Java

A Mottled java hen stands in front of a gray background.

The lovely and rare Java is an old dual-purpose breed developed in America from Asian stock, and they are the oldest American breed aside from the Dominique. In fact, the Java was used as a foundation to develop many American breeds, including popular favorites like the Rhode Island Red and the Plymouth Rock. Javas have large single combs and sport black beaks, shanks and toes. They are calm and bear confinement well, but are also excellent foragers. Like the Speckled Sussex, Javas are particularly suited to small backyard flocks where a genuinely good dual purpose bird is needed.

Origins/History:

Class: American
Type: Large Fowl & Bantam
Size: Heavy (7-8 lbs)
Rarity: Rare
Purpose: Dual
Recognized Varieties: Black, Mottled, White

Egg Facts:

Egg Laying: Good (3/wk)
Egg Color: Brown
Egg Size: Large

Fancy Features:

Comb Type: Single Comb
Crested: No
Feathered Legs: No
Number of Toes: 4

Suitability to Backyard Life:

Cold Hardiness: Hardy in winter
Heat Tolerance: Not especially heat hardy
Bears Confinement: Bears confinement well
Especially Docile: Yes
Setter/Broody: Yes
Personality: Calm, easily handled, docile

Â