Enjoy Heritage Chickens

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While very little is known of the Java’s ancestry, the Java itself has played a significant role in the development of more modern breeds of poultry. Javas were used in the creation of the Jersey Giant — America’s largest breed of chicken and one that eventually took over the Java’s niche of meat production. Javas also may have been used in the creation of Rhode Island Reds, as both breeds share an especially long body with a full, well-fleshed breast. White Javas are said to be the basis for White Plymouth Rocks, and were so similar in appearance that eventually breeders had a very hard time telling them apart.

Monte Bowen, a Java breeder in Plevna, Kan., says that “Javas are good foragers, and the hens are excellent brood hens and mothers. They are gentle and patient in disposition.” Bowen has been influential in cultivating Black and Mottled Javas. Java pullets may start laying at 5 months of age, early for heavy fowl. “Not fantastic, but overall laying quality of the Java is, to me, good for a heavy breed of fowl,” Bowen says.

The Java is a premier homesteading fowl, because it has the ability to forage for a large percentage of its feed. Javas come in three colors: black, white and mottled (black background with white splashes). All three varieties excel as very trouble-free chickens. They grow more slowly than today’s industrial chickens, but are much more self-sufficient. When allowed to roam, the Java will lay a fair number of large brown eggs on very little feed. With their good temperaments, hardiness and a good dose of self-sufficiency, this is an excellent breed for those new to raising chickens.

BUCKEYES

From the “Buckeye State” of Ohio, Buckeyes were developed by Nettie Metcalf of Warren, Ohio. She wanted a cold-tolerant and active fowl that could withstand the frosty Ohio winters, so she mated a Buff Cochin rooster with some Barred Plymouth Rock hens to produce what she reportedly thought of as “a large, lazy fowl.”

She added liveliness by introducing some Black-breasted Red Game roosters, and some of the resulting chicks grew red feathers when they matured. This was notable since red fowl had not previously been seen in that part of the country. By 1896, Metcalf was consistently producing chickens with a deep, lustrous red plumage that is the hallmark of the breed today.

The Buckeye retains the stocky shape of its Game chicken ancestors, which makes it a good bird for producing meat. This Game chicken background also may account for the breed’s assertive nature, making them very confident around people. The Buckeyes have stout muscular thighs, and a broad, well-rounded breast.

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