Scots Grey
Encyclopedia
The Scots Grey, originally titled the Scotch Grey, is a breed
of chicken
originating in Scotland
. It is so named because of its striped plumage, which is called either Barred or Cuckoo by poultry
enthusiasts. Though superficially similar to breeds such as the Cuckoo Marans and Barred Plymouth Rock, the Scots Grey's feathers have a less distinct pattern with a steel
-gray base. It can also be sexually differentiated based on color of the adult birds, as hens usually have a noticeably darker hue. Scots Grey are relatively heavy chickens, with hens weighing 7-9 pounds (3.2-4 kilos), and roosters weighing 9-11 pounds (4-5 kilos).
In body type, Scots Grey are tall, upright chickens. Though they share a place of origin and often color with the Scots Dumpy
, this height can be used to set the two apart. Scots Grey have white skin, a single comb
, and red earlobes. They are considered to be dual-purpose, laying both a good amount of white eggs and producing wholesome meat. In temperament, they are active birds that do best under free range
conditions, and may develop destructive habits when confined. They are hardy, and can forage well. Hens are not generally inclined to go broody.
s. Breeds which are thought to have influenced their development include Dorking
s and Malays
. Though they have been popular among poultry fanciers for exhibition, and have their own breed club, they are classed as an endangered breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust
.
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...
originating in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. It is so named because of its striped plumage, which is called either Barred or Cuckoo by poultry
Poultry
Poultry are domesticated birds kept by humans for the purpose of producing eggs, meat, and/or feathers. These most typically are members of the superorder Galloanserae , especially the order Galliformes and the family Anatidae , commonly known as "waterfowl"...
enthusiasts. Though superficially similar to breeds such as the Cuckoo Marans and Barred Plymouth Rock, the Scots Grey's feathers have a less distinct pattern with a steel
Steel
Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...
-gray base. It can also be sexually differentiated based on color of the adult birds, as hens usually have a noticeably darker hue. Scots Grey are relatively heavy chickens, with hens weighing 7-9 pounds (3.2-4 kilos), and roosters weighing 9-11 pounds (4-5 kilos).
In body type, Scots Grey are tall, upright chickens. Though they share a place of origin and often color with the Scots Dumpy
Scots Dumpy
The Scots Dumpy is a breed of chicken from Scotland. The moniker dumpy, meaning short and stout, refers the breed's thick-set appearance and extremely short legs. Through history they have been known under a host of names such as: Bakies, Stumpies, Dadlies, Hoodies, or Creepies...
, this height can be used to set the two apart. Scots Grey have white skin, a single comb
Comb (anatomy)
Anatomically, a comb is a fleshy growth, caruncle, or crest on the top of the head of gallinaceous birds, most notably turkeys, pheasants, and domestic chickens...
, and red earlobes. They are considered to be dual-purpose, laying both a good amount of white eggs and producing wholesome meat. In temperament, they are active birds that do best under free range
Free range
thumb|250px|Free-range chickens being fed outdoors.Free range is a term which outside of the United States denotes a method of farming husbandry where the animals are allowed to roam freely instead of being contained in any manner. In the United States, USDA regulations apply only to poultry and...
conditions, and may develop destructive habits when confined. They are hardy, and can forage well. Hens are not generally inclined to go broody.
History
Scots Grey have been known in their country since the 16th century, and were developed as barnyard fowl for small farms and croftCroft
Croft may refer to: * Croft, an area of land with a crofter's dwelling, used for crofting .* Bleachfield, an open space used for the bleaching of fabric, sometimes called crofts.Locations in the United Kingdom:...
s. Breeds which are thought to have influenced their development include Dorking
Dorking
Dorking is a historic market town at the foot of the North Downs approximately south of London, in Surrey, England.- History and development :...
s and Malays
Malay (chicken)
The Malay is a breed of chicken originating in Asia, most likely in northern Pakistan . These birds are cousins of Asil. It is unknown why they were called Malay, but perhaps because of a mistake by the former East India Company, when they introduced that exotic new breed around 1570. In Asia, the...
. Though they have been popular among poultry fanciers for exhibition, and have their own breed club, they are classed as an endangered breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust
Rare Breeds Survival Trust
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust is a conservation charity, whose purpose is to secure the continued existence and viability of the United Kingdom’s native farm animal genetic resources...
.