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Brown Egg Layers

Delaware Chickens: Hardy Dual-Purpose Breed Guide for Flocks

Brown eggsDocile, Calm, FriendlyCold hardyHeat hardy
260Eggs / year
In brief

Large brown eggs, 6 to 7 lb at maturity, and a docile, calm, friendly temperament.

Breed specifications

Delaware at a glance

Temperament
Docile, Calm, Friendly
Weight
6 to 7 lb
Eggs per year
260
Egg size
Large
Egg color
Brown
Cold hardy
Yes
Heat hardy
Yes

Developed in 1940 by George Ellis in the state of Delaware, these hardy birds make great dual-purpose breeds to add to any flock. They have white plumage with some black barring on the feather ends of their hackles. This breed matures quickly, and the hens make great egg layers. The Delaware breed does well in free- range environments and this should be kept in mind when selecting these birds for your backyard or farm. This breed also tends to be calm, friendly, and docile.

Fun fact: Large brown eggs.

Common questions

Delaware questions, answered

How many eggs does a Delaware lay?

About 260 large brown eggs per year.

How big do Delawares get?

Delawares weigh 6 to 7 lb at maturity.

What is a Delaware's temperament?

Docile, Calm, Friendly.

Is the Delaware cold and heat hardy?

The Delaware is cold hardy and heat hardy.

From Hoover's Hatchery

Ready for a Delaware?

When it is time to go from learning to Keeping, Hoover's has a complete selection of backyard poultry, hatched with care and shipped to your door or to a partner store near you.