Marsh Daisy chicken facts for kids
| Conservation status | RBST: at risk |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Use | eggs |
| Traits | |
| Weight |
|
| Egg color | tinted |
| Comb type | rose comb |
| Classification | |
| PCGB | rare soft feather: light |
|
|
The Marsh Daisy is a special and rare type of chicken. It first came from Lancashire, England. This chicken might be named after the marshy areas where it lived. Or, its big, rose-shaped comb might look like the flower called a Marsh Daisy.
These chickens are very tough and don't need much special care. They are a lighter breed of chicken. Male Marsh Daisies usually weigh about 2.95 kilograms (6.5 pounds). Females are a bit lighter, weighing around 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds).
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What Makes Marsh Daisies Special?
Marsh Daisies are known for being good at finding their own food. They love to roam freely in open spaces. Even though they are generally calm, they are active and can fly well.
Key Features of Marsh Daisy Chickens
- Comb: They have a unique 'rose comb'. This comb is flat and close to the head, with small bumps on top.
- Earlobe Color: Their earlobes are white.
- Leg Color: Their legs are a cool 'willow green' color.
Marsh Daisy hens lay a good number of eggs that have a light tint. They grow up slowly, but their toughness helps them develop well. Many breeders enjoy raising these chickens because they are so rare.
The History of Marsh Daisy Chickens
The Marsh Daisy chicken breed started to be developed in the 1880s. This happened in a place called Southport in Lancashire, England.
How the Breed Was Created
To create the Marsh Daisy, breeders first crossed Old English Game roosters with Malay hens. Later, other chicken breeds were added to make sure the Marsh Daisy had its special look and traits. These included:
- Black Hamburgs
- White Leghorns
- Sicilian Buttercups
By 1913, the Marsh Daisy was officially recognized as a proper chicken breed in England.
Marsh Daisies Today
The Marsh Daisy chicken has always been very rare. It has not spread much to other countries. Even in its home country, the United Kingdom, it is considered an endangered breed. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust lists it as "at risk."
Marsh Daisies used to come in several colors, like Black, Brown, Buff, Wheaten, and White. Today, the Wheaten and Brown colors are the most common. Dedicated breeders are working to bring back the Buff, White, and Black varieties. There are currently no smaller, "bantam" versions of the Marsh Daisy chicken.
