Holland chickens
are dual purpose birds developed at the Rutgers Breeding Farms in New
Jersey,US. They were created with birds imported from Holland crossed with
White Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshires, and Lamonas, which created
the White Hollands. Another cross included White Leghorns, Barred Plymouth
Rocks, Australorps and Brown Leghorns that produced the barred variety of
Hollands. Both were accepted by the American Poultry Association in 1949.
White Hollands
have pure white plumage without any other colors. Barred Hollands have black
and white barred feathers covering the entire chicken. Holland hens have a
darker plumage than the roosters. Roosters weigh eight pounds, and the hens
weight six. Holland have a single, red, six-point comb. All six points stand
erect on the rooster. The hen's last five points droop. The Standard of
Perfection dictates red earlobes for the breed, but most Hollands have white
center in their lobe. Medium red wattles dangle from their cheeks.
Holland chickens lay
white eggs and produce a meaty, yellow carcass preferred by most Americans.
Unlike today's egg producers, Hollands thrive in a small farm settings. They
withstand confinement well but prefer foraging for their own food. Adaptable,
they can live in all latitudes with standard precautions to protect from
frostbite. Hollands have a slow growth rate unacceptable in commercial
operations but entirely adequate for backyard farmers. Hens go broody when
needed and make excellent mothers.
Holland are calm
and docile with a cheerful disposition. They eat commercial feed but can just
as easily forage for themselves. They display few of the irritating traits such
as flightiness or aggression seen in other egg layers. They get along with each
other in confinement. Quiet, the Holland can live in settings with human
neighbors.
Hollands need
sufficient room to forage for food. Make a large, dry run with available
organic feed grains. Supplement their diet with extra protein and calcium to
support their egg laying. Provide extra space for nesting. Holland hens prefer
raising their own brood. Protect the rooster's comb in the coldest months using
petroleum jelly or better yet by providing insulated housing. Hollands face
extinction. In fact, the White Holland may not exist. Buy good quality stock
from reliable Holland keepers and make the effort to advance the survival of
the breed.
About Holland Chickens
