ANCONA - The Ancona is Mediterranean in origin, first arriving in Britain around 1850. Legend has it that the breed was one of the 'common fowls of Italy', which may also suggest that it is closely related to the Leghorn. The Ancona is popular in both large and bantam, and available with single or rose comb. The plumage is particularly attractive - pure white 'v' shaped tipping at the end of all feathers, which are black with a lustrous green sheen. The breed is an excellent layer and the birds will become very friendly if quietly handled from an early age.

MINORCA - The Minorca can be traced back in Britain to 1780 but its origins lie in Spain, perhaps originally as the 'Castillian'. The Castillian is the common black fowl of Spain, the name of Minorca being derived from the port from which most of the birds were exported. By selective breeding, the head features of the Minorca became famous during the twentieth century, with the white almond shaped lobes particularly striking. Blacks are the predominant colour, although Blues and Whites are also available, along with a rosecomb version. Noted egg producers, although classified as a 'Light' breed, the weight of the birds can be quite surprising. The Minorca has an excellent temperament and thrives on human contact.

LEGHORN - The Leghorn is the 'common fowl of Italy' and was exported to many countries of the world from the port of Leghorn. The Leghorn was, and still is, a prolific egg layer and the White Leghorn has figured prominently in the modern-day establishment of high egg-producing commercial hybrids. There are many colours standardised in both large fowl and bantam, though the Whites and Blacks are the most popular. The Leghorn is an excellent, striking, competitive breed for anyone, whether your aim is to win 'Best in Show' or to keep the household well supplied with eggs.

WELSUMMER - The Welsummer was imported into the UK from Holland in the 1920s, at a time when dark brown coloured eggs were much in demand. Predominantly a utility breed, the breed is hardy and thrives under free range conditions producing good numbers of its dark brown, 'terracotta flowerpot' coloured eggs. However, although classified as a 'Light' breed and usually very active, their bodies are fairly large and the birds quite docile. Most people consider the colouring very attractive and reminiscent of a traditional 'farmyard' bird. Both large fowl and bantam versions are standardised, and there is also an attractive Silver Duckwing version.

SCOTS GREY - The Scots Grey has inhabited its native country for centuries, roaming around the farmsteads and crofts supplying meat and eggs for all the families. The exact origin of the breed is not known but is probable that they were originally an amalgamation of some of the hardiest and early poultry breeds. The steel grey ground colour with metallic black barring is commendably intricate. Available in large and bantam, the breed unfortunately does not enjoy a large following of breeders, even in Scotland, though it seems destined to be a 'survivor', having already done so for hundreds of years.

HAMBURGH - The name of the Hamburgh goes back to the early 1840s and there appears to be no traceable contact with the city in Germany of the same name. Two of the colours, the blacks and spangles, are accepted to have originated in the English counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire, having various names, hundreds of years ago. The pencilled variety appears to have come from Holland, and the bantam version of the breed was developed later, in the 1900s. The Hamburgh is a graceful fowl and very attractive in all varieties, with the rosecomb and white lobe adding the final touches. The Hamburgh is a prolific layer of white eggs and an excellent forager.

POLAND - The Poland is a very old breed with similar type fowls being mentioned in many books of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Many suggestions are made about the origin, including Russia, Italy, Spain, and the Far East, but the breed was established in Britain during the 1700s and was standardised in 1865. Polands exist in large and bantam, in twelve colour variations, with all of the colours also existing in frizzle feathered form. The most noted feature of the Poland is the crest, which should be as large and globular as possible. The Poland also has a muff and full beard and is a very popular breed.

ARAUCANA - The Araucana arrived in Britain from South America in the 1920s. The Lavender is the most popular colour, although there are many others - all the recognised 'game' colours are in the Standard, and the breed is noted for its unusual 'blue' coloured eggs. The other distinguishing feature is its facial muffing and medium sized crest, together with a strong orange eye and curved beak giving an almost 'eagle like' expression. Many people keep Araucanas just for their blue eggs, especially the egg exhibitors, who use them to help make up plates of 3 distinct colours. The Araucana is an attractive bird to keep in the garden and lays well most of the year.

SILKIE - Silkie type fowls have been noted for centuries, and the origin of the breed is suggested as being in China, Japan, or perhaps India. The breed is well known for two endearing qualities - its soft, silky feathering, and its persistent maternal instinct which makes it an excellent broody. A relatively small fowl, a tiny bantam has been recently created and developed good support. The Silkie has a stylish, compact, and lively demeanour and the mulberry comb, crest, five toes, and feathered legs add to its attractiveness. Like a good wine, they seem to improve with age and are docile whilst being quite hardy.

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