Norfolk Grey

Norfolk Grey

The Norfolk Grey is a breed of chicken that originated in the city of Norwich, in Norfolk, England. They were created by Fred Myhill before the First World War as utility birds under the name Black Marias. The name was unfortunately reminiscent of funerals and was quickly dropped and the breed took the name Norfolk Grey instead. They were first exhibited at the Dairy Show in 1920. They are a rare breed and almost disappeared in the early 1970s but fortunately a private flock was found to contain 4 birds in 1974 and the breed was revived. they are only available in one plumage colour.

Characteristics

They are a heavy breed but are not actually that large and only weigh around 6-7 lb. The development of this breed is not factually known (as Mr Myhill would never disclose his actual breeding) but it is thought that he used Birchen English Game and possibly duckwing leghorns in the makeup, the game inclusion would account for the excellent meating ability and the leghorn for the laying ability. They have a single comb and a red face with black eyes while the legs are slate or black. Plumage is attractively marked and the male has a beautiful silver hackle striped with black as is the neck, back, saddle and wing feathers while the rest of the plumage is black. The hen's hackle is similar to the cockerels but she has an otherwise rich black feathering all over apart from the throat which is silver laced. They can produce a good-sized carcass for meat production if they are allowed to mature slowly and are regulars at shows where they win prizes.

The Norfolk Grey is an excellent forager and does well when free ranging. Males can reach 7-8 lb while the female is 5-6 lb. They breed and lay reasonably well.

References

  • Ekarius, Carol (2007). Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds. 210 MAS MoCA Way, North Adams MA 01247: Storey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-58017-667-5. 
  • Graham, Chris (2006). Choosing and Keeping Chickens. 2-4 Heron Quays London E14 4JP: Octopus Publishing. ISBN 9780793806010. 

See also


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