Table birds

This year will be our first year in rearing birds for the table. We have recently bought a trio of Indian Game. The cockerel is dark and pullets light. The pullets, although very close, have yet to come into lay and will possibly be too young this year to breed from. For this reason we have introduced an Australorp and an Ixworth to the small flock. Both breeds will make good size table birds when crossed. The Dorking and Sussex will also be useful for crossing.

We keep the breeding flocks on approx. an acre of land (divided into three areas) in a neighbouring village. Both groups are free to range one area each, sharing their space with a couple of ewes and their lambs.

Indian/Cornish Game - tinted egg layer


Dark Indian Game cockerel - 1 year old:




Dark Laced Indian Game hen:


Light Laced Indian Game hen:




The Indian /Cornish Game was first bred in Cornwall in the 19th century. It is a stout hard feathered bird and is best when free ranging. Although the hens aren't great egg layers they are a popular breed, especially when crossed with other breeds, for table birds due to their abundance of breast meat.

Ixworth - tinted egg layer



Developed by Reginald Appleyard in the early/mid 1900s the Ixworth is now a rare breed. Being a large bird with white flesh and a broad breast it makes an ideal table bird. Similar to the Cornish game it is best suited to free ranging.

Australorp - tinted egg layer

Australorp hen:


Australorp hen with Indian Game cockerel





The Australorp is a popular breed, being of a calm, friendly nature. They are quick to mature and are excellent layers. Due to their size they are also make a good cross with Indian/Cornish game as a meat bird.