Chickens have been a source of protein for hundreds of years  When the Spanish explorers arrived in the Americas, they had chickens in tow  These birds were bred to be hardy and productive  As European settlers arrived in North America, they continued to bring their chickens with them  They bred for health, longevity and productivity  

In 1873, the American Poultry Association began defining breeds  These standardized breeds became highly adapted to various climates  Some breeds were extremely cold hardy and would continue to lay through the darkest winter  Other breeds were developed to be a good