Are you looking for the perfect chicken breed for meat and eggs? If yes, then meet the Ixworth chicken breed.
It’s a tough and friendly bird that most chicken owners raise for their meat and eggs.
And if you haven’t heard about the Ixworth chicken in your area, it’s because it was first created in England.
But you wouldn’t miss this breed!
Despite its foreign name, the appearance of Ixworth chickens is very similar to that of the white chickens you see on any farm.
Let’s learn more about this unique chicken and why it might be a great choice for your flock.
Ixworth Chicken Breed: Quick Overview
Here’s a quick table to help you remember the main traits of this awesome chicken breed:
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | Medium to tall |
| Weight | Roosters: ~10 lbs, Hens: ~8 lbs |
| Comb | Small pea comb |
| Varieties | White only |
| Eggs/Year | 150–200 light brown eggs |
| Personality | Calm, friendly, and strong |
History of the Ixworth Chicken Breed
The Ixworth chicken breed was developed by Reginald Appleyard, who began working on it in 1931.
It was officially introduced to the public at the 1938 London Dairy Show and named after the village of Ixworth in Suffolk, where Appleyard was born.
His goal was to create a high-quality meat bird that grew quickly and laid more eggs, while avoiding the common issues seen in Indian Game chickens.
To achieve this, he used different chicken breeds like:
- White Sussex
- White Minorca
- White Orpington
- Jubilee Orpington
- Indian Game
This mix made a strong, fast-growing bird that still lays a good amount of eggs.
The breed almost disappeared in the 1950s due to the rise of faster-growing commercial broilers.
However, in the 1970s, rare breed enthusiasts began bringing the Ixworth back.
Today, dedicated breeders continue to raise them, and some regularly show them in exhibitions.
Today, it is considered a rare breed, but many people still love raising it.
Ixworth Chickens: Appearance
Ixworth chickens are medium to large-sized and all white.
They have a strong body, small red combs, bright red faces, and orange eyes.
Their skin is white, which many people prefer for meat birds.
Key features include:
- Thick, muscular body
- Pure white feathers
- Red wattles and comb
- Clean (non-feathered) legs
They are not just strong. They’re beautiful, too!
Ixworth Chicken Breed: Egg-Laying Ability
Even though they are mostly raised for meat, Ixworth chickens still lay a good number of eggs each year.
You can expect:
- About 150 to 200 eggs per year
- Eggs are light brown
- Medium to large in size
- Hens start laying at around 6 months old
So, if you’re looking for a bird that can give you eggs and also grow big for meat, the Ixworth is a great pick!
Ixworth Chicken Breed: Personality
The Ixworth chicken breed is known for being calm and friendly. They are not flighty or loud, so they make good backyard pets.
Here’s what owners love about them:
- Easy to handle
- Good around kids
- Not aggressive
- Gets along with other chickens
Even though they’re big and tough, they are still sweet birds to have around!
Want calmer breeds? Check this out: Docile Chicken Breeds
Are They Good for Meat?
Yes! The Ixworth chicken breed is one of the best birds for meat.
That’s one of the main reasons it was created. They grow fast and have a lot of muscle.
Meat characteristics:
- White skin (many people like this for meat birds)
- Tender, flavorful meat
- Fast growth (ready for processing in 12–16 weeks)
If you want a chicken that will help feed your family, this one is a great choice!
ALSO READ: Best Meat Chicken Breeds
How to Care for Ixworth Chickens
Taking care of the Ixworth chicken breed is just like caring for any other backyard chicken, but here are some tips:
Housing:
- Give them plenty of space.
- Keep their coop clean and dry.
- Use strong fencing (they are big and need room to move)
ALSO READ: DIY Chicken Coop Plans
Feeding:
- Provide quality layer feed or grower feed if raising for meat.
- Give fresh water every day.
- Add treats like veggies and grains in moderation.
ALSO READ: The Definitive List of Chicken Treats
Health:
- Check for mites and lice regularly.
- Keep vaccinations up to date if needed.
- Watch their legs and feet for injury since they’re heavy birds.
ALSO READ: Chicken Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Exercise:
- Let them roam if you can!
- They enjoy free-ranging and finding bugs in the grass.
ALSO READ: Chicken Playground: How To Build One
With the right care, your Ixworth chickens will be happy and healthy.
Common Challenges When Raising Ixworth Chickens
Even though they are hardy, there are still a few things to look out for:
Heavy Weight
Because they are big, they can sometimes have leg problems, especially if the coop is small.
They might also get cranky and stressed in smaller living spaces.
So, it’s best to make sure you have a bigger coop and a backyard where they can roam around.
Rare Breed
They can be hard to find at hatcheries or local farms.
Not Ideal for Cold Climates
Their small combs help with frostbite, but very cold, wet weather can still be tough for them.
Why Choose the Ixworth Chicken Breed?
If you want a chicken that’s good for both meat and eggs, is friendly, and doesn’t need much special care, the Ixworth chicken breed is a perfect choice.
It’s strong, productive, and great for families who want chickens that do it all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ixworth Chickens
Are Ixworth chickens good for beginners?
Yes! They are friendly, easy to raise, and don’t need special care.
ALSO READ: Best Beginner Chicken Breeds
Do Ixworth chickens need special food?
No. Just give them regular chicken feed, some fresh water, and snacks.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Own Chicken Feed [2025 Guide]
Are they noisy?
Not really.
They are pretty quiet, which is nice if you have neighbors or you want some peace while raising birds.
ALSO READ: The Quietest Chicken Breeds For Every Purpose
Where can I buy Ixworth chickens?
Because they’re rare, you may need to find a breeder. Look online or in local chicken groups.
Do Ixworth chickens lay colorful eggs?
No. They lay light brown eggs, but lots of them!
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED: Which Chicken Lays Purple Eggs?
Ixworth Chicken Breed: Is This Right For You?
The Ixworth chicken breed is strong, useful, and friendly.
Whether you want meat, eggs, or just a cool bird in your yard, these chickens are a great fit.
If you’re starting a backyard flock or adding to an old one, consider the Ixworth.
They’ve got history, charm, and they work hard for you!