About Marsh Daisy Chickens

Marsh Daisys are a rare breed of chicken originating in Lancashire, England. Their name may be related to its origin in a marsh-like area, or that its large rose comb resembles the flower of the Marsh Daisy.

Beginning in the 1880s in Southport, Lancashire, Old English Game, roosters were crossed with Malay hens to create the foundation for the breed. Black Hamburgs, White Leghorns, and Sicilian Buttercups were also added to complete its characteristics. They become a proper, defined breed in England in 1913.  

Marsh Daisy chickens are a hardy, economical barnyard chicken, but they are slow to mature. They are a lightweight breed of standard fowl, with males at a maximum of 2.95 kilos (6.5 pounds) and females 2.5 kilos (5.5 pounds). A good forager, they prefer being kept free range. Though generally calm, they are active and can fly. The hens lay a fair number of tinted eggs. Their distinguishing characteristics are a 'Rose comb', 'white earlobes' and 'willow green legs'.

They are known for being flighty, slow to mature, and hardy.

  The Marsh Daisy has never had any populations of consequence abroad, and has never been recognized for showing by organizations such as the American Poultry Association. Extremely rare even in its homeland, it is listed as an endangered breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust of the United Kingdom. It was once found in Black, Brown, Buff, Wheaten and White color varieties, the Wheaten and Brown are the most common, the Buff white and black have been reintroduced by dedicated breeders.