Rainbow Feathers Hatchery - Breeds
CHICKENS
AMERAUCANA
Ameraucanas are friendly, intelligent chickens prized for their beautiful blue eggs, beard and muff feathers, and calm temperament.
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History & Purpose
Ameraucanas were developed in the United States from Araucana bloodlines. They are valued for their blue eggs, unique appearance and friendly personalities.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 180–250 blue eggs yearly
• Reliable consistent layers
• Medium-sized eggs
• Moderate broodiness
Appearance
• Beard and muff feathers
• Pea comb and slate-coloured legs
• Wide range of feather colours
• Elegant medium-sized birds
Temperament & Behaviour
• Calm friendly temperament
• Intelligent and curious
• Good with mixed flocks
• Excellent backyard birds
Sustainability & Care
• Hardy adaptable breed
• Thrive in free-range systems
• Require balanced nutrition and fresh water
• Benefit from clean predator-safe housing
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
AUSTRALORPS
Australorps are calm, hardy and productive layers known for their glossy black plumage and excellent egg production.
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History & Purpose
Developed in Australia in the early 1900s by crossing Orpingtons with Minorcas and other breeds. Bred to be an ideal all-purpose fowl for both meat and egg production.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Lays 250–300+ large brown eggs per year
• Very reliable layers
• Early maturity
• Broodiness is moderate
Appearance
• Shiny black plumage with green sheen
• Single comb bright red
• Upright proud stance with a well-rounded body
• Medium to large-sized breed
Temperament & Behaviour
• Calm friendly and easy to handle
• Good with children and other pets
• Adapt well to confinement
• Excellent free-range birds
Sustainability & Care
• Hardy and adaptable to various climates
• Require balanced nutrition for egg production
• Provide clean water shelter and predator protection
• Enjoy foraging and free-range time
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
BLACK CHOCOLATE ORPINGTON
Black Chocolate Orpington chickens are stunning fluffy birds admired for their rich dark colouring, gentle temperament and excellent dual-purpose qualities.
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History & Purpose
Orpington chickens originated in England and became one of the world’s most loved dual-purpose breeds. Chocolate-coloured varieties are especially prized for their rare and beautiful feather colouring.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 180–260 light brown eggs yearly
• Reliable consistent layers
• Strong broodiness
• Excellent mothers
Appearance
• Rich dark chocolate-black plumage
• Large fluffy rounded body
• Soft feather texture
• Attractive calm appearance
Temperament & Behaviour
• Extremely friendly temperament
• Calm and easy to handle
• Excellent backyard chickens
• Good with children
Sustainability & Care
• Hardy adaptable breed
• Thrive in free-range systems
• Require balanced nutrition and clean housing
• Benefit from spacious secure environments
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
BLACK COPPER MARANS
Black Copper Marans are stunning French chickens famous for their rich dark chocolate brown eggs, feathered legs and striking black-and-copper plumage.
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History & Purpose
Black Copper Marans originated in France and were developed for both meat and egg production. They are highly prized for producing some of the darkest brown eggs in the poultry world.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 180–250 dark brown eggs yearly
• Famous for rich chocolate-coloured eggs
• Reliable layers
• Moderate broodiness
Appearance
• Glossy black plumage with copper neck feathers
• Feathered legs and feet
• Strong medium to large build
• Elegant and striking appearance
Temperament & Behaviour
• Calm friendly temperament
• Good free-range birds
• Hardy and adaptable
• Mix well in backyard flocks
Sustainability & Care
• Thrive in free-range systems
• Require balanced nutrition and fresh water
• Need clean dry housing to protect feathered legs
• Hardy in various climates
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
BOSCHVELDER
Boschvelder chickens are hardy South African dual-purpose birds known for their excellent egg production, colourful plumage and adaptability.
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History & Purpose
Boschvelders were developed in South Africa by crossing Venda, Matabele and Ovambo chickens. They were bred to create a hardy productive breed suited to African farming conditions.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 220–280 brown eggs yearly
• Reliable productive layers
• Moderate broodiness
• Good natural mothers
Appearance
• Beautiful speckled brown black and white plumage
• Strong medium-sized body
• Bright red comb and wattles
• Attractive traditional farmyard appearance
Temperament & Behaviour
• Friendly calm temperament
• Excellent free-range birds
• Active foragers
• Adapt well to mixed backyard flocks
Sustainability & Care
• Thrive in harsh South African climates
• Excellent scavengers and foragers
• Require balanced nutrition and clean water
• Ideal for sustainable farming systems
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
BRAHMA CHICKEN
Brahma chickens are giant gentle birds known for their feathered legs, calm temperament and impressive appearance.
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History & Purpose
Brahmas originated in the United States from large Asian chicken breeds. They became famous as excellent dual-purpose chickens valued for both meat and egg production.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 180–250 brown eggs yearly
• Reliable winter layers
• Moderate broodiness
• Good mothers when broody
Appearance
• Large powerful body
• Feathered legs and feet
• Pea comb with broad chest
• Majestic calm appearance
Temperament & Behaviour
• Extremely gentle temperament
• Calm and easy to handle
• Good with children
• Excellent backyard chickens
Sustainability & Care
• Hardy adaptable breed
• Thrive in colder climates
• Require clean dry bedding for feathered feet
• Need balanced nutrition and fresh water
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
BUFF ORPINGTON
Buff Orpington chickens are gentle, fluffy birds loved for their friendly temperament, beautiful golden plumage and reliable egg production.
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History & Purpose
Buff Orpingtons originated in England and were developed by William Cook in the late 1800s. They became famous as excellent dual-purpose chickens valued for both eggs and meat.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 180–280 light brown eggs yearly
• Reliable consistent layers
• Strong broodiness
• Excellent mothers
Appearance
• Soft golden buff plumage
• Large fluffy rounded body
• Single comb with feather-soft appearance
• Attractive calm farmyard look
Temperament & Behaviour
• Extremely friendly temperament
• Calm and easy to handle
• Good with children
• Excellent backyard chickens
Sustainability & Care
• Hardy adaptable breed
• Thrive in free-range systems
• Require balanced nutrition and clean water
• Benefit from spacious clean housing
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
DONGXIANG (BLUE LAYER)
Dongxiang chickens are rare Chinese blue egg layers known for their unique dark skin, calm nature and beautiful blue eggs.
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History & Purpose
Dongxiang chickens originated in Jiangxi Province in China. They are best known for their natural blue eggs and are considered an important heritage breed.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 180–250 blue eggs yearly
• Good consistent layers
• Medium-sized eggs
• Moderate broodiness
Appearance
• Black plumage with green sheen
• Dark skin and slate-coloured legs
• Compact elegant body
• Distinctive heritage breed appearance
Temperament & Behaviour
• Calm friendly temperament
• Hardy and adaptable
• Active foragers
• Suitable for backyard flocks
Sustainability & Care
• Thrive in free-range systems
• Require balanced nutrition and fresh water
• Hardy in varying climates
• Benefit from secure predator-safe housing
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
EASTER EGGER
Easter Eggers are colourful, friendly chickens loved for their unique feather patterns and beautiful blue, green and olive coloured eggs.
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History & Purpose
Easter Eggers are mixed-breed chickens developed from Araucana and Ameraucana bloodlines. They are popular for their colourful eggs and unique appearance.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Lays approximately 180–280 coloured eggs yearly
• Eggs may be blue, green, olive or pinkish tones
• Good reliable layers
• Moderate broodiness
Appearance
• Wide variety of feather colours and patterns
• Beards and muffs are common
• Medium-sized birds
• Unique colourful appearance
Temperament & Behaviour
• Friendly and curious nature
• Intelligent and active
• Good with children and mixed flocks
• Excellent free-range birds
Sustainability & Care
• Hardy adaptable breed
• Thrive in free-range systems
• Require balanced nutrition and clean water
• Benefit from predator-safe housing
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
LAVENDER BRITISH TAILED ARAUCANA
Lavender British Tailed Araucanas are unique, beautiful egg layers known for their lavender plumage, tufts and delightful personalities.
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History & Purpose
Araucanas originated in Chile and were brought to the United Kingdom where the British Tailed variety was developed. They are treasured for their blue eggs, unique appearance and friendly nature.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Lays 150–200 blue to blue-green eggs yearly
• Good layers
• Medium-sized eggs
• Rarely goes broody
Appearance
• Soft lavender plumage
• Tufts on cheeks and throat
• British tailed variety
• Graceful medium-sized bird
Temperament & Behaviour
• Friendly gentle and curious
• Active and intelligent
• Good foragers
• Enjoy human interaction
Sustainability & Care
• Hardy adaptable breed
• Require balanced nutrition
• Provide clean water shelter and predator protection
• Enjoy free-range time and enrichment
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
POTCH KOEKOEK
Potch Koekoeks are hardy South African chickens known for their excellent egg production, calm temperament and distinctive barred plumage.
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History & Purpose
Potch Koekoeks were developed in South Africa at the Potchefstroom Agricultural College. They were bred as hardy dual-purpose chickens suitable for local farming conditions.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 220–280 brown eggs yearly
• Reliable consistent layers
• Good mothers when broody
• Excellent backyard breed
Appearance
• Distinctive black-and-white barred plumage
• Yellow legs and beak
• Medium to large sturdy build
• Attractive traditional farmyard appearance
Temperament & Behaviour
• Calm friendly temperament
• Good with mixed flocks
• Easy to handle
• Excellent free-range birds
Sustainability & Care
• Hardy adaptable South African breed
• Thrive in free-range systems
• Require balanced nutrition and fresh water
• Excellent for sustainable backyard farming
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
RHODE ISLAND RED
The Rhode Island Red is a hardy, dual-purpose breed known for its reliability, beautiful red plumage, and excellent egg production.
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History & Purpose
Developed in the United States in the late 1800s, Rhode Island Reds were bred for both meat and egg production. They are one of the most popular dual-purpose breeds in South Africa.
Egg production & Broodiness
• Lays 250–300 brown eggs per year
• Reliable year-round layer
• Occasionally becomes broody
• Good mother when raising chicks
Appearance
• Rich deep reddish-brown plumage
• Strong, muscular body
• Yellow legs and beak
• Bright red comb and wattles
Temperament & Behaviour
• Confident and active
• Friendly but can be dominant
• Excellent free-ranger
• Adaptable to many environments
Sustainability & Care
• Hardy in hot and cold climates
• Thrives in free-range systems
• Low-maintenance breed
• Requires clean water and shelter
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
SILKIE CHICKEN
Silkie chickens are gentle ornamental birds famous for their fluffy feathering, calm temperament and excellent mothering abilities.
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History & Purpose
Silkies originated in Asia and have been admired for centuries for their unique fluffy plumage and gentle nature. They are popular ornamental and companion chickens.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 100–180 cream-coloured eggs yearly
• Strong broodiness
• Exceptional mothers
• Frequently used to hatch other breeds
Appearance
• Soft fluffy fur-like feathers
• Feathered legs and feet
• Crest on the head
• Black skin and dark facial features
Temperament & Behaviour
• Extremely calm and friendly
• Excellent pets and family chickens
• Gentle with children
• Quiet and easy to handle
Sustainability & Care
• Require dry clean housing
• Need protection from excessive wet weather
• Benefit from balanced nutrition and clean water
• Prefer secure predator-safe environments
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
VENDA CHICKEN
Venda chickens are hardy indigenous South African birds valued for their adaptability, colourful feather patterns and excellent survival abilities.
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History & Purpose
Venda chickens originate from the Venda region of Limpopo in South Africa. They are traditional indigenous chickens valued for their hardiness, meat and egg production.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 120–220 eggs yearly
• Cream to tinted eggs
• Strong natural broodiness
• Excellent mothers and chick rearers
Appearance
• Wide variety of colours and feather patterns
• Medium-sized active birds
• Strong legs and upright posture
• Attractive indigenous appearance
Temperament & Behaviour
• Alert and active temperament
• Excellent free-range birds
• Hardy and disease resistant
• Good survival instincts
Sustainability & Care
• Thrive in harsh South African climates
• Require minimal intensive care
• Excellent scavengers and foragers
• Suitable for sustainable backyard farming
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
WHITE & BROWN LEGHORNS
Leghorns are energetic, productive layers known for their excellent egg production, hardiness and active nature. They come in white and brown varieties.
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History & Purpose
Originating in Italy, the Leghorn breed was developed for high egg production. They are one of the most popular egg-laying breeds worldwide and are valued for their efficiency and adaptability.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Lays 250–320+ large white eggs per year
• Very reliable layers
• Early maturity
• Non-broody (rarely goes broody)
Appearance
• White Leghorns are pure white with yellow legs and a single comb
• Brown Leghorns have rich red-brown plumage with white earlobes
• Upright posture with sleek active body
• Medium-sized lightweight breed
Temperament & Behaviour
• Active alert and lively
• Independent and can be flighty
• Friendly but not overly cuddly
• Do well in free-range and larger flocks
Sustainability & Care
• Hardy and thrive in various climates
• Require balanced nutrition for consistent egg production
• Provide clean water shelter and predator protection
• Enjoy foraging and free-range time
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
DUCKS
BLACK EAST INDIAN DUCK
Black East Indian ducks are beautiful ornamental bantam ducks admired for their glossy iridescent plumage, calm nature and compact size.
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History & Purpose
Black East Indian ducks originated in the United States and became popular as ornamental waterfowl due to their striking dark plumage and elegant appearance.
Egg Production & Breeding
• Produces approximately 40–100 eggs yearly
• Small cream to tinted eggs
• Moderate broodiness
• Popular ornamental breeding ducks
Appearance
• Glossy black plumage with green iridescence
• Compact bantam-sized body
• Dark bill and legs
• Elegant rounded appearance
Temperament & Behaviour
• Calm friendly temperament
• Quiet ornamental ducks
• Active swimmers and foragers
• Suitable for ponds and aviaries
Sustainability & Care
• Require access to clean water
• Need secure predator-safe housing
• Benefit from balanced waterfowl feed
• Thrive in clean spacious environments
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
PEKIN DUCK
Pekin ducks are friendly, fast-growing white ducks known for their excellent meat production, calm nature and attractive appearance.
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History & Purpose
Pekin ducks originated in China and became one of the most popular domestic duck breeds worldwide. They are widely used for meat production and backyard farming.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 150–220 white eggs yearly
• Good consistent layers
• Moderate broodiness
• Fast-growing productive breed
Appearance
• Pure white feathers
• Bright orange beak and legs
• Large heavy-bodied duck
• Upright confident posture
Temperament & Behaviour
• Calm friendly temperament
• Easy to handle
• Social flock birds
• Excellent backyard ducks
Sustainability & Care
• Require access to clean water
• Benefit from secure predator-safe housing
• Thrive in free-range systems
• Need balanced nutrition and clean bedding
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
QUACKER DUCK
Quacker ducks are friendly, social domestic ducks loved for their calm temperament, bright white plumage and suitability for backyard farming.
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History & Purpose
Quacker ducks are popular domestic ducks commonly kept for eggs, meat and companionship. They are hardy adaptable birds suitable for backyard and small-scale farming.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 150–250 eggs yearly
• Good reliable layers
• Moderate broodiness
• Productive fast-growing breed
Appearance
• Clean white plumage
• Bright orange beak and legs
• Rounded medium-sized body
• Attractive upright posture
Temperament & Behaviour
• Friendly social temperament
• Enjoy flock interaction
• Calm and easy to handle
• Excellent backyard ducks
Sustainability & Care
• Require access to clean water
• Need balanced nutrition and dry bedding
• Benefit from predator-safe housing
• Thrive in free-range systems
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
QUAILS
CALIFORNIA QUAIL
California Quails are beautiful ornamental game birds admired for their unique topknot feathers, calm nature and attractive plumage.
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History & Purpose
California Quails originate from the western regions of North America and are well known as ornamental aviary birds. They are admired for their striking appearance and social flock behaviour.
Egg Production & Breeding
• Seasonal egg layers during breeding season
• Hens lay approximately 10–20 eggs per clutch
• Good parents under suitable conditions
• Commonly bred for ornamental collections
Appearance
• Distinctive forward-curving topknot feather
• Grey, brown and cream plumage
• Scaled feather pattern on chest
• Compact attractive body shape
Temperament & Behaviour
• Calm social temperament
• Prefer living in groups
• Active ground-dwelling birds
• Excellent aviary birds
Sustainability & Care
• Require secure predator-proof aviaries
• Need dry sheltered areas
• Benefit from quality game bird feed
• Thrive in spacious clean environments
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
CHINESE PAINTED QUAIL
Chinese Painted Quails are tiny ornamental ground birds admired for their beautiful colours, peaceful temperament and compact size.
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History & Purpose
Chinese Painted Quails originate from Asia and are one of the smallest quail species kept in captivity. They are popular ornamental aviary birds and natural ground cleaners.
Egg Production & Breeding
• Small cream-coloured speckled eggs
• Seasonal breeding birds
• Can raise chicks naturally under suitable conditions
• Commonly kept for ornamental purposes
Appearance
• Tiny compact body size
• Males display striking blue-grey and chestnut colouring
• Females have natural brown camouflage plumage
• Short rounded wings and tails
Temperament & Behaviour
• Calm peaceful temperament
• Active ground foragers
• Suitable for mixed aviaries
• Excellent natural cleaners in aviaries
Sustainability & Care
• Require dry sheltered housing
• Benefit from secure predator-proof aviaries
• Need fine game bird feed and fresh water
• Thrive in clean low-stress environments
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
COTURNIX QUAIL
Coturnix quails are small hardy birds prized for their rapid growth, egg production and suitability for compact backyard farming.
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History & Purpose
Coturnix quails originated in Asia and are one of the most popular domesticated quail breeds worldwide. They are commonly raised for eggs, meat and breeding programs.
Egg Production & Broodiness
• Produces approximately 200–300 speckled eggs yearly
• Early maturing layers
• Low broodiness
• Highly productive breed
Appearance
• Compact rounded body
• Brown speckled plumage
• Small lightweight bird
• Natural camouflage colouring
Temperament & Behaviour
• Active alert temperament
• Fast-moving birds
• Easy to raise in colonies
• Adapt well to confined systems
Sustainability & Care
• Require dry clean housing
• Need high-protein balanced feed
• Benefit from secure predator-safe cages
• Thrive in controlled environments
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
OTHER BREEDS
RED GOLDEN PHEASANT
Red Golden Pheasants are breathtaking ornamental birds admired for their brilliant colours, elegant appearance and active personalities.
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History & Purpose
Red Golden Pheasants originated in the mountainous forests of western China. They are one of the world’s most popular ornamental pheasant species due to their striking beauty and unique appearance.
Egg Production & Breeding
• Seasonal egg layers during breeding season
• Hens lay approximately 20–40 eggs yearly
• Good hatchability under proper conditions
• Commonly bred for ornamental collections
Appearance
• Males display brilliant red, gold and orange plumage
• Long elegant tail feathers
• Females have natural brown camouflage colouring
• Medium-sized active birds
Temperament & Behaviour
• Alert active temperament
• Fast-moving birds
• Prefer spacious aviaries
• Beautiful display birds
Sustainability & Care
• Require secure predator-proof aviaries
• Need dry sheltered housing
• Benefit from balanced game bird feed
• Thrive in clean spacious environments
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
SILVER PHEASANT
Silver Pheasants are elegant ornamental birds admired for their striking silver plumage, graceful appearance and hardy nature.
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History & Purpose
Silver Pheasants originate from Southeast Asia and are one of the most popular ornamental pheasant species kept worldwide. They are valued for their beauty, hardiness and aviary appeal.
Egg Production & Breeding
• Seasonal egg layers during breeding season
• Hens lay approximately 20–50 eggs yearly
• Good hatchability under proper conditions
• Commonly bred for ornamental collections
Appearance
• Males display brilliant silver and black plumage
• Long flowing white tail feathers
• Bright red facial skin and legs
• Elegant medium to large-sized birds
Temperament & Behaviour
• Alert active temperament
• Hardy adaptable birds
• Prefer spacious aviaries
• Beautiful display birds
Sustainability & Care
• Require secure predator-proof aviaries
• Need dry sheltered housing
• Benefit from balanced game bird feed
• Thrive in clean spacious environments
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds
WHITE TURKEY
White Turkeys are impressive domestic birds admired for their striking white plumage, large size and calm farmyard presence.
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History & Purpose
White Turkeys were developed from domestic turkey breeding programs and are widely kept for meat production, ornamental farming and smallholding poultry collections.
Egg Production & Breeding
• Seasonal egg layers
• Hens lay approximately 50–100 eggs yearly
• Strong natural breeding instincts
• Popular for farm and homestead poultry
Appearance
• Bright white plumage
• Large broad-bodied bird
• Red wattles and snood
• Impressive display posture
Temperament & Behaviour
• Calm social temperament
• Intelligent and curious birds
• Adapt well to free-range systems
• Good farmyard companions
Sustainability & Care
• Require spacious secure housing
• Benefit from balanced poultry feed
• Need access to clean water and shade
• Thrive in spacious outdoor environments
Rainbow Feathers Hatchery • Home of Beautiful Breeds