Crown Field Chicken: A Delicious Heritage Breed

 

The crown field chicken is a heritage breed of chicken that originated in England. This hardy bird has a unique crowning head tuft. People prize it for its rich, tasty meat and great foraging abilities. Interest in preserving heritage livestock is growing. This is leading to a resurgence in the popularity of the crown field.

Overview of the Crown Field Chicken Breed

The crown field chicken breed dates back to the late 19th century in England. Developed in the village of Crownfield in Worcestershire. The breed gets its name from the puffy crown of feathers on top of the rooster’s head. Hens also exhibit slight head tufts. These tufts resemble a crown, giving the birds a regal appearance.

The crown field chicken has a long, broad back and a full breast. The breed is a good dual purpose fowl, raised for both meat and eggs. The hens are excellent layers of medium sized brown eggs even through the winter months. The birds are friendly and calm. They are tough because they lived outdoors in England’s rainy climate.

Today, the crown field chicken remains a rare breed. The Livestock Conservancy lists it as “critical” on its Conservation Priority list. But, its popularity is growing thanks to efforts by heritage breed enthusiasts to preserve and promote the crown field.

Benefits of Crown Field Chicken Meat

The rich, flavorful meat of the crown field chicken is its main claim to fame. As a heritage breed raised on pasture, the birds develop more robust flavor than commercial breeds. The meat is well-marbled and tender thanks to the diverse forage and exercise the birds receive.

Heritage breed chickens like the crown field tend to be healthier than commercial poultry. When allowed to roam outdoors, the birds get plenty of exercise and sunlight. Their diverse diet also provides a balance of nutrients. The meat is higher in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventionally-raised chicken.

Raising crown field chickens supports genetic diversity in livestock. Preserving heritage breeds saves important genetics. Industrial breeding programs may have overlooked these traits. Supporting small-scale breeders helps them. It also promotes a more sustainable poultry model.

Ideal Conditions for Raising Crown Field Chickens

The crown field chicken thrives when allowed to roam outdoors on pasture. The breed is naturally hardy and adaptable to various climates. But, they do need adequate protection from wet conditions.

Pastured crown field chickens will forage for most of their diet. This includes insects, seeds, and grass. Provide some supplementary grain as well to ensure balanced nutrition. The birds do well in small backyard flocks or on a larger pastured poultry operation.

You must take proper precautions against predators like foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and hawks. Secure housing and fencing is a must. During the day, staff supervise the birds outside. This lets them behave naturally while staying safe.

When raised in clean, spacious conditions, crown field chickens must minimal health care. Ensure proper nutrition and sanitation practices to support good health. Vaccinate against common poultry diseases like Marek’s and infectious bronchitis. Schedule annual health checks with a qualified avian veterinarian.

Purchasing and Processing Crown Field Chickens

Interest in the crown field chicken is growing, but it remains a rare breed. Getting started will take some research to locate breeders. The Livestock Conservancy and other heritage breed groups can help find breeders in your area.

You can ship or pick up day-old chicks directly from the breeder. Prices are typically $5-8 per chick. Adult breeding stock may also be available, around $50 for a hen and $75-100 for a rooster.

Be sure to buy birds from reputable breeders adhering to breed standards. Check for signs of good health and vigor before buy. Quarantine new birds for at least 2 weeks before introducing to an existing flock.

Free range crown field chickens reach a processing weight of 4-5 pounds at 16-20 weeks. Slower growing heritage birds will have superior flavor at around 28 weeks. You can process on the farm or at a local USDA facility. The end result is a delicious golden chicken ready for the dinner table!

Cooking with Crown Field Chicken

The rich flavor and tenderness of crown field chicken shines through in a wide array of dishes. The meat holds up well to any cooking method. Some top choices include:

• Roasted whole : Brine then roast with herbs and vegetables for a classic dish.
• Grilled : Grill bone-in chicken pieces over medium heat for juicy, smoky flavor.
• Sautéed : Fry boneless skinless breasts or thighs in a pan for easy weeknight meals.
• Soups and stews : Braise chicken pieces low and slow in soups and stews.
• Baked dishes : Use chopped chicken in casseroles, pot pies, and pasta bakes.

Don’t forget the eggs! The medium sized brown eggs have thick shells and hold up well in cooking and baking. Make everything from omelets to cakes and custards.

Preserving the Rare Crown Field Chicken Breed

The crown field chicken is a critically rare heritage breed. It needs continued support from poultry enthusiasts. Interest in the breed has grown considerably, but work remains to preserve these special birds.

Here are some ways individuals can help:

• Choose crown field chickens when buying pastured poultry. Supporting farmers who raise the breed helps increase numbers.
• Join heritage breed organizations who promote and register crown field chickens. Getting involved amplifies education and advocacy efforts.
• If allowed in your area, raise backyard crown field flocks using proper husbandry practices. Share extra birds or hatching eggs with others.
• Write articles, blogs, or social media posts about your experiences with the breed. Increased visibility and publicity aids the crown field’s popularity.
• Photograph and document your crown field flock. Contribute to breed databases that track conservation status.
• Mentor those new to raising heritage poultry. Share your knowledge so more can succeed with rare crown field chickens.

The crown field chicken has come a long way from near extinction. We are stewards of our agricultural heritage. We need to stay watchful to ensure this special breed thrives. With careful breeding and promotion, the hardy crown field can grace small farms and dinner tables for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the characteristics of the crown field chicken?

The crown field is a heritage breed originating from England in the late 1800s. Key traits include a regal head tuft or “crown”, hardy disposition, rich yellow skin, and excellent foraging ability. The breed is dual purpose for both meat and eggs.

What types of climates do crown field chickens thrive in?

Crown fields are naturally hardy and do well in most temperate climates so long as they have adequate shelter from wet conditions. Their history began in the rainy climate of England.

Where can I buy crown field chickens?

Groups like the Livestock Conservancy can help find breeders of rare Crown field chickens. They focus on heritage breeds. Buy directly from reputable breeders maintaining purity.

At what age are crown field chickens processed?

Heritage breeds grow slower than commercial chickens. Processing age is typically 16-20 weeks for smaller roasters and 24-28 weeks for larger birds with more developed flavor.

How can I help conserve the crown field chicken breed?

Buy and raise crown field chickens. Register your flock and join breed conservation groups. Mentor new breeders and document your experiences. Publicize the breed.

If you want to learn more, Click here