Croad Langshan Chicken

     The Croad Langshan is an old breed of Chickens, that originated in the Langshan region in Northern China. It’s a dual-purpose bird, slightly smaller than Brahmas and Cochins. However, Croad Langshans almost surpassed the latter two species, proving themselves as excellent and multi-functional backyard chickens.

     The Croad Langshan has a large body, and a deep and long breast which is carried well forward. Its back is rather long and sloping with the tail rising sharply from the back, giving the breed a characteristic ‘U’ shape. The Langshan has also a single comb, red earlobes, and slate-blue feathered legs.

     Langshan hens lay around (140 – 150) eggs per year and are particularly good winter layers. Their eggs are dark-brown with a plum-colored bloom, and of weight 60 g minimum per each. Langshan hens are excellent sitters too, as they are large enough to cover a dozen of eggs at a time and make wonderfully attentive mothers.

     Croad Langshans appear in three color-varieties; blue, white and black which is the most popular one. They are tame and docile birds that adapt well to both confinement and free-range rearing, and yield meat of excellent quality as well. The Croad Langshan is also the progenitor of many other popular chicken breeds such as; the Barnevelder, the black Orpington, and the Maran. A bantam version is also available for this magnificent breed.