Chicken Breed Focus - Vorwerk

[sumi]

Vorwerks are a dual-purpose chicken suitable for both meat and egg production. Created beginning 1900, when poultry breeder Oskar Vorwerk began to create a medium-sized, utilitarian chicken breed with the belted plumage pattern of the Lakenvelder breed. The key difference in appearance would be the Vorwerk's dark golden base colour, as apposed to the white of the Lakenvelder. Thus, his chicken is sometimes incorrectly called the "Golden Lakenvelder", especially in the USA. The Golden Lakenvelder, a plumage variety, is a separate breed from the Vorwerk. Breeds used to create the Vorwerk included the Lakenvelder, Buff Orpington, Buff Sussex and Andalusian. By 1913, the Vorwerk was standardised, however, it never really gained widespread use, and is rare or non-existent outside Continental Europe.

In 1966, a U.S. man named Wilmar Vorwerk of Minnesota, developed an interest in the breed, but found it had not been exported to USA. He decided to create a bantam version from scratch, using Lakenvelders, Buff and Blue Wyandottes, Black-tailed Buff and Buff Columbian Rosecombs. European fanciers have also independently miniaturized a bantam Vorwerk. Though the large fowl Vorwerk has never been accepted in the APA's Standard of Perfection, the American Bantam Association has recognized the U.S. version of the Vorwerk Bantam.

Details:

Detail Value
Breed Purpose Dual Purpose
Comb Single
Broodiness Seldom
Climate Tolerance All Climates
Egg Productivity Medium
Egg Size Medium
Egg Color Light Brown
Breed Temperament Flighty,Easily handled,Bears confinement well
Breed Colors/Varieties Black buff black sometimes called Golden Lakenvelder in the US. Blue buff blue were created in Holland but now probably extinct. White buff white were created in Holland but will soon be extinct.
Breed Size Bantam


Pic by @DallasCriftins


Pic by @Henk69


Pic by @Henk69


Pic by @Henk69


Pic by @Henk69

BYC Breed Reviews:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/vorwerk

BYC Breed Discussions:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/786298/the-vorwerk-thread/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281316/my-vorwerk-s-from-germany/0_30

Do you own Vorwerks? Are you a Vorwerk breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:

· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!

We have a bunch of other awesome breed-focus threads for you to enjoy. You can see all of them here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-breed-focus-project.975504/

 

[TamingMaster]

A wonderful breed to focus on - Vorwerks are definitely one of my favourites!

I was given a Vorwerk hen as a surprise gift from a close family member. Although I would love to breed her, I've kept her purely as a pet - and named her Lady Egglantine.
My favourite characteristics would definitely be her feather colours and her courage when it comes to predators. She's kept my little flock safe more times than I can count!

Here's a few pictures:

 

[Kiki]

A wonderful breed to focus on - Vorwerks are definitely one of my favourites!

I was given a Vorwerk hen as a surprise gift from a close family member. Although I would love to breed her, I've kept her purely as a pet - and named her Lady Egglantine.
My favourite characteristics would definitely be her feather colours and her courage when it comes to predators. She's kept my little flock safe more times than I can count!

Here's a few pictures:

She is very pretty.

 

[TamingMaster]

She is very pretty.

Thanks.

 

[lilmillefleur]

Where can you buy vorwerks??? They are so pretty

 

[TheFoxyChicken]

I have been looking for these birds as well. I have even attempted to contact farms in the UK.

 

[ufi chicknz]

hie guys i do hv a big question i wanna ask where does this broiler breed comes from ? is it true that it comes from gallus gallus red jungle fowl? anyone wth any idea tell me

 

[Whittni]

hie guys i do hv a big question i wanna ask where does this broiler breed comes from ? is it true that it comes from gallus gallus red jungle fowl? anyone wth any idea tell me

Yes, chickens do come from red jungle fowl. Here's a scientific blog for reference.

 

[Alan-s-poultry]

I find vorwerk’s to be very lively birds whom love to free range. They can be a nervous breed but once they get used to a routine they are happiest.

 

[cshirk1977]

Does any one have any Vorwerk's for sale?