like any rooster. 

If you have noise-sensitive neighbors or a noise restriction in your community, you might consider only keeping hens.

Delaware Hen Egg Production and Broodiness

The Delaware hen is a good layer of large brown eggs. On a good feed, a healthy Delaware hen will produce 4 to 5 eggs per week – about a total of 200–250 eggs per year. 

The eggs are typically rich, light to medium brown, with each egg generally around the “large” or even jumbo size.

The average egg is approximately 59–62 g (2.1 ounces) for both large and extra large eggs in accordance with USDA standards. Delaware pullets may lay eggs that are a pale pinkish tan.

Most Delawares start producing pretty early. They generally start laying at 18–24 weeks of age. By that time, pullets are generally at or near full size and are within their productive beginning lay year. 

Good rations, light hours, and stress-free conditions will encourage earlier and steadier onset of lay. 

Once they start, they will continue to lay well into their second year, with many hens continuing to lay into the fall and resuming again in winter.

Delaware hens are not especially broody. If you want to hatch chicks, you need to either use an incubator or put the eggs under a more broody breed (Silkie and Brahma likely among the best). 

Their considerable laying ability and lack of broodiness made Delaware a perfect chicken for egg layer production in the mid-20th century, and those two characteristics hold true today. 

Size and Weight of Delaware Chickens

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Delaware chickens attain a commendable size as a dual-purpose breed, although not as substantial as modern broiler hybrids. On average:

Roosters: ~8.0–8.5 pounds (approximately 3.6–3.9 kg) at maturity. Some lines may get a little bigger (up to 9 pounds), but almost all fall within the 8–8.5 lb size range. These birds are stocky and broad-shouldered.

Hens: ~6.0–6.5 pounds (approximately 2.7–3.0 kg). Delaware hens are very sturdy, although a tad lighter than roosters.

Pullets: Delaware pullets are good-sized for laying or butchering at approximately 12–16 weeks of age. Meyer Hatchery also indicates that Delaware is suitable for meat harvest at 12–16 weeks.

Bantams: There is a true Delaware bantam variety (recognized by APA), which is much smaller: approximately 28–32 ounces (rooster) and 30 oz (hen). Nevertheless, the bantams are rare, and most keepers keep the standard (large fowl) size birds. This guide will follow the standard size.

Delaware Chicken Appearance

Delaware chickens are visually stunning and distinctive, especially their coloration. 

A pure Delaware is bright white overall, with pronounced black barring on the neck (hackles), primary feathers (wing tips), and tail; the spacing of the bars is smooth, creating a sharp contrast that gives an almost “tuxedo” appearance. 

From a distance, the bird looks white with a black collar and rump; that contrast makes Delawares easy to spot in flocks of mixed breeds.

Like many American dual-purpose breeds, Delawares have yellow skin. This is a goal in meat birds, and, therefore, desirable. 

With their white feathers, the yellow in their legs, with the under-fluff is part of what creates an attractive bird.

Their single comb and wattles are clean, bright red, which is a stark contrast to their white feathers. The face, with the red earlobes and comb, ensures the head has a neat look in contrast to the white feathers.

Delawares have a whole, deep-bodied chest, which adds to a stout appearance. Viewed from above, a broad back is tapered at the tail, and when viewed from the side, the keel (breastbone) is developed well and actually almost horizontal. 

Their neck are especially enticing with the black bars forming a necklace-like appearance. The tail area also contains black-tipped or barred feathers, giving it a dark tail appearance.

The combination of colored neck and tail with white feathers is uncommon among chickens and inspires much admiration in Delaware, based on its unique and distinct coloration.

Delawares have reddish-bay (brownish-red) eyes that contrast well with their white head.  The beak is usually a light horn or yellow color. 

Delaware Baby Chicks

Delaware chicks are bright and fun from the time they hatch. They hatch with fluffy yellow down; they sometimes exhibit some light gray or black specks on the neck even as chicks. 

In the brooder, don’t be surprised if they are active foragers even as chicks – they are reportedly one of the most vigorous of chicks who readily eat and explore. 

Pure Delaware chicks can be challenging to identify by color; however, if you are breeding Delaware to produce sex-linked chicks, the cross will be with a Rhode Island Red or New Hampshire, and the males are barred down, females are reddish. 

For pure-stock Delaware chicks, the male and female down chicks are very similar. 

Most often, the easiest way to sex pure-stock Delaware chicks is to wait until 4 – 6 weeks to see the comb size or plumage patterning.

Delaware Hen vs. Rooster

There are some subtle indicators that can help you to tell a Delaware hen from a rooster. 

Both have the exact markings and shape, so identification can be a challenge. 

Here are a couple of differences:

Comb and Wattles: Of course, the first thing is the comb and wattles. A Delaware rooster will get a larger single comb and larger wattles than a hen. By a couple of months of age, males usually have conspicuous bright-red combs (often a 6-7 point), while females will stay 5 points.

Plumage and Color: Both sexes have the same white and black pattern, but it roosters have heavier barring. A Delaware rooster’s hackles and tail feathers tend to have more black striping and sheen. The hens may have barring that is just a bit more muted. The rooster’s tail feathers may also grow longer and arch more.

Size and Stature: As with most breeds, hens are smaller than the males. An adult Delaware cock is usually in the 8-8.5 lb range, whereas a hen is around 6-6.5 lbs. Even at the same age, the cockerel stands a bit taller and broader in the chest.

Behavior: Roosters are more likely to be vigilant, sturdy, and show stereotypical male behavior (crowing, strutting, protecting the flock). Hens are more content to remain with the flock, lay eggs, and be quietly nosy. If you start to hear crowing (anywhere from 4-5 months), you can safely assume you have a rooster. 

Spurs: Delaware are not typically spur-heavy, but roosters do sometimes grow small spurs on their legs; hens, as a rule, do not. If you check the back of the leg (spur area) after a few months, this can help confirm a cockerel. 

Feather shape: Rooster feathers have a pointier shape. In most breeds of chicken, the roosters have longer, narrower sickles in the tail and sharper hackle and saddle feathers.

Vocalizations: When the roosters reach maturity, they will crow loudly; hens will only cluck. Early crowing (or continual crows) means a rooster.

Delaware Chicken Noise Levels

Delaware chickens are, comparatively speaking, pretty quiet. Hens will cluck and chatter (especially when they have just laid an egg or are particularly excited), but it’s not at all that loud. 

They cackle just like chickens do, but their volume is mostly no worse than your average flock of hens. If your neighbors are sensitive to the occasional chicken sound, Delaware isn’t at all horrible. 

The bigger question is with the rooster. Delaware roosters, like any male chicken, will crow, and that crow can be heard from long distances, particularly in the morning, but also midday. 

A crowing Delaware rooster is loud – just like all roosters are loud. Delaware roosters are noisy, especially in summer, making them unsuitable for noise-sensitive areas.

Delaware Chickens for Meat Production

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Delawares were originally bred to be a meat bird, and they are a great heritage broiler.  They grow well, fill out with wide, meaty frames, and they reach maturity faster than other older dual-purpose breeds.  

By about 12-16 weeks of age, a Delaware can reach butcher weight, resulting in a well-balanced carcass. 

But modern intensive broilers will mature faster, while Delaware’s have heritage taste and sustainability.

Their broad inverted-triangle body provides good breast and thigh meat yield. Heritage poultry enthusiasts often describe Delaware meat as tender and flavorful. 

Breeders valued the Delaware’s carcass because 60% of it was edible meat. Some farmers will hold on to their Delawares for longer periods so that they can obtain a larger carcass; however, Delaware flavor peaks at about 3-4 months.

Raising Delaware Chickens: Tips and Considerations

There are a number of things to consider when bringing Delaware into your farm or backyard.

Space: Delaware is are active forager. Whether they are in a coop run or free range, give them as much space as you can. Plan on a run that offers at least 8–10 square feet per bird (and more if possible). In a free-range setting, they are happy to wander when you are supervising them. Give them about 4 square feet in the coop. They will utilize any available scratch area and enjoy being able to stretch their wings, run, and forage.

Fencing: Delaware does not fly very well. Generally speaking, a 4-foot fence will contain them. If using chicken wire or some kind of mesh, bury the bottom to discourage predators that dig. Since Delaware forage so well, some keepers are comfortable letting their birds have partial supervision-free range as long as they are in quieting conditions.

Coop: Plan to build a secure, predator-proof coop with nesting boxes and roosts. Although Delawares tend to spot the danger first, if foxes, raccoons, hawks, and neighborhood dogs get the chance, they will all target any chicken. Your coop should have a solid latching door and be well-constructed. Inside the coop, you should have at least one nesting box for every 3–4 hens. Have good ventilation, sufficient bedding, and bedding that can stay dry (shavings, straw, etc.) to maintain their health.

Diet: You can feed Delaware’s high-quality layer or meat chicken feed (16-18 percent protein) when they start laying. Until they reach laying age (around 18-20 weeks), feed them a starter or grower feed. These birds are not prone to picking feathers or health issues, but you can help maintain productivity with the right nutrition. Always have available grit or oyster shell to provide calcium for eggshell strength and provide fresh water at all times. If you allow your birds to free-range, they will add insects and plant materials to your feed, which is great! However, continuing to offer feed will ensure they maintain their growth and continued laying.

Foraging: Delaware chickens are marvelous scavengers. Consider planting patches of grass, herbs or allowing them to forage through your yard for bugs and greens, which will enrich their diet and keep them busy so they will not be bored (of course, be careful of your flower beds! All chickens love to scratch through ground cover, and you may need to have motion-activated sprinkler systems or awkward carrot-protected gardens).

Health Care: Follow the usual poultry care; vaccinate and deworm periodically if worms are an issue where you are located, also look for and keep an eye out for parasites. A benefit to Delaware’s clean legs is that they do not collect as many mites naturally as many feathered-leg breeds; however, do always check underwings for lice or mites, etc. Maintain a clean, dry coop to prevent lice and mites.

Predator Protection: As mentioned, protect them from common poultry predators. Netting can cover runs to deter hawks, secure the coop at night, or possibly set up electric fencing or use guard animals if you live where coyotes/raccoons are prevalent.

Winter Care: Delaware is fairly hardy, but their large single comb has the potential to frostbite. In really cold environments, provide extra insulation to the coop, or wrap combs/wattles in petroleum jelly to protect them from frost nip. Always provide them a warm, draft-free roosting. In moderate cold, these birds continue to lay better than many other breeds, but be diligent in looking for any injury to combs.

Social structuring: Delawares are usually placid creatures but appreciate cohesiveness and stability within the flock. Transitioning new birds into the flock should be done in moderation. With multi-breed flocks, some caution should be used with roosters; Delawere roosters, on the whole, do not tend to be highly aggressive, but monitor all aggression when mixing breeds.

Health Issues in Delaware Chickens

Delaware breed chickens are typically healthy and hardy, with not much particular to their breed that could make them susceptible to disease. Delawares have the usual health problems seen in backyard poultry as well. There are some health considerations to note. 

Frostbite on Comb: The Delaware chicken has large single combs that can develop frostbite during very cold weather. Owners note that in freezing weather, it is smart to provide a draft-free coop and consider the option of putting petroleum jelly on the combs/wattles. This small step can protect the tissue of the frozen comb. Other than frozen combs, there are no specific cold-weather illnesses that are noted for Delaware chickens – in fact, Delawares are rated cold-hardy as a dual-purpose breed. 

Parasites (Lice/Mites): External parasites are a concern with any chickens, and chickens can have lice, mites, or other parasites in their coop. Delawares do have clean legs, but they can still have body mites or lice living in their feathers. It is smart to frequently look at your birds (lift a wing, part the feathers) and inspect the coop. Keeping dust baths or diatomaceous earth, or treating the birds with poultry dust, can help. If you notice a heavy infestation (matted feathers under a wing, pale combs or blue coloration, restless chickens), then it may be time to treat for mites using a mite spray that is safe for poultry.

Internal parasites: Worms (roundworms, tapeworms) can infect chickens from contaminated ground. Reasonable management (rotating runs, keeping feed and water clean) minimizes your risk of parasites. Many keepers will deworm their pullets prior to egg-laying, followed by maintenance. Some repeat this process periodically, especially if egg production drops or they see parasites in fecal checks.

Respiratory infections: Generally, Delaware residents have no special respiratory weaknesses. However, if they are crowded, or if the ventilation in a coop is poor in the winter, they could have coughs, sneezes, or respiratory diseases (for example, infectious bronchitis, etc., or specific diseases like mycoplasma). Remember, all birds benefit from adequate ventilation (this means keeping fresh air flowing without draughts on the roosting birds). If you notice constant nasal discharge, wheezing, lethargy, etc., remember that isolating affected birds is essential and consulting a veterinarian when diseased is prudent. Treatment may range from antibiotics to supportive care, just as we do with any chicken.

Bumblefoot: Bumblefoot is a bacterial infection of the foot pad that may occur from standing on damp or muddy ground, as well as rough surfaces. Obviously, keeping Delaware coops and runs clean and dry helps to keep birds healthy. It is also wise to provide a roost of adequate diameter (size as a rule of thumb that allows the birds’ toes to wrap around comfortably). Whenever you see swelling or lesions on a foot pad, we advise veterinary treatment.

Egg Laying Problems: Delaware hens very seldom have breed-related laying problems. A hen may occasionally lay soft-shell eggs if calcium is deficient. Use oyster shell or a calcium supplement in their feed to solve soft-shell laying. If your hen has stopped laying, or if they are laying irregularly, it is usually related to the natural reproductive cycle (fall molting), age, or stress, all of which are not breed-related.

FAQs About Delaware Chickens

At what age do Delaware chickens start to lay eggs?

Delaware pullets will often start to lay eggs at around 18–24 weeks of age (about 4½–6 months). They will not all usually start laying in their first summer/fall, but they usually will season proper care. Feeding them good-quality feed and providing good daylight hours will help the hens start to lay nearer the 18-week mark.

How long do Delaware chickens live?

Delaware chickens usually live about 6 to 8 years of age, which is average for large chicken breeds. Some hens have been reported to live into their late single digits or even live into their 10+ years if very well cared for. Longevity depends on health management and environment as well.

Where can I buy Delaware chickens?

Delaware chickens and chicks are not as common as more mainstream breeds of chickens, but should be readily available from specialty hatcheries and breeders. Mainstream mail-order hatcheries such as Meyer Hatchery, Cackle Hatchery and others will always offer Delaware day-old chicks, pullets, or hatching eggs for the standard shipping costs. Occasionally, Tractor Supply and other local farm stores will offer them in the spring through suppliers like Hoover’s Hatchery. Additionally, you can check your local area for livestock or breed club classifieds, or join some poultry keeper forums and inquire if there is a good breeder in your area. Always buy healthy birds from reputable sources.

What does a Delaware chicken look like?

A Delaware chicken has white feathers and black barring on the neck feathers, wing tips, and tail. They have a deep body with a single red comb and wattles, yellow legs, and reddish-bay eyes. Roosters will have longer, more drooping tail feathers and more pronounced barring than hens, and overall, a Delaware is a clean white bird with sharp black stripes. 

Why is Delaware called the Blue Hens?

The “Blue Hen” actually refers to a different bird, and not the Delaware breed. The Delaware Blue Hen is a strain of blue-feathered fighting bird that became the state bird of Delaware in 1939. During the Revolutionary War, it is said that certain Delaware soldiers carried prized blue gamecocks, and the soldiers became known as the “Blue Hen’s Chickens.” The Blue Hen eventually became a popular state symbol for the University of Delaware teams. To be clear: “Blue Hen” is a historic symbol, not a feather color of the Delaware breed. A Delaware chicken is white and black, not blue. (The complication arises because Delaware’s state bird is the Blue Hen, and the Delaware breed’s name is derived from the state, but the Blue Hen has no relevance to the plumage of a Delaware chicken.

Are Delaware chickens good egg layers?

Yes. Delawares are good layers for a dual-purpose breed. An average hen lays about 4 large brown eggs each week (about 200 eggs a year). They do not produce as many as your layer hybrids, but their production is quite impressive for a heritage meat breed. Their eggs are large and of acceptable quality, and the hens are good layers into the fall. If a farmer is interested in meat and eggs, Delaware hens fit the bill.

How many eggs per year do Delaware chickens lay?

In good conditions, you can expect about 200 – 250 eggs per year per hen. An average of about 4 – 5 eggs per week. Some pullets will exceed that, particularly in their prime laying years. If you feed them consistently, give them consistency in their amount of daylight, and keep them healthy, they will have a better chance of hitting the higher end of that range.

Are Delaware chickens hardy in cold temperatures?

Relatively cold-tolerant for a dual-purpose breed, Delawares will survive lower temperatures and lay throughout the winter months. While Delawares may survive in freezing temperatures, their large combs should be protected from extreme freezes.

When do Delaware hens lay eggs (time of day)?

Like other chickens, Delaware hens will lay eggs in the morning. If a hen lays an egg on any given day, it will likely be during sunrise to morning. There is nothing unique about Delaware laying habits, and they will generally ovulate on the same cycle as other backyard layers.

How fast do Delaware chickens grow? 

Delawares are relatively fast-growing heritage breeds. Many will be around 12-16 weeks of age at processing size, and most will weigh around 4-6 pounds (dressed) at 3-4 months of age. They are good heritage broilers. There will be variation in growth rate in most strains of Delaware chickens, as some hatcheries only breed for speed.

What are Delaware chickens priced at?

Prices vary by source and age, of course. A one-day-old Delaware chick would typically range from about $3–$8 each. Started pullets may run from $20 to $30 or more for day-old or straight-run chicks at specialty hatcheries or farm stores. Adult point-of-lay hens are often higher priced (sometimes greater than $30). Crowing roosters or straight-run chicks could be less than pullets. Heritage-breed livestock are more pricier than common hybrids due to limited supply. 

Do Delaware chickens have feathered feet?

No. Delaware chickens have feathered, clean (non-feathered) yellow legs. Their shanks and toes are bare, as any normal American breed. They are not a feather-legged breed; they are rather standard for a breed. If you see “chickens with feathers on their feet” (including their toes), then those chickens are other breeds (Sultan, Brahma, Cochin, etc.), never Delawares.

Conclusion: Is the Delaware Chicken Right for Your Farm?

The Delaware chicken is an ideal choice for an array of chicken keepers, whether you are a backyard or small-scale chicken farmer. 

The Delaware is truly a dual-purpose breed with its friendly temperament, reliable egg production and great meat source. 

If you want a low-maintenance heritage-type bird that is all-around useful, the Delaware chicken is the right option for you.

If you are interested in Delaware chicken, think about how you will benefit from:

• A calm, docile flock that is people-friendly (excellent for families and first-timers) 
• A layer that produces ~200-250 large brown eggs annually.
• A meat bird that will produce plump carcasses by 3-4 months of age with yellow skin and moderately flavored meat.
• A hardy bird that will tolerate a variety of climates (with a few frostbite precautions for the comb).
• A “heritage” breed that has historical significance and conservation value as well as an interesting appearance.

Of course, the Delaware is not the fastest meat chicken, nor is it the highest-producing layer hybrid. It is also a little bit larger and slower than a commercial broiler and a lower-producing layer than a commercial hybrid layer like Leghorn. 

If you are solely concerned with the most production, there are more specialized options.

But if you are looking for a bird that does a lot of things well without excelling in any area, the Delaware chicken is outstanding! It is, in reality, easy to feed and house a small flock of Delawares. 

The friendly personality and productivity of the Delaware chicken a valuable additions to any flock. Delawares will provide personality (and some history) to your homestead while providing you with a respectable amount of eggs and meat. 

For a homesteader or chicken enthusiast looking for a dual-purpose and attractive all-purpose heritage bird, the Delaware chicken will often be the right choice.

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