The Campine Chicken is one of the rarest and most beautiful breeds in the United States. While you may need to reach out to a breeder to bring these chickens onto your farm, that doesn’t mean you should hesitate. This breed is hardy, relatively easy to care for and a real joy to watch as they get into trouble around the yard. Read on below so you can learn more facts about these chickens and determine whether they are the right fit for your small-scale farming setup.
Quick Facts about Campine Chicken
| Breed Name: | Campine |
| Place of Origin: | Belgium (called Kempisch Hoen) |
| Uses: | Eggs and Ornamental |
| Rooster (Male) Size: | 6 pounds |
| Hen (Female) Siz: | 4 pounds |
| Color: | Silver or Gold |
| Lifespan: | 6+ years |
| Climate Tolerance: | All |
| Care Level: | Low |
| Production: | Medium |
Campine Chicken Origins
Campine Chickens have quite a long history. Originating in Belgium, they were bred for egg-laying skills and the white eggs they produce. The Campine is often compared to the Braekel, also from Belgium, but is slightly smaller. It is believed that these chickens descended from Turkish fowl and are rumored to have been taken with Julius Caesar after his invasion of Belgium.
The Campine found its way into the United States after gaining a bit of notoriety in England. Arthur D. Murphy of Maine first introduced this breed to the masses, but they weren’t well received. In the years following a reintroduction, this non-sitting chicken breed became revered for its appearance and its laying ability.
Campine Chicken Characteristics
Campine Chickens aren’t known for being aggressive, but they couldn’t be considered a docile breed either. In fact, they are a loud breed that is also quite intelligent and curious. They stay active and are very alert which makes it difficult to catch them.
With many people using them for egg-laying and their appearance, you may wish you could make them a sidekick. This may not be possible as they aren’t overly friendly, but don’t give up. It’s always a possibility, especially if you put a few treats to work and allow them to feel comfortable with your presence since they aren’t opposed to human company.
Uses
Other than simply having this beautiful breed as part of your farm, most Campine Chickens are used for their egg-laying abilities. While they are not considered sitting hens, most females can lay anywhere from 150 – 200 eggs per year. They are also year-round layers which makes them ideal for small farms and people who depend on the production.
Appearance & Varieties
Campine Chickens come in 2 standardized varieties, Silver and Golden, with both males and females having the same appearance. The head, neck, and ground body cover is either silver or gold. The rest of the Campine is pure white ground with beetle-green. The single red comb sits proudly on their head while their legs are dark blue and earlobes are white.
Population/Distribution/Habitat
Sadly, Campine Chickens are on the critical conservation list. This means they are extremely rare and can normally only be bought from registered breeders. Luckily, however, for those who care for this breed they are quite hardy and can live a great life in most areas. To keep Campine Chickens happy, it’s best to give them a bit of room and lots of ground to roam. They’ll forage and find little spots of trouble to get into without too much worry from you.
Are Campine Chickens Good for Small-Scale Farming?
Yes, Campine Chickens are great for small-scale farming as long as they are given enough room to roam. This is due to their natural inquisitiveness and needs to be on the move. Considering their love of foraging and wandering, keeping these chickens as free-range birds is ideal for farmers.
As you can see, the Campine Chicken is not only a beautiful bird, but they are also one of the most active around. If you’re looking for the right chicken breed for your farm, reach out to a Campine breeder. You’ll enjoy the white eggs these chickens produce and the active curiosity they enjoy exhibiting.
Featured Image Credit: Erni, Shutterstock
