Lucas Delgado
Langshan chickens are a breed native to Wolf Hill, China, that were first imported to England in 1872 by Major A.C. Croad. The breed is characterised by its large size, long legs, and feathered feet. There are several varieties of Langshan chickens, including the German Langshan, the Australian Langshan, the Modern Langshan, and the Croad Langshan. The Croad Langshan is the most common variety and is named after Major Croad, who was instrumental in introducing the breed to England. The breed was further popularised by his niece, and it became the only type recognised in America, where it is simply referred to as Langshan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Langshan |
| Breed | Croad Langshan |
| Origin | Imported from Wolf Hill, China by English Major A.C. Croad in 1872 |
| Appearance | Large, majestic, pure white, stately, graceful, feather-footed, long legs, large breast, large body, black shanks, dark eyes |
| Weight | Male: 9 lbs/9.5 lbs, Female: 7 lbs/7.5 lbs |
| Egg Colour | Brown |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Egg Laying Capacity | 140-150 eggs per year |
| Temperament | Calm, gentle, sweet, good brown egg layers |
| Variants | Blue, Black, Splash, White, Bantam (miniature) |
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What You'll Learn
Langshan chickens were first imported to England from China in 1872
Langshan chickens, named after the Langshan District or Langshan Hill near the Yangtze River, were first imported to England from China in 1872 by Major A.C. Croad. The breed originated from a scenic area in eastern China called Wolf Hill, located just south of Nantong on the Yangtze River and about 100 miles from Shanghai. The name Langshan means Wolf Hill in Chinese.
The departure of Langshan chickens from China to England in 1872 occurred during a time when there was enthusiasm for large, feather-legged Cochins and Brahmas. However, the unique breed of Langshan chickens faced initial confusion and opposition from poultry enthusiasts in England, who assumed they were a variation of Black Shanghai chickens (Cochin). Despite this, the breed was eventually accepted as distinct and gained popularity in England before the rise of commercial breeds after World War II.
The Croad Langshan, named in honour of Major Croad, became the most common variety of Langshan chickens. They are characterised by long, feathered legs, a large breast, and a large body. The Croad Langshan was further developed in America, where it contributed to the creation of the popular Jersey Giant breed. In the United States, the term "Langshan" typically refers to this variety, with the "Croad" being dropped from the name.
Over time, breeders in different countries focused on developing distinct strains of Langshan chickens, leading to the creation of varieties such as the German Langshan and the Modern Langshan. The German Langshan was bred for long legs without feathering and a smaller body type. On the other hand, the Modern Langshan, developed in England, emphasised long legs, tighter plumage, and a slimmer breast.
Today, Langshan chickens are no longer a common breed and have been given a conservation status of "Watch" by The Livestock Conservancy. However, they remain a valuable general-purpose breed that is well-suited for beginners due to their robust and hardy nature, copious egg production, and gentle personalities.
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Croad Langshans are a rare breed with a gentle temperament
Langshans are a breed of chicken that likely originated in China. In 1872, Major F.T. Croad imported the first of these chickens to Britain, and the breed was subsequently named after him. Thus, Croad Langshans are a type of Langshan chicken.
Croad Langshans are a rare breed, listed as 'threatened' by the Livestock Conservancy. They are known for their gentle temperament, described as "gentle giants" with "sweet" hens. They are easily tamed and adapt well to both confinement and free-range. In addition, they are cold-hardy and can withstand harsh temperatures.
Croad Langshans are large birds with a deep and long breast, a sloping back, and a small head relative to their body size. They have feathered legs and feet, and their standard weight is 9 lbs for a cock and 7 lbs for a hen. They are known to be excellent producers, laying 140-150 large light brown eggs per year, which occasionally have a unique pink, lavender, or plum bloom that fades over a few days.
The breed was brought to Germany in 1879, where they were replaced by German Langshans, which were bred to have longer legs and no feathering. After World War II, Croad Langshans were reintroduced to Germany from the USA, and they became a popular utility breed in the early 20th century. Today, they are prized for their fine-textured, high-quality flesh and continue to be sought-after by poultry enthusiasts.
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Langshans are large birds with feathered legs and feet
Langshans are indeed large birds with feathered legs and feet. The name 'Langshan' means Wolf Hill, a scenic area in eastern China, which has been the breed's home for many centuries. The breed was first imported to England in 1872 by Major A.C. Croad, and the birds subsequently became known as Croad Langshans.
Croad Langshans are a hardy breed, able to withstand harsh temperatures. They have a single comb, a calm demeanour, and a sweet personality. Roosters can weigh around 9 lbs, while hens typically weigh 7 lbs. The Croad Langshan is the most popular type of Langshan chicken, and they are known to be excellent egg-layers, producing large brown eggs.
The Langshan breed has contributed to many other famous breeds, including the Orpington chicken and the black variety of the Shanghai chicken. In Germany, breeders focused on developing long-legged chickens without feathers, creating the "Deutchman" or "German Langshan". The Australian Langshan, on the other hand, was developed from Chinese birds imported in 1905, including Croad and Modern Langshans, and original Black Langshans.
Due to their feathered legs and feet, Langshans need proper coop and run conditions to prevent frostbite. Their legs should be routinely examined for scaly leg mites, as the feathers can make it difficult to spot them. Overall, Langshans are large, majestic birds that make a striking addition to any yard.
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Langshan hens are good layers of brown eggs
The Langshan hens are known for their calm demeanour and sweet personality. They are good layers, but they can be slow to mature to their full size before they begin laying. On average, they lay around 150 large brown eggs per year, sometimes with a very dark brown or purplish tint.
The Croad line of Langshans, named after Major Croad, was highly regarded during the 19th century. This line once laid dark brown eggs but is now rare, even from breeders. The Croad Langshan chicks can hatch out in blue, black, and occasionally splash colours.
Today, the Langshan breed is mainly kept by those who want to ensure the breed's continued survival. They are a rare, endangered breed, and their eggs are a pretty brown colour. The hens are good layers, and their eggs are of medium size. The Langshan breed is also known for its white skin and full breasts with abundant white meat that is rich in flavour.
In summary, Langshan hens are indeed good layers of brown eggs, with a calm and sweet temperament. They are a unique breed with a tall stature and long legs, originating in China and later imported to England by Major Croad, from whom the Croad line of Langshans gets its name.
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Croad Langshan chicks come in a variety of colours
Langshan chickens, originating from Wolf Hill in eastern China, were first imported by English Major A.C. Croad in 1872. Over time, different variations of the Langshan breed have been developed, including the Croad Langshan, the German Langshan, the Australian Langshan, and the Black Langshan.
The Croad Langshan is a rare breed that can withstand harsh temperatures, with a calm demeanour and a sweet personality. They are slow to mature, with a standard weight of 9lbs for a cock and 7lbs for a hen. The breed is also known for its feathered legs and feet.
The name 'Croad' is attributed to Major Croad, who first imported the breed, and his niece, who continued to promote the breed after his passing.
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Frequently asked questions
Langshan chickens are a breed from Wolf Hill in eastern China. They were first imported to England in 1872 by Major Croad, after whom the Croad Langshan breed is named. The Croad Langshan is the most common variety of Langshan chicken.
Langshan chicks are black with some white on their undersides. Croad Langshan chicks are blue, black, and occasionally splash (a mix of blue, black, and white). Langshan chickens are large and majestic with long legs and full, large breasts. They are not as heavily feathered on their legs and toes as Cochins and have a more pronounced upright appearance.
Langshan chickens are known for their gentle disposition. Croad Langshans are described as having amazing temperaments, with gentle giant roosters and sweet hens.
