standard breed · USA
Delaware
A conservation-priority American breed that briefly dominated mid-20th-century broiler markets. Mellow temperament, fast feathering, and reliable year-round egg production.
| Size class | standard |
|---|---|
| Weight (hen) | 6.5 lb (2.95 kg) |
| Weight (rooster) | 8.5 lb (3.86 kg) |
| Eggs per year | 240 |
| Egg color | brown |
| Egg size | large |
| Climate tolerance | All climates |
| Temperament | calm |
| Goes broody | rarely |
| Noise level | moderate |
| Beginner-friendly | Yes |
| Origin | USA |
Is the Delaware right for your flock?
The Delaware is a standard breed that's well-suited to first-time keepers. Hens lay around 240 brown eggs per year and tolerate most climates well.
Temperament: calm. Broodiness: rarely. Noise level: moderate.
What this breed needs
- Coop space: about 4 sq ft per bird inside the coop. Run the numbers for your specific flock size in the coop size calculator.
- Climate fit: adapts to a wide range of climates with no special accommodations.
- Eggs: a steady, reliable producer — a good general-purpose layer.