Delaware
Mid-century American broiler breed displaced by the Cornish Cross.
Overview
The Delaware chicken originated in the United States, developed through a crossbreeding program. Its creation aimed to establish a dual-purpose breed, suitable for both meat and egg production, with a distinctive appearance. It gained popularity for its rapid growth and meat quality, becoming a significant commercial broiler in its region.
However, the breed's prominence waned with the introduction of more specialized commercial broiler strains, particularly the Cornish Cross. These new strains offered faster growth rates and better feed conversion, leading to the Delaware's decline in widespread commercial production. Today, it is primarily maintained by small-scale farmers and enthusiasts for its heritage qualities and exhibition.
Origins
Tracing back to Delaware, USA, the Delaware earned its place in the lineage of chickens through generations of selection — a slow conversation between climate, husbandry, and human eye. Mid-century American broiler breed displaced by the Cornish Cross.
Temperament
Custodians describe the Delaware as known to be a calm, docile, and friendly bird..
Conservation
Current status: Recovering · rarity tier Uncommon. Working populations remain in the hands of a small global network — 0+ of them keep programmes on Best of Breed alone.
Delaware, in photographs.
A living plate — community submissions and high-resolution photographs from Wikimedia Commons, sorted by clarity.