The Norfolk Grey is a breed

Breed

A breed is a group of domestic animals or plants with a homogeneous appearance, behavior, and other characteristics that distinguish it from other animals or plants of the same species. Despite the centrality of the idea of "breeds" to animal husbandry, there is no scientifically accepted...

 of chicken

Chicken

The chicken is a domesticated fowl, a subspecies of the Red Junglefowl. As one of the most common and widespread domestic animals, and with a population of more than 24 billion in 2003, there are more chickens in the world than any other species of bird...

 that originated in the city of Norwich

Norwich

Norwich is a city in England. It is the regional administrative centre and county town of Norfolk. During the 11th century, Norwich was the largest city in England after London, and one of the most important places in the kingdom...

, in Norfolk, England. They were created by Fred Myhill before the First World War as utility birds under the name Black Marias. The name was unfortunately reminiscent of funerals and was quickly dropped and the breed took the name Norfolk Grey instead. They were first exhibited at the Dairy Show in 1920. They are a rare breed and almost disappeared in the early 1970s but fortunately a private flock was found to contain 4 birds in 1974 and the breed was revived. they are only available in one plumage colour.

Characteristics

They are a heavy breed but are not actually that large and only weigh around 6-7 lb. The development of this breed is not factually known (as Mr Myhill would never disclose his actual breeding) but it is thought that he used Birchen English Game and possibly duckwing leghorns in the makeup, the game inclusion would account for the excellent meating ability and the leghorn for the laying ability. They have a single comb and a red face with black eyes while the legs are slate or black. Plumage is attractively marked and the male has a beautiful silver hackle striped with black as is the neck, back, saddle and wing feathers while the rest of the plumage is black. The hen's hackle is similar to the cockerels but she has an otherwise rich black feathering all over apart from the throat which is silver laced. They can produce a good-sized carcass for meat production if they are allowed to mature slowly and are regulars at shows where they win prizes.

The Norfolk Grey is an excellent forager and does well when free ranging. Males can reach 7-8 lb while the female is 5-6 lb. They breed and lay reasonably well.