Ixworth chicken

The Ixworth chicken was widely popular in the 1940s and 1950s for its large size and excellent meat quality. However, with the rise of commercial broiler chickens, the breed’s popularity declined in the 1960s and 1970s. By the 1980s, the Ixworth chicken was almost extinct. However, dedicated breeders managed to save the breed from extinction. Today, the Ixworth chicken is still rare, but thanks to the efforts of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) and other enthusiasts, it is slowly recovering.

The Ixworth chicken is also known as the White Suffolk or the Appleyard White, reflecting its origin, creator, and distinctive color. However, the official and most common name is the Ixworth, recognized by the Poultry Club of Great Britain and the American Poultry Association.

Types

The Ixworth chicken is a dual-purpose breed suitable for meat and egg production. It is classified as a heavy breed with a large and muscular body. The breed also has a regular size and shape, making it a standard breed. There is also a bantam variety of the Ixworth chicken, a miniature version of the standard breed. The bantam Ixworth chicken has the same characteristics and qualities as the standard one but is smaller and lighter.

Colors

The Ixworth chicken has only one color variety, which is pure white. Its plumage, skin, shanks, feet, beak, and flesh are all white. The only contrast to its white color is its brilliant red comb, face, wattles, earlobes, and eyes. The Ixworth chicken has a pea comb, a small and low comb consisting of three rows of small bumps. The white color of the Ixworth chicken makes it stand out from other breeds and gives it a graceful and elegant appearance.

Weight of male and female

The Ixworth chicken is a heavy breed, with the standard rooster weighing between 8 and 9 pounds while the standard hen weighs between 6 and 7 pounds. The bantam Ixworth rooster weighs around 2.2 pounds, while the bantam Ixworth hen weighs around 1.7 pounds. The weight of the Ixworth chicken reflects its meat quality and quantity, as it has a lot of muscle and flesh on its body.

Annual egg production rate, egg color, and egg weight

The Ixworth hen can lay about 200 eggs annually, a reasonable amount for a dual-purpose breed. The eggs are tinted or cream-colored and have a smooth and glossy shell. The eggs are also medium-sized, weighing about 2 ounces. The Ixworth hen is a good layer throughout the year and can also go broody and hatch her eggs. The Ixworth eggs are tasty and nutritious and can be used for various culinary purposes.

Ixworth Chicken size

The Ixworth chicken is a large and impressive breed, with the standard cock measuring between 24 and 26 inches in height, while the standard hen measures between 22 and 24 inches in height. The bantam Ixworth cock measures between 12 and 14 inches in height, while the bantam Ixworth hen measures between 10 and 12 inches in height. The size of the Ixworth chicken makes it a dominant and confident breed, as it can hold its own against other chickens and predators.

Yearly birth rate and life span of Ixworth chicken

The Ixworth chicken is a productive and long-lived breed, with the hen laying about 200 eggs yearly and hatching and raising her chicks. The Ixworth hen can produce about 15 to 20 chicks annually, depending on her fertility and broodiness. The chicks are strong and healthy, growing fast and reaching maturity at about six months of age. The Ixworth chicken can live for about 8 to 10 years, which is a long life span for a chicken. The Ixworth chicken is a resilient and robust breed that can resist diseases and infections.

Breeding hints and tips

The Ixworth chicken is a rare and valuable breed, and responsible breeding is crucial. Here are some tips for breeding Ixworth chickens:

1. Choose healthy and purebred Ixworth chickens for breeding. Do not crossbreed with other breeds to maintain the genetic pool and preserve the quality of the Ixworth chicken.

2. Provide a spacious, secure coop and run for the Ixworth chickens. Ensure they have enough space to roam, forage, and shelter from predators and harsh weather.

3. Feed the Ixworth chickens a balanced and nutritious diet. Offer them fresh water and high-quality feed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Supplement their diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and treats like mealworms and sunflower seeds.

4. Keep the Ixworth chickens clean and comfortable. Clean their coop, run regularly, and provide fresh bedding and nesting materials. Check their health and hygiene frequently and promptly address any signs of illness or injury.

5. Encourage the Ixworth hens to lay and hatch their eggs. Provide them with a dark, cozy nest box and collect their eggs daily. Mark the eggs with a pencil or marker and return them to the nest box. Leave 10 to 15 eggs for the hen to incubate and remove the rest. Allow the hen to sit on the eggs for about 21 days, and check on her and the eggs occasionally. Help the hen and chicks after they hatch and keep them warm and safe.

General Characteristics

The Ixworth chicken has many positive characteristics and qualities, which include the following:

1. The Ixworth chicken is a dual-purpose breed that can produce high-quality meat and eggs. It has a large and muscular body that yields a lot of meat and a reasonable laying ability that provides a steady supply of eggs.

2. The Ixworth chicken has pure white plumage with red accents, which makes it a rare and beautiful breed. It has a graceful and elegant appearance sets it apart from other breeds, and it has a distinctive and attractive comb and face.

3. The Ixworth chicken is a hardy and docile breed that can adapt to various climates and living conditions. It has a pea comb and small wattles that help it cope with hot and cold weather. It also has a strong and healthy constitution that helps it resist diseases and infections.

4. The Ixworth chicken is an active and alert breed that likes to roam and forage. It is an excellent forager that can find most of its food independently. It also has a curious and intelligent personality that makes it fun and interesting to watch and interact with.

5. The Ixworth chicken is a gentle and friendly breed that can get along with other chickens and humans. It is easy to handle and care for and can also be affectionate and loyal to its owners. It is a good breed for both beginners and experienced chicken farmers.