The Nankin

Nankin Chicken

My Brother Zayne once adopted a small chick from the feed store. This chick grew up into the most personable pet one could ask for. But no one knew what he was? Zayne took him to a local poultry show as a showmanship bird. The judge awarded "Orange Juice" with the
Nankin - Best of Breed Award! Astonished to find that Zayne’s little friend was an endangered specimen we went into a frenzy to find the perfect fowl to start our preservation/breeding program. Now, with a fine flock, we can offer to the public:
Nankins.

What is a Nankin? The Nankin is an ancient breed of fowl that is known as the oldest bantam breed. The bird’s initial point of origin is obscured in history going back beyond all known records. Once a popular and numerous breed in England, the Nankin began its decline in numbers during the “hen–fever” craze of the mid–1800’s when chicken fanciers shifted their attention to the creation of fancy and exotic breeds. The Nankin did retain an important role and was used in the development of numerous bantam breeds, such as the Sebright. However, what saved this breed from total extinction was their uncanny mothering ability. Usefulness as a brood chicken -Nankins were kept on game farms in England to raise partridges.

Nankins are known for the rich chestnut color of their bodies. The hens are a light chestnut color with the end of the tail feathers being black. The males tend to be darker in color with black tail and black flight feathers. The breed can be found with rose combs or single combs, with both varieties having bright red wattles, faces, and earlobes. Legs should be slate blue.

Nankins have a calm disposition and a likeable personality. An unusual behavioral characteristic of Nankins is their tendency to stay very close together as a group with individuals rarely wandering far from the rest of the flock. This behavior serves them as a defense mechanism, especially when they are kept along with larger fowl. The diminutive Nankin cannot compete for food with bigger chicken breeds living in the same area so they tend to wander on the outermost edges of a foraging territory. By grouping together, their chances for survival greatly improve. My Brother and I have fallen in love with this personable fearless fowl. They are highly recommended for beginners, 4H showmanship birds, and even the seasoned showman. Contact My Brother for more information on this WONDERFUL Endangered Breed.

Note: You may have noticed that Orange Juice has white cheeks. This should actually disqualify him from showing, so he is not used in our breeding program. We're also sad that Orange Juice was recently involved in an accident that took his life. He will always have a special place in our hearts at the top of the list of pet chickens!