Are you looking for a new and exciting chicken to add to your flock? Look no further than the Yokohama chicken! This breed is quickly gaining in popularity due to its many desirable traits. Keep reading for pictures, information, and care instructions for this incredible bird.
Quick Facts About Yokohama Chicken
| Breed Name: | Yokohama Chicken |
| Place of Origin: | Germany |
| Uses: | Show birds, eggs, meat |
| Rooster (Male) Size: | 10 pounds (2–2.5 kg) |
| Hen (Female) Size: | 8 pounds (1.3–1.8 kg) |
| Color: | White, red-saddled |
| Lifespan: | 6–8 years |
| Climate Tolerance: | Good |
| Care Level: | Moderate |
| Egg Production: | Average, 80–90 per year |
Yokohama Chicken Origins
The Yokohama chicken is a German breed developed in the late 1800s. The breed was created by crossing several different types of chickens, including the Brahma, Cochin, and Langshan—ornamental birds brought to Europe from Japan.
Some of this breeding stock was shipped to Germany from ports in Yokohama, hence the name, which can be confusing regarding the breed’s origin!
The Yokohama was introduced to the United States in 1874 and quickly gained popularity due to its impressive size and striking appearance.
An American Standard of “perfect” was described for Yokohamas in 1981.
Yokohama Chicken Characteristics
Yokohama chickens are known for being calm and docile birds. They make great pets and are generally very friendly towards humans. However, they can be quite shy around strangers and may take some time to warm up to new people.
This breed is also known for being quite hardy and resilient. Yokohama chickens are good layers of large brown eggs and are known to be good foragers. They are relatively cold-hardy birds and can tolerate colder climates quite well.
Yokohama chickens are relatively easy to care for. They are known to be good foragers and do not require a lot of supplemental feed. However, they will need access to fresh water at all times.
Yokohama chickens should be provided with a large coop and plenty of space to roam. They are active birds and enjoy having room to explore. These chickens do well in cold climates and do not require a lot of heat in their coop.
When it comes to health, Yokohama chickens are relatively hardy birds.
Overall, the Yokohama chicken is an amazing breed that makes a great addition to any flock! This breed is relatively rare, so you may have difficulty finding Yokohama chickens for sale. If you are looking for a new and exciting chicken to add to your
Uses
The Yokohama chicken is primarily kept as a pet or for exhibition purposes. However, they can also make good layers of large brown eggs. Yokohama chickens are known to be decent layers. They will usually lay around 80 eggs per year.
The Yokohama chicken is not typically raised for meat production. However, if you are interested in raising this breed for meat, they can make good roasters.
Appearance & Varieties
Yokohama chickens are large birds, with roosters weighing in at around 10 pounds and hens around 8 pounds. They are characterized by their long necks, small heads, and slim bodies.
Yokohamas have feathered feet and legs, and their plumage is dense and fluffy. These birds come in a variety of colors, including white, black, blue, and splash. The most common color variety is white.
Perhaps their most famous trait is their unusually long tail. Yokohama roosters have tails that can reach up to 24 inches in length!
In Germany, the term Yokohama refers to only birds that are white with red saddles. In the United States, Yokohama also includes birds known as Phoenix in Germany, which have the same distinct tails.
Population, Distribution, & Habitat
The Yokohama chicken is a rare breed that is not widely available. These birds are not currently recognized by the American Poultry Association. However, they are recognized by the British Poultry Standard.
Yokohama chickens are typically found in Japan and the United States. However, they can also be found in other countries, such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Are Yokohama Chickens Good for Small-Scale Farming?
The Yokohama chicken is a great breed for small-scale farming. These birds are known to be good layers and are relatively easy to care for. If you are interested in raising Yokohama chickens, you may have difficulty finding them for sale. However, you can check with local breeders or look for them online.
The Yokohama is a chicken that’s known for being both beautiful and delicious. If you’re looking for a bird that will add some aesthetic appeal to your flock while also providing you with plenty of tasty eggs, the Yokohama is definitely worth considering.
Just be sure to give them plenty of space to roam and access to fresh, clean water. With proper care, your Yokohama chickens will thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment.
Featured Image Credit: Yokohama Chickens (Image Credits: Hagen Graebner, Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0)