Historical Chicken

It’s chick season, and we’ve got some cute ones, including two Polish Crested bantams (possibly mixed with Nankin) and some Delaware Blue/Old English mixes.

This image of a White-Crested Black Polish is from the 1891 Prize and Game Chickens series for Allen & Ginter Ci******es. It is located at the MET. Albert wonders if he could be a modern-day model for advertising?

Andy the Delaware Blue is definitely growing up to roosterhood! The first photo was taken about two months ago, and the second one is today. He and his sister Red have also joined Estelle and her splashy baby in one coop. Andy is quickly growing toward Thomas’ size.

Andy, one of the May babies, is starting to show signs of roosterhood. If you look closely at the feathers around his neck, you can see some gold/reddish ones coming in. He is going to be a beauty. His personality makes him a strong candidate to be a living history rooster. Would you want to meet Andy at an event?

Thomas is named for Thomas Cribb, an English bare-knuckle boxing champion from 1809 to 1822. He was one of the most popular and respected boxers in England. Our gorgeous rooster was named and raised by Tony Gerard, a phenomenal living history interpreter with the HMS Acasta. He is also the descendant of Delaware Blues raised at Colonial Williamsburg.

This photograph of two cockfighters and a referee was taken at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, IL. The two photos following it are of a breed that was used for the “sport” in the 18th century - Delaware Blue Hens. Andy, all blue, I think is a rooster but we won’t know for certain until he is at least five months. Red, who is named that for obvious reasons, may be a hen. They are both very sweet, and Andy will cuddle in your arms. They live next to the bantams and have made friends with their fancy neighbors.

This 1856 etching of a proud Polish Crested rooster sure does remind me of our Albert. It comes from the book “The American poulterer's companion. A practical treatise on the breeding, rearing, and general management of various species of domestic poultry,” by Caleb N. Bement. The author notes that this breed is recommended for the “chicken fancy.” (We can all agree our Polish are quite fancy.)

The Polish rooster is described as “courageous,” which I believe pertains to our little bantam who has tried to take on several much larger Delaware Blue Hen roosters when he saw his hens flirting with them.

As do all of the other sources I’ve read, this work can’t find any evidence to actually tie the breed to Poland in any way.

Red is a May 2020 chick, likely of Estelle. She is Andy’s sibling (and I’ve decided she is a hen until proven otherwise). She is a curious little daredevil and likes to tease Andy whenever possible.

Andy was born in May 2020, likely the baby of Estelle. Although we won’t know for sure until about 5 months, I’ve decided Andy is a rooster until I’ve been proven incorrect. He’s certainly bigger than his sibling Red. He is very curious and loves to chirp happy songs.

Albert knows he’s the King of the Bantams and wants you to know as well. He takes good care of his hens and tries to outcrow Thomas any chance he gets.

Peggy is a sweet, sneaky Polish Crested bantam who thinks she can outsmart you.

Eliza is a sassy, friendly Polish Crested bantam. She’s beautiful and she knows it.