Poultry
Delaware
B tier
Delaware is an American dual-purpose breed developed in the Delmarva broiler region, featuring predominantly white plumage with black barring on the hackle, tail, and wings. Created to produce white-feathered market birds that still carried productive dual-purpose genetics, Delawares offered clean-picking carcasses before specialised white hybrids dominated. Meat is mild, moderately lean, and well suited to roasting, frying, and classic American farmhouse chicken dishes. Modern interest is strongest among heritage and pasture-poultry keepers seeking a practical dual-purpose alternative to industrial broilers and brown dual-purpose breeds.
Also known as: Delaware, Delaware, Delaware, Delaware
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Grading systems
Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.
History
George Ellis in Delaware crossed Barred Plymouth Rock and New Hampshire stock to develop a white-skinned dual-purpose market bird.
The Delaware breed gained formal recognition as broiler production on the Delmarva Peninsula expanded rapidly.
White Cornish-cross hybrids displaced Delawares from commercial meat houses, reducing purebred industrial use.
Small hatcheries and fanciers maintained Delaware lines as numbers fell outside specialty markets.
Livestock conservancy listings highlighted Delaware as a threatened American dual-purpose breed.
Pasture-poultry and heritage restaurants renewed limited demand for Delaware roasting birds and breeding stock.