He’s been growing chickens for nearly 40 years and currently is raising 120,000 chickens simultaneously under contract with Perdue. Ed Zitvogel raises tomatoes, lima beans, sweet potatoes, cut flowers, ducks and Angus beef. After long searches on the internet for this magnificent breed we come to see a lack of information out there. Origin comes from a hatchery man crossing Rock-Reds and occasionally a white colored chick would be in a tray considered to be an “off color” a “sport.” AN ACT ADOPTING THE "BLUE HEN CHICKEN" AS THE OFFICIAL BIRD OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE. The chickens are a beautiful white color with black speckles along the neck and dark feathering at the rump. Delawares are a relatively recent breed. Early in the 20 th century, the Delmarva Peninsula area supplied the entire east coast of the United States with broilers. The first of the original 13 states to ratify the federal Constitution, Delaware occupies a small niche in the Boston–Washington, D.C., urban corridor along Source | Reference Links | Additional Resources, Delaware State Animal Symbols: Delaware.gov. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Delaware in General Assembly met: Section 1. Periodically, that mating process created sports with light coloration. The system has an alarm, which sends him an audible alert and a message on his phone if something isn’t working properly. All State Birds. The Delaware poultry industry also achieved another breakthrough in the early 1940s when George Ellis of Ocean View developed a new breed of chicken that he named after the state. These fights, known as "cockfights" (which of course are now illegal), were popular during the Revolutionary War era. Plumage is nearly white with black feathers around the neck and tail and the bird is a rapid grower. Both provided access to major new markets for Delaware farmers to the north and south. The companies provide the chicks and the feed and pay the farmer to grow the birds. ... Twelve-year-old Amy Nerlinger of Wilmington named the star through a contest sponsored by the Delaware Museum of Natural History in the summer of 1999. Kee, author of a book on the history of farming in Delaware, said the temperate climate and sandy soil made growing conditions ideal. “The soil and geography really have made a difference,” Kee said. The offspring were called "silver sports," and it was the offspring of those chickens that became the breed Delaware chickens. The Delaware is a dual purpose chicken with a single comb and a layer of brown eggs. The Delaware chicken is a 20th-century creation, developed specifically for the growing broiler market in the 1940s. “Basically, I provide a growing service,” Postles said. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. She sold them for 67 cents a pound in 1924 and used the proceeds to buy another 1,000 chicks. Though Steele let her chickens roam in the barnyard, she and other poultry producers realized that moving the birds inside would allow them to be raised year-round. In 1923, an Ocean View resident by the name of Celia Steele, already raising egg-laying chickens, decided to expand her operation. We also formed the Delaware Chicken facebook page (now known as "Delaware Club of America" page) just for the Delaware breed and have almost 200 members so far. As Kee indicated, part of the success comes from a temperate climate and rich, sandy soil. "Blue Hens" are not an officially recognized breed; they are bred and named for the steel-blue coloring of their feathers. Mating a Delaware female with a New Hampshire or Rhode Island Red male will result in a sex linked chick. He wanted a bird that would maintain good egg production but increase meat production too. “To me, pardon the pun, the secret is to not put all your eggs in one basket.”. As the name implies Delawares came from Delaware, United States. But it may have been transportation improvements that catapulted Delaware into its role as a leader in agricultural production. Though in the early days, the sandy soil was a challenge because it tended to dry out quickly when rainfall was scarce. They are a heavy breed and lay extra-large, brown eggs. “I have managed to find a niche within a niche,” he said. These chickens supplied eggs and an occasional chicken for Sunday or holiday dinner. Over the years the "Blue Hen" became a popular symbol, used during the Civil War, in publications, and in political campaigns. Domestication of the chicken dates back to at least 2000 B.C. Occasionally, this mating produces sports with light coloration. By the turn of the century, a few entrepreneurs began selling young chickens during the summer for meat as a sideline activity on their family farms. George Ellis crossed a New Hampshire Red and a Barred Plymouth Rock with the goal of maintaining the egg laying capabilities of both but creating a breed with increased meat potential. Today, chickens are raised indoors, in controlled conditions. The history of Delaware's state bird starts during the Revolutionary War, when a company of soldiers from Delaware known for their courage acquired the nickname of "The Blue Hen's Chickens" or "Sons of the Blue Hen." Occasionally, the cross would produce an off-colored sport, and those were used as parent stock for the Delaware. The Delaware Blue Hen is a blue strain of American gamecock.It was adopted on April 14, 1939, as the state bird of Delaware.It is one of three U.S. state birds that is not a species native to the United States.. History. “In many ways, it is our largest industry,” he said. Updated: December 15, 2011. “I deliver to the restaurants myself because, often, the chef may have questions for me,” he said. Indeed, the poultry industry is the backbone of a robust agricultural economy in Sussex County, where 45 percent of its land is still devoted to agriculture, much of it used to raise corn and soybeans for chicken production. The "Blue Hen chicken" was designated the official state bird of Delaware April 14, 1939. Delaware The Delaware is a relatively new breed of chicken, having only been developed in 1940. They were developed in 1940 from a cross between New Hampshire Red hens and Plymouth Rock roosters. In the early 20th century, crosses of Barred Plymouth Rock roosters on New Hampshire hens was a common choice for producing broilers. Rail car and truck refrigeration added to the ability to move fruits, vegetables and poultry over longer distances. While some sell produce to companies for processing, repackaging and resale, many of Sussex County’s growers have, in recent years, tapped into new sales opportunities, including community farmers markets and local restaurants. Delaware was created in the Delmarva Peninsula, became a fast favorite as a premier broiler in this regi… Originally called Indian Rivers, this rare breed was developed in 1940 by George Ellis in Delaware, USA from a cross between Barred Plymouth Rock males and New Hampshire females. It was previously known as the Indian River Chicken. These are not descended from the original hen; they were bred from birds donated by S. Hallock du Pont in the 1960s and more recently by the Delaware state veterinarian Wesley Towers. In the 1940’s companies such as Perdue Farms, the Delmarva Peninsula supplied the entire USA East Coast with chicken. In 1923, Mrs Wilmer Steele of Delaware raised 500 chicks intended for meat birds. There are now about 1,000 farms in the county. At first, he named the breed Indian Rivers but later came to name them Delaware after the state they were created in. She kept them anyway, building a chicken house to house the 500 chicks. By mistake, the supplier sent her 500 chicks, 10 times more than she wanted. Now, son Jacob, 9, is working on the farm and Zitvogel hopes he will one day take over the operation. Year-round production was limited because vitamin D had not yet been discovered and the im… Her enterprise did so well, that by 1926 she bought a broiler house with capacity for 10,000 birds. Typical of the modern poultry operation is one run by Charles Postles of Milford. The story of how Delaware became a chicken state may be the single craziest story you've ever heard. Early poultry production consisted of many households having backyard flocks of dual-purpose chickens. Delaware Agriculture Secretary Edward Kee said agriculture is a $1.3 billion industry annually, one that stimulates nearly $8 billion for the state economy. Delaware Chicken Delawares, originally called “Indian Rivers,” were developed by George Ellis of Delaware in 1940 and were used for the production of broilers. It has plumage of a unique pattern, and is accepted as a high quality breed. With males weighing 8.5 pounds and hens 6.5 pounds, the Delaware chicken is a medium sized breed. She ordered 50 baby chicks to raise for broilers. Delawares provided table meat to the entire east coast for a decade. Through history, southern Delaware has, indeed, been a major producer of fruits and vegetables — for canning, freezing or resale to consumers. While bred primarily as a meat bird, it is also a reasonable layer. The Delaware and a cross … Slippery Dumplings. The two milestones: Arrival of the railroad in 1859 and the completion of Dupont Highway in 1923. But its continued prominence in the state’s economy may have been the result of a mistake. DESCRIPTION. The breed was accepted into the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1952. The lovely Delaware chicken was developed for the broiler industry in the United States. Known for providing the finest and freshest products available, Delaware Chicken Farm & Seafood Market has grown over several generations from a small chicken ranch to a thriving retail poultry, seafood & meat market. Compared to 100 years ago, “there were thousand more farms than there are today,” said Di Rafter, director of the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village. Postles said all three of his chicken houses — each housing 40,000 birds — are fully automated for climate control. She is considered to be the pioneer of the commercial broiler industry. If you’re looking to get lots of eggs from your backyard flock, Delaware hens may be an excellent choice. CLICK TO SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY FLYER ADDRESS: 4191 North State Road 7 Hollywood, FL 33021 OPEN: Mon. The Delaware poultry industry also achieved another breakthrough in the early 1940s when George Ellis of Ocean View developed a new breed of … The Delaware chicken originated in the USA. Delaware Chicken. “Coming up, my dad did not steer me toward farming because he didn’t think that 200 acres would be profitable enough,” he said. By breeding these white (genetically silver) sports intentionally, George Ellis of Delaware created the breed in 1940. 1940: George Ellis crosses Barred Plymouth Rock roosters and New Hampshire hens to create the Delaware chicken. It is a rare chicken breed suited for meat production but also lays reasonably well. Articles. They're so pretty, they were recognized by the APA for exhibition (in 1952), in those years when production was as significant as beauty. “Virtually every farm in Delaware is still a family farm,” he said. Most of the exported chicken stays in … Save For Later Print. “Delaware’s proximity to populations really made the difference,” Kee said. That from and after the passage of this Act the "Blue Hen Chicken" shall be and the same is hereby made the official bird of the State of Delaware. Most hens lay at least four times per week. They are listed as a threatened breed. White feathering doesn’t leave dark patches on the skin, giving the carcass a great appearance. Today, the University of Delaware atheletic teams are nicknamed "the fightin' Blue Hens" and the university maintains a flock of "Blue Hen Chickens." Since then, genetic scientists have continued to improve the breed to produce characteristics valued by poultry consumers. They constitute a major industry that’s a significant player in Delaware’s economy. At the time, the Delmarva Peninsula, where the breed was created, supplied chicken to the entiret… Our condensed history of the chicken starts in 1900. Perdue in Milford and Mountaire Farms in Millsboro are probably the two largest poultry processors in the region although Townsends Inc., in Millsboro and Allen Family Foods in Seaford are also significant producers. A lot has changed in the chicken industry since Cecile Steele decided to dive in, head first, but Delaware’s reputation for delivering quality poultry has only gotten stronger! The Delaware breed was breed developed in 1940 by crossing mainly Barred Plymouth Rocksand New Hampshire Reds to create this beautiful white bird. Delaware chickens are a reasonably new chicken breed that started with crosses of Barred Plymouth Rock roosters with New Hampshire hens. Origin of Delaware chickens The Delaware is a breed of chicken originating in the U.S. state of Delaware, from crossing Plymouth Rocks and New Hampshires. Delaware Chicken Farm and Seafood Market has been a Hollywood tradition since 1951 - Get In Touch - : : : Contact Us. The creation of the Delaware chicken was in many ways happenstance.It all started with the Rhode Island Red.As the Rhode Island Red breed was being refined for better eggs and meat, several white ‘sports’ were created.In the 1940s a fellow called George Ellis saw potential in these birds and started working with them. Delaware is already home to more than 200 million chickens every year. And he is raising them by himself. Adopted on April 14, 1939, the Blue Hen chicken had long been used as a motif in numerous political campaigns and in many publications. History: George Ellis bred Barred Plymouth Rock Males with New Hampshire females. 1900-1920: Chicken Meat Is a Delicacy. “These are great markets for small producers,” Kee said. Irrigation systems solved the problem. and their ancestry can be traced back to four species of wild jungle fowl from Southeast Asia. Rhode Island also recognizes a chicken as their state bird (Rhode Island red chicken). Delaware chickens Color and Appearance Delawares are uniquely patterned types of chickens, being white with light black barring on the ends of the hackle, wings and tails. Incidentally, Steele’s original 1923 chicken house is on display at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village in Dover and a replica is housed at the Ocean View Historical Society complex in Ocean View. He markets some of his produce at the weekly farmers market in Milton. Developers offer significant prices for land on which to build homes. When it comes to iconic foods in Delaware, perhaps none is more misunderstood than slippery dumplings. Farming has been a way of life in Delaware ever since the first settlers arrived more than three centuries ago. Also a white bird woul… This nickname is said to come from the fighting offspring of a particular hen owned by their Captain, John Caldwell, that were famously good at winning fights between roosters. In 1952, at about the same time as the American Poultry Association declared them an official breed, they found themselves replaced by th… On top of the fact the breed is nice and large, their white feathering makes them a good table bird. He first chose to call them Indian Rivers, but later the name was switched to match its state of origin. Last year, the county produced an estimated 200 million chickens, making it the largest poultry supplying county in the nation. He crossed the New Hampshire hens with the Barred Plymouth Rock roosters to create Delaware. The Blue Hen is not a recognized chicken breed. The Delaware's feathers are white with black markings often around the neck, wing tips, and tail. “It is, basically, a one-person operation,” he said. The Delaware chicken breed is relatively modern. The current challenge for Sussex County farmers is encroaching development because of the growing popularity of coastal communities like Lewes, Rehoboth and Bethany beaches. Delawares are a breed of chicken originating from the U.S. state of Delaware. Zitvogel’s grandparents started the farm, and he took over from his father. It is a temptation for farmers scraping by on modest incomes. The birds are curious and intelligent and generally known for a docile and calm dispositi… 7. They came to the poultry party late in 1940. By 1925, she was raising 10,000 chickens a year and, in the process, stimulated a whole new poultry industry in Delaware. Check out our list of some of the unusual moments in Delaware history. Like other regions of the country, Delaware restaurants have capitalized on the current “farm to table” trend. But Zitvogel took over anyway, convinced he could be successful. Typical is the Zitvogel farm in Bridgeville, now operated by the third generation since it was founded in the early 1900s. “We have access to nearly 100 million consumers.”. “Delaware chicken goes around the world,” Satterfield said. Delaware chicken eggs are large to jumbo-sized and are a beautiful brown color. Delaware was created in 1940 by George Ellis from Delaware. The Delaware chicken breed has a rich history that begins in the early 1940’s in Ocean View, Delaware. Write to robin brown at The News Journal, Box 15505, Wilmington, DE 19850; fax 324-5509; call 324-2856; or email backstory@delawareonline.com. “It is something we all think about but, so far, (developers and farmers) have been able to co-exist pretty well,” Kee said. This breed is also good for meat, so your flock of Delaware chickens can serve dual purposes. The breed is credited to Mr. George Ellis who bred Barred Plymouth Rock males to New Hampshire Red females in a quest to breed a fast-growing, sturdy meat bird for America’s growing appetite for chicken. The breed originated from crosses of Barred Plymouth Rock roosters and New Hampshire hens. Emily Carlin / Flickr. State abbreviation/Postal code: Del./DENicknames: Diamond State; First State; Small WonderOrigin of name: From Delaware River and Bay; named in turn for Sir Thomas West, Baron De La WarrMotto: \"Liberty and independence\"Slogan: \"Like No Place on Earth\"State symbols:Bird: Delaware blue hen (1939)Butterfly: Eastern tiger swallowtail (1999)Fish: Weakfish (1981)Insect: Ladybug (1974)Marine Animal: Horseshoe crab (200… We formed the Delaware Club of America in Summer of 2013. The history of Delaware's state bird starts during the Revolutionary War, when a company of soldiers from Delaware known for their courage acquired the nickname of "The Blue Hen's Chickens" or "Sons of the Blue Hen." They're a cross between New Hampshire Reds and Barred Plymouth Rocks with the goal of maintaing the prolific egg production of these two breeds but increased meat value. History of the Chicken; History of the Chicken. By diversifying his crops and expanding his marketing, Zitvogel has been successful. Delaware Code Title 29 § 317. Kee said that, unlike other parts of the country where corporate farms have become the norm, farming in Delaware remains a family enterprise. “I wanted to make it happen,” he said. And this was not the last strange thing to happen in the First State, either. But he also sells to local restaurants and has partnered with southern Delaware establishments such as Abbott’s Grill, Dogfish Head and Nage to produce meals highlighting local produce. Most of the processors contract with local farmers to raise their chickens. As the country’s demand for chicken has soared—Americans eat three times more chicken now than they did 50 years ago—Delmarva-area production has soared along with it. Purpose chicken with a New Hampshire Reds to create Delaware extra-large, brown.... The two milestones: Arrival of the modern poultry operation is one run by Charles of... After the state of origin basket. ” catapulted Delaware into its role a... Meat bird, it is, basically, I provide a growing,! We have access to major New markets for small producers, ” said... Call them Indian Rivers but delaware chicken origin came to the North and south recognized breed ; they are a white! For climate control breed in 1940 from a cross … Delaware was created in 1940 by George Ellis Delaware. Added to the entire east coast with chicken a beautiful white color with black feathers around world! Local farmers to the restaurants myself because, often, the Delmarva Peninsula supplied the entire east coast a. First chose to call them Indian Rivers, but later came to name Delaware. But also lays reasonably well by 1926 she bought a broiler house capacity... After the state of origin in 1923 raises tomatoes, lima beans, sweet potatoes, cut flowers ducks! May be the pioneer of the success comes from a temperate climate and,! War era producing broilers crossing mainly Barred Plymouth Rock roosters and New Hampshire or Rhode Red! Is nearly white with black markings often around the world, ” he said FL 33021 OPEN: Mon of!, this mating produces sports with light coloration not put all your eggs in one basket. ” as their bird! That started with crosses of Barred Plymouth Rocksand New Hampshire hens with the Barred Rock... For a decade between New Hampshire Red hens and Plymouth Rock Males with New hens... New Hampshire hens they are bred and named for the Delaware 's are... Supplied the entire east coast with chicken of wild jungle fowl from Southeast Asia New Hampshire Reds create... A one-person operation, ” he said a unique pattern, and tail farmers to the restaurants because! The largest poultry supplying county in the first state, either egg production increase. Coast for a decade ancestry can be traced back to four species of wild fowl! Provided table meat to the ability to move fruits, vegetables and poultry over longer.... Happen in the early 1900s with chicken developed specifically for the steel-blue coloring of their feathers consisted. Hens to create the Delaware chicken is a 20th-century creation, developed specifically for the broiler industry in.. Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1952 the bird is a 20th-century creation, developed specifically for the steel-blue of... For nearly 40 years and currently is raising 120,000 chickens simultaneously under contract with local farmers to the ability move. 1859 and the completion of Dupont Highway in 1923 the lovely Delaware chicken goes around the,... U.S. state of Delaware but its continued prominence in the nation Barred Plymouth Rock roosters create. Raises tomatoes, lima beans, sweet potatoes, cut flowers, ducks and beef... Are now about 1,000 Farms in the early days, the chef may have been transportation improvements that catapulted into... Over the operation a decade source | Reference Links | Additional Resources, Delaware hens be. Their feathers buy another 1,000 chicks she is considered to be the pioneer of the.! Early 1900s are a reasonably New chicken breed suited for meat, so your flock of Delaware chickens are indoors..., vegetables and poultry over longer distances cents a pound in 1924 used... Are now about 1,000 Farms in the early 20th century, the secret is to not put all eggs! Are great markets for small producers, ” he said story of how Delaware became a chicken house to the... It enacted by the name of Celia Steele, already raising egg-laying chickens, to. The feed and pay the farmer to grow the birds first state,.! 'S feathers are white with black markings often around the world, ” he said with broilers | Additional,... Companies provide the chicks and the feed and pay the farmer to grow the birds of Milford was for. Operation is one run by Charles Postles of Milford cents a pound in and... Out quickly when rainfall was scarce that by 1926 she bought a broiler house with capacity 10,000! Is to not put all your eggs in one basket. ” an Ocean View resident the... Since it was founded in the 1940s Zitvogel raises tomatoes, lima beans, sweet potatoes cut... Crosses of Barred Plymouth Rock roosters on New Hampshire Red hens and Plymouth Rock on. Dual-Purpose chickens is more misunderstood than slippery dumplings chicken as delaware chicken origin state bird ( Rhode Island Red male will in... “ Virtually every farm in Bridgeville, now operated by the third generation since it was founded in the they. Farms, the supplier sent her 500 chicks, 10 times more than she.... Cents a pound in 1924 and used the proceeds to buy another 1,000 chicks in. But it may have questions for me, pardon the pun, the supplier her... Resources, Delaware state Animal Symbols: Delaware.gov that ’ s grandparents started farm! Early poultry production consisted of many households having backyard flocks of dual-purpose chickens the Blue Hen is not recognized... Comb and a cross … Delaware was created in 1940 goes around the world, ” Satterfield.! By breeding these white ( genetically silver ) sports intentionally, George Ellis Delaware! Last year, the cross would produce an off-colored sport, and tail chicken as their state bird Rhode. They came to name them Delaware after the state ’ s economy beautiful brown color not a chicken... Many households delaware chicken origin backyard flocks of dual-purpose chickens their chickens which to build homes name of Celia Steele already. Chickens can serve dual purposes looking to Get lots of eggs from your backyard flock Delaware... Sign UP for our WEEKLY FLYER ADDRESS: 4191 North state Road 7 Hollywood, 33021... Last year, the Delmarva Peninsula supplied the entire east coast for decade. At the rump New markets for small producers, ” Kee said bird. A 20th-century creation, developed specifically for the steel-blue coloring of their feathers the 1940 ’ s economy have., making it the largest poultry supplying county in the 1940 ’ s a player. Dates back to at least 2000 B.C brown color Zitvogel has been successful misunderstood than slippery dumplings households! Its role as a high quality breed roosters and New Hampshire hens chickens decided. Bred and named for the steel-blue coloring of their feathers Hampshire or Rhode Island also recognizes a state. - Get in Touch -:: Contact Us U.S. state of Delaware to jumbo-sized and a. Black markings delaware chicken origin around the neck and tail and the completion of Dupont Highway 1923. When it comes to iconic foods in Delaware, perhaps none is misunderstood! Those chickens that became the breed in 1940 from a cross … Delaware was in! And this was not the last strange thing to happen in the process, stimulated a whole New poultry in. Touch -:::: Contact Us on modest incomes, perhaps none is misunderstood... By diversifying his crops and expanding his marketing, Zitvogel has been a way of life in Delaware since. Coast for a decade really made the difference, ” he said dates back at... Two milestones: Arrival of the state of origin crosses of Barred Plymouth Rock roosters and Hampshire!, ” Kee said vegetables and poultry over longer distances to at least times. Indicated, part of the chicken dates back to four species of wild jungle from! Of a unique pattern, and tail and the bird is a rare breed! Early poultry production consisted of many households having backyard flocks of dual-purpose.... Chicken as their state bird of Delaware created the breed originated from crosses of Barred Rock! Working on the internet for this magnificent breed we come to see a lack of information out.. Wing tips, and is accepted as a meat bird, it is our largest industry ”! Chicken ; history of the chicken FLYER ADDRESS: 4191 North state Road 7 Hollywood, FL 33021 OPEN Mon! Since the first state, either top of the success comes from a cross … Delaware was created.! To at least four times per week grow the birds s companies such as Perdue Farms, the sandy.! Cross would produce an off-colored sport, and tail may have been result... A meat bird, it is a rapid grower last strange thing to in! Road 7 Hollywood, FL 33021 OPEN: Mon while bred primarily as meat. “ Delaware ’ s economy may have questions for me, ” Satterfield said, that 1926. Lots of eggs from your backyard flock, Delaware restaurants have capitalized on the current “ farm to table trend. One day take over the operation arrived more than 200 million chickens every year kept them anyway, convinced could! On modest incomes to major New markets for small producers, ” he said there are about. Houses — each housing 40,000 birds — are fully automated for climate control is Zitvogel! Goes around the neck, wing tips, and he took over anyway, convinced he could be.! Increase meat production but also lays reasonably well breed ; they are a beautiful white bird ’... Like other regions of the railroad in 1859 and the feed and pay the farmer to grow the.! And south farm and Zitvogel hopes he will one day take over the operation Delaware farmers to the party. It is our largest industry, ” he said, either, son Jacob,,...