Ever seen a Croad Langshan chicken?
The name may initially sound unique, and you might expect an equally exotic chicken breed.
However, the Croad Langshan chicken appears like a common black chicken, yet it still looks very beautiful.
Still, there’s more to this chicken breed than meets the eye.
In fact, the Croad Langshan chicken breed is one of the world’s oldest and most loved chickens.
They are calm, big, and beautiful birds that many chicken keepers love to raise in their backyard.
Whether you want chickens for eggs, meat, or just as pets, this breed might be perfect for you.
Let’s explore everything you need about the Croad Langshan chicken breed!
Croad Langshan Chicken Breed: A Quick Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | Tall (about 26 inches) |
| Weight | 7–10 pounds (hens and roosters) |
| Comb | Single comb |
| Varieties | Black, Blue, White |
| Eggs per Year | Around 150–200 large brown eggs |
| Personality | Calm, friendly, and gentle |
Croad Langshan Chicken: Its History
The Croad Langshan chicken breed has a long and interesting history.
These chickens came from Wolf Hill, a place in eastern China, which is what “Langshan” means.
People in that area had been raising these chickens for hundreds of years.
In 1872, Major A.C. Croad brought them from China to England.
That’s why it’s called the “Croad” Langshan!
At first, many people thought they were just another type of Cochin chicken, because they also had big bodies and feathered legs.
Some even mixed them with Cochins, which made it hard to keep the breed pure.
Over time, different countries developed their versions of the Langshan:
Germany
Breeders made a type with long legs and no feathering, called the German Langshan.
Australia
Farmers mixed several Langshan types to create the Australian Langshan, which is now used mostly for shows.
England
Some people created a slimmer version called the Modern Langshan, which looks more like a game bird.
China
But the original kind that Major Croad brought over—tall with full breasts and feathered legs—remained popular.
These became known as the Croad Langshan, named after him and his niece, who helped keep the breed going.
The American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection recognized the black variety of the Croad Langshan in 1883.
In 1887, the American Langshan Club was formed, which is still active and in operation today.
The white variety first appeared in England in 1885 but was recognized by the American Poultry Association later in 1893.
When the black and white varieties are crossed, it creates a blue variety.
This was recognized as a variety, but not until 1987.
Today, the Croad Langshan is still treasured for its calm nature, beautiful looks, and rich history.
They helped create other breeds too, like the Orpington and Marans.
Appearance of the Croad Langshan
These chickens are tall and elegant. It’s like having the best opposites in one chicken breed.
They look proud and gentle at the same time. They appear fierce yet cuddle, too.
Key features of this breed are:
- Long legs with feathered shanks (feathers on their legs)
- Glossy black, white, or blue feathers
- Upright body with a U-shape when standing
- Dark brown eyes and a small single comb
Are you interested in more black chicken breeds?
You might want to get to know more about the chicken breed in this video:
Are They Good Egg Layers?
Yes! The Croad Langshan chicken breed lays large, beautiful brown eggs.
Some eggs even have a purplish tint, which is rare and special.
The hens start laying around 5–6 months old. They lay well in winter, unlike other breeds
And that’s not the best part. Their eggs are strong and flavorful and are absolutely great for cooking.
ALSO READ: 14 Best Chicken Breeds for Large Brown Eggs
Personality of the Croad Langshan
These chickens are known for their calm and sweet nature.
They don’t usually fight with others and are easy to handle, even for kids.
Because of this, they’d make great additions to an existing flock.
Plus, they’d make a great choice to raise if you want to involve your kids and family.
Reasons Why People Love Their Personality
- Very friendly
- Get along with other chickens
- Not too noisy
- Easy to tame and hold
ALSO READ: Best Chicken Breeds for Families
How to Care for Croad Langshan Chickens
These chickens are easy to care for but need a bit of space because of their long legs.
Housing Needs:
- Clean, dry coop with space to move
- Roosts that are low so they don’t hurt their legs
- Soft bedding to protect their feet and feathers
ALSO READ: Checklist for Chicken Coop
Feeding Tips:
- High-quality layer pellets
- Treats like fruits, veggies, and grains
- Fresh, clean water every day
ALSO READ: 9 Healthy Treats Your Chickens Will Love
Grooming and Health:
- Trim feathers if they get too dirty
- Watch for mites and lice on their legs and feathers
- Regular health checks for worms or injuries
ALSO READ: How To Identify, Treat, and Prevent Chicken Lice
Are They Good for Cold Weather?
Yes! The Croad Langshan chicken breed can do well in the cold because of their thick feathers.
Just be sure their combs don’t get frostbite.
Here are a few tips to take care of your chicken during winter or cold months:
- Keep the coop dry
- Use extra bedding like straw
- Give warm treats like cooked oats
ALSO READ: Preparing Your Chickens For Winter
Common Challenges When Raising Croad Langshan Chickens
Even though they are easy to raise, there are still some things to look out for:
Space Requirements
They are large birds and need more room in the coop and run.
Leg Feather Care
Feathers on their legs can collect mud or poop, which needs to be cleaned.
Roosting Trouble
Their height means they might have trouble jumping up to high roosts. Keep roosts low.
Why Choose the Croad Langshan Chicken Breed?
Here’s why many people love keeping this breed:
- Good egg layers, even in winter
- Calm and friendly nature
- Unique appearance
- Rare but worth the effort
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Croad Langshan Chickens
Are Croad Langshan chickens good with children?
Yes! They are calm and gentle, making them great for families.
Can Croad Langshans be raised with other chicken breeds?
Absolutely. They get along well with other calm breeds.
Do they need special food?
No, just the same healthy diet as other chickens. But make sure it’s balanced.
How often do they lay eggs?
They lay around 3–4 eggs per week and about 150 to 200 eggs per year.
Where can I get Croad Langshan chicks?
Check with local hatcheries or online breeders that specialize in rare breeds.
Croad Langshan Chicken: Before You Go…
The Croad Langshan chicken breed is a gentle giant that brings beauty and calm to any backyard flock.
They are great egg layers, especially in cold months, and their peaceful nature makes them easy to raise.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chicken keeper, these birds are a great choice.