Poultry - Rare Softfeather Large

BREED NAME (LARGE)

BREED SUMMARY (LARGE)

ANDALUSIAN

OF CONCERN

Origin: The Mediterranean
Classification: Light
Egg colour: White
Comb: Single, upright.
Uses: Exhibition
About: Andalusian are active, good foragers, rarely broody.  Said to be "stubborn" or "intractable" and more suited to experienced keepers. Heat hardy. The large comb and wattles of the rooster means some protection is needed in very cold weather.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.20-3.60kg ; Female 2.25-2.70kg 

APPENZELLER SPITZHAUBEN

OF CONCERN

Origin: Switzerland
Classification: Light
Egg colour: White
Comb: Horn
About: The Appenzeller Spitzhauben, originated in Switzerland’s Appenzell district sometime in the 16th century in local monasteries, and is considered the national chicken of the country. Their name comes from the forward sweeping crest feathers that are reminiscent of the ceremonial hats, “spitzhauben,” the pointed hoods once worn by women of the region. The breed nearly went extinct after World War II. German breeder, Kurt Fischer, imported birds of all three of the original colors (black, golden spangled, and silver spangled) to Germany in 1953, and in doing so is credited with saving the breed. Appenzellers are active and alert birds. Their flighty nature doesn’t lend itself well to confinement, and they can fly. They will roost in trees if not trained to go into a coop at night. They’re both heat and cold-tolerant and are great foragers. They can also fare well in hot and humid climates. Introduced into Australia in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 1.60-2.00kg; Female 1.35-1.60kg
 

ARAUCANA

WATCH

Origin: Chile
Classification: Light
Egg colour: Blue or Green
Comb: Pea
Uses: Exhibition, Eggs
About: The name Araucana comes from the Arauca province in Chile. The blue egg laying Araucana were discovered there at the time of the Spanish invasions. In Australia, Gerry Coady  and Barney Hackney created  the "Australian Araucana",  the form we see today,  through selective breeding. They are an active breed, curious and confident. They are good foragers and enjoy free ranging. They hold their own in a mixed flock.Broodiness is variable. Araucana lay well with blue shelled eggs, with the blue carrying right through the egg shell. Due to the O dominant gene that Araucana carry, crosses will have bluish or greenish eggs as well.  A generally hardy breed.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male ; Female 

BARNEVELDER

OF CONCERN

Origin: The Netherlands
Classification: Heavy
Egg colour: Brown
Comb: Single upright
Uses: Exhibition, Eggs, Table
About: The Barnevelder originated in Barneveld in the Gelderland Province, Holland. From around the 1820s Barneveld farm fowls were crossed with Cochin. In 1885 the fowls were crossed with Brahma , followed shortly with crossings with Langshan. In the early 1900s crossing with Orpingtons was undertaken.  In 1910  steps were taken to obtain more uniformity in colour and type, and from this time dates the name Barnevelder. In 1921 a Dutch association of Barnevelder breeders was formed and a standard for the breed fixed.  Barnevelder are a docile. friendly, active breed that enjoys free ranging but can cope with penning as long as there is sufficient space. A good breed for beginners and children.They are a good layer of darkish brown eggs (3-4 eggs a week in laying season). The depth of colour may vary from line to line. Eggs may sometimes be be speckled.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male ; Female 

BRAHMA

OF CONCERN

Origin: China/India border, USA
Classification: Heavy
Uses: Eggs, Table, Exhibition
Egg colour: Tinted
Comb: Pea
About: The Brahma as for the Cochin, is very important for its role in the "hen fever" of mid 19th century Victorian England and the USA, and its role in the beginning  of poultry exhibition. The foundation breed  for the Brahma is said to come from the Brahmapootra area of India. Specimens had been taken into China over a long period. From there they were Imported into England and USA in the 1840s, with the name Shanghais.  These birds were different to the type we know today, not having the heavily feathered legs, and having variable combs - single and pea. The Brahma we now know as a breed  were selectively bred in the New England region of the USA from 1850 to 1865, with the distinctive head shape and pea comb being the standard from 1866, along with the breed name. The pea comb is considered to result from cross-breeding with "Chittagong" birds of Malay type also imported from China.  In Australia, the breed died out after WW2 but was recreated by dedicated breeders in the late 20th century.  They are a docile, stately, calm, and gentle breed.  Friendly and easily tamed with  regular handling. Hens can be broody; excellent mothers. Medium layer, 2-3 tinted eggs per week. Can lay into early to mid winter. UK lines of Blue Partridge, Blue Silver, Dark, Gold and Red Pyle were imported in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male ; Female 

BREDA

CRITICAL

BRESSE-GAULOISE

OF CONCERN

CAMPINE

OF CONCERN

Origin: Northern part of Belgium
Classification: Light breed 
Uses: Eggs, Exhibition
Egg Colour: White
Comb: Single, upright, medium size
About: The Campine in Australia is bred in a manner consistent with the intentions and practices that resulted in the "hen-feathered" English Campine developed in the 1900's. This was the type of Campine imported into Australia and provided the foundation of the pure bred Campines today. Campines are considered to be a flighty, hardy breed with active, inquisitive natures. UK lines of Campine were introduced in 2014.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 2.5-2.95kg ; Female 2.00-2.50kg

Photo of Gold Campine pullet courtesy of Mark Porter

COCHIN

WATCH

Origin: China
Classification: Heavy
Uses: Meat, Eggs, Ornamental
Egg Colour: Brown
Comb: Single, upright, small and straight
About: Despite their large size, Cochins are noted for their gentle, docile dispositions. They have an abundance of feathers that extend down to cover their feet. They feather slowly but are a hardy breed and are noted for being broody. Their large size makes them perfect for hatching duck or turkey eggs.  The Cochin as for the Brahma, is very important for its role in the "hen fever" of mid 19th century Victorian England and the USA, and the beginning  of poultry exhibition.  Imported into England and the USA in the 1840s and 50s with the name Shanghais these "giant" birds caused a sensation. These birds were nothing like the Cochin of today.The birds lacked or had only lightly feathered legs and variable single or pen combs.  The grey and light birds that had pea combs were developed into the Brahma, those with other colours and a single comb were developed into the Cochin.  In the UK the clean legged birds presented to Queen Victoria in 1845 were given the name Cochin-Chicken. Once excellent layers, Cochin have since been bred for wealth of feather and fluff for exhibition purposes with an impact on laying productivity. Standardisation of the Cochin colour started with the Buff, followed by the Partridge. Th Cochin died out in Australia after WW2. Dedicated breeders however  recreated the breed from the 1980s. In 2015 Buff Cochin were imported into Australia from the UK.
APS recognised Bantam form?: No
Large weight: Male 4.55-5.90kg Young Male 2.20-5.00kg; Female 4.10-5.00kg Young Female 3.20-4.10kg 

Photo by Hagen Graebner

CRÈVECOUER

OF CONCERN

Origin: North West France
Classification: Heavy 
Uses: Meat, Eggs, Exhibition
Egg Colour: White
Comb: V-shaped
About: The Crevecouer is among the oldest of the French breeds and it was thought to have virtually disappeared after the Second World War. Recovery of the breed commenced in 1976 by Jean-Claude Periquet. Like the Houdan it has four toes, but a V shaped comb like that of La Fleche. They are an active breed, generally docile, often described as having a sweet nature, although some roosters may be aggressive. Some birds with larger crests that impacts their vision may be a little nervy. The Crevecouer was introduced into Australia in 2014.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.7-4.5kg ; Female 2.9-3.5kg

CROAD LANGSHAN

OF CONCERN

Origin: Rudong, China
Classification: Heavy Breed, Softfeather
Uses: Meat, Eggs
Egg Colour: Buff
Comb: Single, upright, straight
About: Imported in the 1880's, with the Club formed in 1904, the Croad Langshan is a heavy bird that is intelligent, strong and active. The hens are good sitters and attentive mothers who are also good layers. They are quiet, docile and friendly. The comb, earlobes and wattle are bright red. The male can stand 90cm in height and has very long tail sickles. They are a slow maturing breed that requires plenty of room and feed. It is one of the breeds used to create the Black Orpington. UK lines of Croad Langshan were imported in 2014.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 4.55kg Young Male 4.10kg; Female 3.65kg Young Female 3.20kg

Photo Courtesy of Sue Rutschmann

DORKING

OF CONCERN

Origin: Surrey, England
Classification: Heavy Breed 
Uses: Table, Eggs, Exhibition
Egg Colour: White or Tinted
Comb: Single or Rose comb
About: One of the oldest of the British breeds, the Dorking has short legs and five toes. The skin colour beneath the feathers is white and it is one of the few breeds with red earlobes that produces white eggs. Dorking pullets are slow to come into lay but will lay all Winter. The breed does not wander far from home and likes to roost in trees if given the opportunity. UK lines of the Dark Dorkign were imported in 2014.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 4.55-6.35kg; Female 3.60-4.55kg

DUTCH OWLBEARD

OF CONCERN

Origin: The Netherlands
Classification: Light
Uses: Eggs, Exhibition
Egg colour: White or Off White
Comb: Horned
About: An old Dutch breed dating back to the early seventeenth century. They have no wattles but a beard and muffs, which cover the “chin and cheeks.” They have a horned V-shaped comb. It is a large, ornamental breed with a proud and upright stance which comes in a wide variety of colours from solid whites and blacks to cuckoo’s and spangles, culminating in the ‘moor’s head’ variety where the bird carries a solid black ‘beard’ in contrast to its body colouring. The chicks hatch with a snood of fluff already around the face which moults out into a full feathered beard as the chick develops. Introduced into Australia in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: No
Large weight: Male 2.20-2.50kg; Female 1.70-2.00kg

More information at http://www.aviculture-europe.nl/nummers/15E01A07.pdf

FAVEROLLES

OF CONCERN

Origin: France
Classification: Heavy Breed
Uses: Table, Eggs, Exhibition
Egg Colour: Tinted, Light brown to Pinkish
Comb: Single, Upright
About: The Faverolles takes its name from the village of Faverolles in France and is classified as a heavy breed. It has a beard, muffs, feathered feet and five toes per foot. Faverolles were developed by crossing  many other breeds including the Dorking, Houdan, French Rennes, Brahma, Flemish Cuckoo and Malines. They are known for their extreme docility and even the roosters are gentle, friendly birds. The most common colour is Salmon, with the hens being mainly brown and white and the cocks darker with black, brown and straw coloured feathers.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.6-4.55kg Young Male 2.95-4.10kg; Female 1.14-1.36kg Young Female 910g-1.135kg.

Photo courtesy of Anne Sim

FAYOUMI

OF CONCERN

FRIESIAN

OF CONCERN

Origin: The Netherlands
Classification: Light
Uses: Exhibition
Egg Colour: White
Comb: Single, small to medium, erect
About: A small, active and hardy breed. Reasonable layers. From the early twentieth century the Friesian was supplanted as an egg-layer by more productive breeds such as the Barnevelder, the Leghorn, the Rhode Island Red, and the Welsummer. The Friesian was introduced into Australia in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: 1.40-1.60kg; Female 1.20-1.40kg.

FRIZZLE

OF CONCERN

Origin: Asia
Classification: Heavy
Uses: Exhibition
Egg Colour: White or Tinted
Comb: Single, medium and upright
About: The Frizzle has curled or frizzled plumage and is clean-legged. It is quick growing, hardy and a good forager. The hens are fair to good layers and the chicks appear to be normally feathered when hatched. The gene for the curling feathers is incompletely dominant over normal plumage, meaning not all members of the breed will have the frizzled feathers. Mating Frizzle to Frizzle gives 25% smooth feathered, 25% over frizzled and 50% frizzled. Smooth Friizle birds should be kept for mating to a frizzled Frizzle to avoid brittle feathers and/or lack of feathering in the over frizzled birds. Breeding a frizzled Frizzle to a smooth Frizzle will result in 100% frizzled Frizzles.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.20-3.60kg; Female 2.25-2.70kg

HAMPBAR (NON APS; BREED SUBMISSION MADE)

OF CONCERN

Origin: Canada
Classification: Light
Uses: Eggs
Egg colour: Brown
The Hampbar, an autosexing breed, is new in Australia and comes from a local development project in the mid to late 1990s. The Hampbar is not yet not formally recognised although a submission has been made for APS recognition; it is included on the 2024 RBTA list pending recognition. The breed is known in America, but originated in Canada. An article written by E. A. Lloyd on March 12 2013 for the Canadian Poultry magazine states that Hampbars were being bred and refined for the market because of their excellent viability, disease resistance and egg-laying qualities. The full name of a Hampbar chicken is Barred New Hampshire. They are friendly, robust and above average layers. They endure cold, wet winters,need a minimum amount of shelter and are content to stay in a run although like all poultry they love to be let out to scratch about. https://www.canadianpoultrymag.com/improving-dual-purpose-breeds-and-making-new-ones-13084/
Large weight: 2.7-3.1kg

HAMBURGH

OF CONCERN

Origin: Britain
Classification: Light
Uses: Eggs, Exhibition
Egg Colour: White
About: Hamburghs were kept and bred to feather among the peasants of Yorkshire and Lancashire in England, and by them exhibited at the small town and county fairs in their neighborhood. Of course they were then known under different names, the Blacks being called Black Pheasant Fowls and the Spangled varieties Lancashire Mooneys and Yorkshire Pheasants. Penciled varieties formed a part of the Hamburgh family, although our earliest positive knowledge traces them to direct importations from Holland, where they were brought in great numbers, and were originally known under the names of Dutch Everyday Layers or Dutch Everlasting Layers." (Book of the Hamburgs, L.Frank Baum, 1886, p.5 as quoted by www.openpoultrystandards.com). Hamburghs are a vigorous fowl - resilient in the Australian climatel, useful as an egg producer and a fine specimen in the show pen. UK lines of the Gold and Silver Pencilled, and the Gold and Silver Spangled were imported in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: 2.25g; Female 1.80kg.

Photo courtesy of P. Still 2005

HOUDAN

CRITICAL

Origin: France
Classification: Light
Uses: Table, Eggs, Exhibition
Egg Colour: White
Comb: Leaf type, Butterfly shaped, fairly small and well-defined
About: Houdans have small earlobes and wattles, a backward facing crest, five toes, and facial feathering consisting of a beard and muffing near the ears. In the hens, the feathering can sometimes obscure the combs and wattles. Originally a dual purpose bird, kept for meat and eggs, the Houdan is now primarily kept for exhibition. The breed is calm and placid with a docile nature. UK lines of the Mottled Houdan were introduced in 2016. 
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.20-3.60kg; Female 2.70-3.20kg

IXWORTH

OF CONCERN

Origin: Suffolk, England
Classification: Heavy
Uses: Table
Egg Colour: Tinted
Comb: Pea
About: The Ixworth was created in 1932 by Reginald Appleyard, who also created the Silver Appleyard Duck, at his poultry farm in the village of Ixworth in Suffolk.  It was bred from white Sussex, white Minorca, white Orpington, Jubilee and white Indian Game chickens, with the intention of creating a dual purpose breed - a fast-growing high-quality meat bird with reasonable egg-laying ability. An Ixworth bantam was created in 1938 (although it may have died out in the UK). The Ixworth is alert and active. New lines of the Ixworth were brought into Australia in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 4.10kg Young Male 3.60kg; Female 3.20kg Young Female 2.70kg

LA FLÈCHE

OF CONCERN

Origin: La Fleche, France
Classification: Heavy
Uses: Table, Exhibition
Egg Colour: White
Comb: V-shaped comb and the remains of a small crest. Often referred to as a Devil's Head due to the horn-like parallel points.
About: Poule de la Fleche is a rare French breed that was once famous for its fine quality meat, the skin of which is also particularly white. They are good foragers but can be flighty and tend to shy away from human contact. They like to roost in trees and require two metre+ fencing to contain them. Numbers fell heavily after the Second World War and there has been gradual recovery thanks to a French rescue effort. The hens are good layers and not known for being broody. Introduced into Australia in 2015.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: 3.60-4.10k; Female 2.70-3.20kg

LAKENVELDER

OF CONCERN

Origin: a little clouded but appears to be Southern Holland and over the border in Germany.
Classification: Light
Uses: Eggs, Table
Egg Colour: White to Tinted
Comb: Medium sized, single with five points
About: The Lakenvelder name is Dutch and translates to "Shadow on a Sheet" which describes their black and white colour pattern. Their legs are featherless and slate blue and they have long flowing tails. The comb of the hen is unusually erect. They are confident, robust birds that tend to avoid human contact. The hens are good layers but not good sitters. The chicks grow vigorously and mature quickly but do not gain their characteristic black and white markings until after their third moult. Introduced into Australia in 2015.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: 2.25-2.70kg; Female 1.80-2.20kg

LEGBAR

OF CONCERN

Origin: Britain
Classification: Light
Uses: Eggs
Egg Colour: White or Cream unless for the Cream Legbar which lays Blue or Green eggs
Comb: Single, large, perfectly straight and erect with five or six deep and evenly serrated spikes.
About: The Legbar is the second of the auto-sexing breeds developed in the 1930's specifically for egg production, by Professor Punnett and M. Pease at the Genetical Institute in Cambridge. The first being the Cambar. The Legbar chicks can be visually sexed at one day old by their colouring. The breed was developed by crossing two excellent egg laying breeds, the Barred Plymouth Rock and the Leghorn. The Gold Legbar was created by crossing the Brown Leghorn with the Barred Plymouth Rock. The Silver Legbar by crossing the Gold Legbar with White Leghorn and Silver Cambar. The Cream Legbar was created by crossing the Gold Legbar with the White Leghorn and Creme Araucana, which introduced the crest and the blue eggs. UK lines of the Cream/Cotswold Legbar were introduced in 2016. 
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.20-3.40kg Young Male 2.70-2.95kg; Female 2.25-2.70kg Young Female 2.00-2.25kg

LEGHORN (CSIRO UTILITY STRAIN)
NOT AN APS "VARIETY"

OF CONCERN

The 2024 Poultry Census provided for the submission of utility strain data.
Data was only received  for the Leghorn CSIRO Utility Strain, a strain specifically bred for high egg production. The Leghorn breed itself is not a rare breed. The origin of this utility strain is with CSIRO Poultry Scientist Bill Stanhope who commenced developing this bird on his own farm at Heatherton on the outskirts of Melbourne in 1963. He crossed bantam genes with utility white leghorn lines, & after 17 generations of selection, delivered a small framed bird of 1.3-1.4 Kg. laying a 60-65 gram egg at the commercial rate of 350 eggs a year. He also achieved a feed reduction of 30%, as most of the feed cost went into egg production, rather than maintaining the frame of the bird.  Whilst the CSIRO Utility is not a recognised variety in the Australian Poultry Standards and may move forward not as an exhibition breed but instead as a commercial breed), it is included on the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia listing given its utility qualities and the fit of those qualities with the role of the RBTA in supporting diversity in "food" breeds.
Utility weight: 1.3-1.4kg. Exhibition form weight: Male 3.4kg Young male 2.7-2.95kg; Female 2.50kg Young Female 2.00-2.25kg.

MARANS

CRITICAL

Origin: France
Classification: Heavy
Uses: Eggs
Egg color: Dark brown
Comb: Single upright
About: France.  The Marans comes from the port town of Marans in south-western France. The Marans breed was named in 1929 to protect the breed qualities, leading then to the first standard in 1931.  The current French Standard was set in 1991 as a result of better understanding of colour genetics, with further varieties standardised in France through to 2011. Marans were in Australia in the 1930s but dwindled in numbers. Numbers were rebuilt in Australia from remnant flocks located by dedicated breeders, as well as through recreations. The importation of Marans in 2014 and 2015 was an important addition to the Australian Marans community with Black and Blue Copper varieties added to the APS in its 2016 Addendum.  The first show of the French Marans Club of Australia was held in 2010 with 26 entries. Interest in the breed is growing, especially due to the trend for coloured eggs.  They are generally a docile, friendly and relaxed breed. Marans are happy to be confined in a large pen, but very much enjoy free ranging.  Hens tend not to be overly broody. Good egg laying at around 150-200 eggs annum. The dark russet-red brown, sometimes speckled, eggs of the Marans are much sought after, but the colour can vary from hen to hen as well as in the individual hen itself. The Marans egg colour comes from the impregnation of a liquid colouring on the eggshell. This liquid is produced by tissues along the last 10 centimetres of the oviduct and is deposited right before laying. Straight after laying, a layer of mucous covering the egg dries quickly and the shell keeps its colour. It is these mucous glands that secrete the colouring substances and tint the shell.  This process and its genetics is still not fully understood and subject to further studies. French Marans lines were imported in 2015; English Marans lines were imported in 2014.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: English Male 3.60kg Young Male 3.20kg; Female 3.20kg Young Female 2.70kg. French Male 3.50-4.00kg Young Male 3.00-3.50kg; Female 2.60-3.20kg Young Female 2.20-2.60kg.

MINORCA

CRITICAL

NEW HAMPSHIRE

CRITICAL

Origin: North America (New Hampshire)
Classification: Heavy 
Uses: Meat, Eggs
Egg Colour: Tinted to Brown
Comb: Medium sized, single, well-developed, perfectly straight and upright with five well-defined points
About: The New Hampshire was developed as a specialised selection of the Rhode Island Red. It was developed early in the twentieth century in its namesake State, by using the Rhode Island Red and selecting for rapid growth, fast feathering, early maturity and vigour. They were originally developed for eggs but have gained a reputation as a good table bird as well. The hens lay well and are placid and friendly. The feathers are a deep chestnut red and are fluffy and full. UK lines were imported in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.85kg Young Male 3.40kg; Female 2.95kg Young Female 2.50kg.

NORFOLK GREY

OF CONCERN

Origin: England
Classification: Heavy
Uses: Eggs
Comb: Single upright
About: The Norfolk Grey is a utility breed that originated near the city of Norwich in Norfolk England, in around 1910. The breed was originally created by Frederick W Myhill of Hethel, Wymondham before 1914, possibly as early as 1908. The Norfolk Grey was first exhibited under the name Black Maria at the Dairy Show in 1920. In 1925, Myhill applied to the Poultry Club of Great Britain in 1925 to have the name changed to Norfolk Grey as the breed did not gain popularity under Black Maria. The Norfolk Grey came close to dying out in the early 1970s but a private flock containing 4 birds was found in 1974 and the breed was revived. Introduced into Australia in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.20-3.60kg; Female 2.25-2.70kg.

OLD ENGLISH PHEASANT FOWL

OF CONCERN

Origin: England
Classification: Light 
Uses: Eggs, Table
Egg Colour: White
Comb: Rose shape
About: The Old English Pheasant Fowl bears no relation to the pheasant but is so named because of the spangled plumage of the female. The Gold variety has a mahogany hue with darker lacing around the edges. The Silver variety has white feathering with beetle green/black markings. It is an active and fairly wild breed that likes to roost in trees but is hardy and used to the cold Winters of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Chicks are vigorous and strong but slow to mature. Introduced into Australia in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 2.70-3.20kg Young Male 2.50-2.70kg; Female 2.25-2.70kg. Young Female 2.00-2.25kg.

ORLOFF

CRITICAL

Origin: Persia/Iran and Russia
Classification: Heavy
Uses: Table, Exhibition
Egg colour:  Tinted to Light Brown
Comb: Lot, flat, like a rapsberry cut in half
About: The breed first appeared in Persia as the Persian Gilan chicken, and was found in eastern Europe and Asia by the 17th century. Russian tradition credits Count Orloff – Alexey Grigoryevich Orlov (1737-1808) – with the importation and promotion of the breed in Russia in the 19th century, and it became known in the West by his name and due to his efforts.  The Orloff tolerates cold and bad weather, and can survive when other breeds cannot. Russian Orloffs are indifferent layers of small/medium light brown eggs, laying only about 100 eggs a year. They’re classified as non-broody, They are a calm and friendly breed, handle confinement well but also like to free range. It gets along with other breeds of chickens, but will stand its ground with more aggressive birds, if necessary.  Introduced into Australia in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.20-3.60kg; Female 2.25-2.70kg

PHOENIX

OF CONCERN

Origin: Japan, Germany
Classification: Light
Uses: Exhibition, Feathers
Egg Colour: White or Tinted
Comb: Medium sized, single, fine textured, upright, firm with 4-6 serrations
About: The Phoenix was developed in Germany by Mr Hugo du Roi from the long tailed, Japanese Onagadori birds. The Onagadori has a recessive gene which prevents it moulting each year in the usual way and gives the male incredibly long tail feathers, which can exceed six metres in length. This gene was not passed on to the Phoenix which, although has beautifully long tail feathers, does not reach the lengths of the Japanese stock. The Phoenix is an alert breed with a pheasant like appearance which thrives best when free ranging. The chicks are hardy but require extra protein when their tails are growing. UK lines of Gold and Silver Duckwing, and Partridge were imported in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 1.36-2.04kg; Female 1.13-1.81kg.

Photo courtesy of J.T Dale

POLISH (INC FRIZZLED)

WATCH

Origin: Eastern Europe
Classification: Light
Uses: Exhibition, Eggs
Egg Colours: White
Comb: Horn type and very small if any. Preference given to no comb
About: This ancient breed is of uncertain ancestry although poultry historians believe the Polish chickens were brought from Spain to Holland when the Spaniards occupied the Lowlands. Credit is given to the Dutch for refining the colour patterns and developing the crests. Varieties may be smooth faced, muffled or bearded. The white crested varieties must be smooth without muffling, the laced varieties must be bearded and muffled and all other varieties may be muffled, bearded or smooth faced. Their full crests can make them easily surprised and tending towards the timid side as well as being more prone to attack from aerial predators. The hens are productive egg layers.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 2.70-3.20kgg; Female 2.00-2.50kg.

QUAMBY (NON APS; BREED SUBMISSION MADE)

OF CONCERN

Origin: Tasmania, Australia
Classification:
Uses: Eggs, Table
Comb: Single
About:  Retired biochemist Dr Gil Stokes spent seven years developing the Quamby - a dual-purpose chook from the English Sussex and New Hampshire breeds. The Hampbar is not yet not formally recognised although a submission has been made for APS recognition; it is included on the 2024 RBTA list pending recognition. The Quamby hen can lay up to 300 eggs a year and roosters are good eating even at 10 months of age. Dr Stokes describes the Quamby as a very gregarious bird that forages well, is not flighty, and enjoys human interaction. Dr Stokes named it the Quamby from the rocky outcrop of Quamby Bluff, near his Tasmanian farm. The Quamby became available in 2019. More information on the development of the Quamby at:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-19/one-mans-mission-to-bring-back-the-backyard-chook-breed/11713888

REDCAP

OF CONCERN

Origin: Derbyshire, England
Classification: Light
Uses: Eggs, Table
Egg Colour: White
Comb: Large, Rose-shaped comb, giving the bird it's name
About: Also known as the Derbyshire Redcap, this breed is a native, English breed that have always been a barnyard type fowl, being popular on farms until the mid 20th Century. The Redcap is a dual-purpose bird being used for egg and meat production. The hen lays white eggs, which is unusual for a bird with red ear lobes. This is unique as most birds that lay white eggs have white ear lobes. Redcaps are a hardy, active breed that do well in free range conditions. Redcap chicks hatch with a Mahogany coloured down with a dark stripe and do not reveal their full colour until their second or third year. Introduced into Australia in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: No
Large weight: Male 2.70-2.95kg Young Male 2.50-2.70kg; Female 2.25-2.50kg Young Female 2.00-2.25kg. 

Photo courtesy of Jill Weaver.

SCOTS DUMPY

CRITICAL

SCOTS GREY

OF CONCERN

Origin: Scotland
Classification: Light
Uses: Eggs, Meat
Egg Colour: Off White
Comb: Single, bright red
Facts: The Scots Grey, formerly the Scotch Grey, is a breed of chicken from Scotland, where it has been bred for over two hundred years. It is a tall, upright chicken that is active and does well under free range conditions. It is hardy and forages well, but may become destructive in confined conditions. Hens are not inclined to go broody and are usually darker in plumage than the males. Recreated in Australia; new lines introduced in 2014.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.20kg; Female 2.50kg.

Scots Grey bred by Cynthia Andrews. Photo courtesy of Sarah Burgess

SICILIAN BUTTERCUP

OF CONCERN

Origin: Mediterranean, Sicily, Italy
Classification: Light
Uses: Eggs, Exhibition
Egg Colour: White
Comb: Saucer shaped cup, beginning at the base of the beak with a single leader and joined to a cup-shaped crown, set firmly on the centre of the skull, surmounted with well-defined and regular points, of medium size and fine texture, free from obvious spikes in the centre or cavity.
About: The Sicilian Buttercup breed is unique on account of its saucer-shaped cup comb. Buttercups were first imported into the United Kingdom before the First World War and they came to Australia between the wars. The breed is known to mature early but the comb takes longer to develop. The birds are active, tending towards wild in nature and are happy in warm climates but tend to suffer frostbite in colder areas. The breed is very rare and seldom seen on the show bench. 
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 2.70-3.20kg; Female 2.25-2.70kg.

SICILIANA

OF CONCERN

Origin: Italy
Classification: Light
Uses: Eggs
Egg colour: White
Comb: Cup shape from two parts joined at the front and preferably also at the back, preferably with five well-defined points on each side.
About: The Siciliana is an ancient Italian breed from the Mediterranean island of Sicily. It is notable for its unusual double or rose comb, for the early age at which birds reach maturity, and for the unusual tapered shape of the eggs. The Sicilian Buttercup bred in Australia, Great Britain and the North America, derives from it, but its long separation from the original stock has led to marked differences between the two. The Siciliana matures early. Male chicks may begin to crow at four weeks and display sexual behaviour at 40 days. Pullets begin laying at four or five months. Introduced into Australia in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: No
Large weight: Male 2.5kg; Female 2.0kg.

SPANISH

OF CONCERN

Origin: Spain
Classification: Light
Uses: Eggs
Egg Colour: White
Comb: Single, red, erect and straight, firm at the base but rather thin at the edge
About: The Spanish breed originated in Spain but was very popular in Britain in the mid nineteenth century, and from around 1825 to 1895 was one of the best known breeds in the United States of America. It was highly regarded as an abundant layer of large, white eggs. Aristocratic in looks, this breed is set apart by its deep, broad white ear lobes and white on its face. Unfortunately breeders began to place more emphasis on breeding for the white face and a loss of hardiness was observed. It wasn't long before the hardier breeds became more popular and the Spanish numbers began to decline. The Breed is considered active, noisy and curious.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 2.95-3.40kg; Female 2.50-2.95kg.

SULTAN

OF CONCERN

Origin: Turkey
Classification: Light
Uses: Exhibition
Egg Colour: White
Comb: Very small, consisting of two spikes only, almost hidden by crest
About: The Sultan is an ornamental breed, first found strutting around the Sultan of Constantinople's palace garden. It has been a rare breed since 1854 when some arrived in England, sent to the editor of The Poultry Chronicle, Mrs Elizabeth Watts, by a friend in Constantinople. Legend has it that Sultan chickens were used as living ornaments in the gardens of the Sultans. The breed is unique in that it has more distinguishing features than any other breed, having a V-shped comb, crest, beard muffs, large nostrils,wings carried low, vulture hocks, feathered shanks and toes and five toes on each foot. Sultans are pure white in colour with blue shanks and toes. They are said to be tame and content birds, happier to eat grains and insects than vegetables. The breed is extremely rare in Australia.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 2.70g; Female 2.00kg.

TRANSYLVANIAN NAKED NECK

OF CONCERN

Origin: Europe, Hungary
Classification: Heavy
Uses: Table, Eggs
Egg Colour: Tinted
Comb: Medium, single, straight and erect, with well formed spikes
About:  One of the most unusual looking breeds, the Transylvanian Naked Neck's neck and face are completely devoid of feathers. Although originating in Hungary, it was in Germany that the breed was perfected and the lack of feathering is a dominant gene. The bird has half the number of feathers of other birds making it easier to pluck and more popular as a table bird. They are hardy, vigorous birds with long, elongated bodies and are currently one of the main breeds of the French broiler industry. Easy to tame, they are placid, calm birds and are happy to free range or to be confined, with their weight restricting their flight. The hens are good layers of tinted eggs. Care needs to be taken in colder climates due to the lack of feathering. UK lines of the Black Transylvanian Nake Neck were introduced in 2016.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.60-4.55kg; Female 2.70-3.60kg.

VORWERK

OF CONCERN

Origin: Germany
Classification: Light
Uses: Table, Eggs
Egg Colour: Cream to Tinted
Comb: Medium size, single, serrated
About: The Vorwerk originates from Hamburg, Germany and was developed around 1900 by Oscar Vorwerk who gave his name to the breed. It has the same belted pattern as the Lakenvelder only with buff replacing the white. They are thought to have been developed from the Lakenvelders, Orpingtons, Ramelslohers and Andalusians and were first shown in 1912. They are good utility birds, powerful and compact with broad backs and a deep, rounded breast. They were nearly lost altogether after the Second World War and are still considered rare. The breed is hardy, adaptable, alert and active with an economical appetite. The hens are good layers of cream coloured eggs. Introduced into Australia in 2015.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 2.50-3.20kg; Female 2.00-2.50kg.

WELBAR
(BREED RECOGNISED IN BRITISH POULTRY STANDARDS; NOT AN APS BREED)

OF CONCERN

Origin: England
Classification: Light
Uses: Table, Eggs
Egg colour: Brown
Comb: Single
About:  The Welbar was developed as an autosexing breed by H. Humphreys of Eastwrey, Devon in the 1940’s. The breeding programme used the Welsummer and the Barred Plymouth Rock.  Both gold and silver varieties were developed and it was the silver variety that was described in the standard. The Welbar is an active, upright breed. The Welbar is similar in appearance to other autosexing breeds with the cocks having the characteristic ‘crele’ plumage pattern. The hens look like barred Welsummers. A small number of Welbars are in Australia, althought not recognised as an exhibition breed in the APS. The British Standard does not recognise a Bantam form. 
Large weight: Male 2.95-3.40kg; Female 2.25-2.70kg.
 

WELSUMMER

OF CONCERN

Origin: The Netherlands
Classification: Light
Uses: Eggs, Table
Egg Colour: Brown
Comb: Medium size, upright, firm upright and free from any twists or excess around the nostrils. Five to seven even serrations.
About: The Welsummer was named after the town of its origin, Welsum, in The Netherlands, and has much diversity in its pedigree including the Cochin, Partridge Wyandotte, Partridge Leghorn, Barnevelder and Rhode Island Red. It is a true dual purpose bird producing good meat and large, rich brown eggs, which are sometimes mottled with dark brown spots. They are friendly, easily handled birds who love to free range and forage but are also happy confined in runs. The chicks are strong and easily sexed as the females have much darker head and back markings than the males. UK lines of Welsummer were introduced in 2015.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.30kg Young Male 2.70kg; Female 2.70kg Young Female 2.00-2.25kg. 

Photo courtesy Andrew Brown

YOKOHAMA

CRITICAL

Origin: Japan and then Europe
Classification: Light
Uses: Exhibition
Egg Colour: White and Tinted
Comb: Walnut, Medium sized
Facts: The Yokohama was developed in Germany from Japanese ancestral stock in common with the Phoenix. A stunning looking bird, the breed is characterised by its pheasant shaped body, extremely long tail feathers and profuse side hangers. The tail is carried low in a graceful arch. Yokohamas have been known to have tails measuring over one metre in length, which is small compared to their ancestors, who were said to have tails up to twenty-seven feet long. The saddle hackles are also long and abundant, often trailing on the ground in mature males. Imported from Japan to Paris in 1864, the Japanese Long-Tails were named Yokohama after the port city, rather than Minohiki, their breed name in Japan. Some were imported to Germany but of the two shipments, only males survived the trip, necessitating out-crossing to Malay, Phoenix, Common Game and later Sumatra to reinvigorate the breed. The Yokohama is an alert breed and thrives on large estates where they can wander at large. The hens are not known as good layers and tend to go broody after a small number of eggs. The chicks are hardy but require extra protein while their tails are growing.
APS recognised Bantam form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 1.8-2.27kg; Female 1.00-1.50kg

Photo courtesy of Hagen Graebner

AUSTRALIAN BREED

BREED SUMMARY

AUSTRALIAN LANGSHAN

Breed not rare

Origin: Australia
Classification: Heavy
Uses: Eggs, Exhibition
Egg colour: Brown
Comb: Single upright
About: The Australian Langshan was developed in Australia during the early 20th century from  Croad Langshan, Orpington, Chinese Langshan and Modern Langshan. Whilst the breed at the breed level is not rare, Blue and White varieties are rare. The Australian Langshan  does consistently well at poultry shows with high standards achieved by dedicated breeders. One of the most popular breeds in Australia. Whilst the breed at the breed level is not rare, Blue and White varieties are rare.
Recognised APS Bantam Form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 2.7-3.20kg Young Male 2.25-2.70kg; Female 2.25-2.70kg Young Female 1.80-2.25kg

AUSTRALORP

Breed not rare

Origin: Australia
Classification: Heavy
Uses: Eggs, Exhibition
Egg colour: Tinted or Brown
Comb: Single upright
About: The Australorp was selectively bred in Australia in the early 1900s from the imported Black Orpingtons of the UK breeders William Cook and Joseph Partington. Some crossing with good egg laying breeds such as the Chinese Langshan took place to increase the levels of egg production.  One of these early birds produced 364 eggs in 365 days in the 1920s, although modern, non-utility strain Australorps do not lay to this level. Friendly, easy going and docile. Whilst the breed at the breed level is not rare, Blue and White varieties are rare.
Recognised APS Bantam Form?: Yes
Large weight: Male 3.60-4.10kg Young Male 3.20-3.60kg; Female 2.75-3.20kg Young Female 2.25-2.75kg.

QUAMBY (NON APS. BREED SUBMISSION MADE)

OF CONCERN