We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Spangled Russian Orloff chicks from Sand Hill Preservation Center. This breed is classified as critical on the list of rare poultry breeds, the definition of critical being "Fewer than 500 breeding birds in the United States, with five or fewer primary breeding flocks (50 birds or more), and estimated global population less than 1,000." (source: ALBC)

I chose this breed because they are winter hardy, gentle and calm in temperament and attractive/interesting in appearance. I have heard that these birds are "sleet-proof"....sounds ideal for our northern Idaho climate. There are other chicks arriving with the Orloffs. I asked for Exchequer Leghorns, but it is very likely that we will get one of the substitue breeds instead. The primary reason for ordering other chickens was that express shipping was so high...and for only $9.00 more, I could ship 25 more chicks... Raising 50 chicks isn't any harder than raising 25. Demand and appreciation for the eggs I currently have is such that I think that selling eggs, in small quantities, is feasible, so why not? The substitute breeds I requested included Mahogany Orloffs, Mille Fleur Leghorns and notably, any color of Cochins or Dorkings they'd like to send me. I already have an adult pair of White Cochins from Sand Hill, which came as part of the super assorted chicken deal last fall. They are THE nicest birds! Cochins don't mature until they're past a year old, and mine, at 7 months old are already huge! The rooster is enormous and heavy, but he's never made the slightest gesture of aggression towards me. The hen, who at 7 months old is already setting on a clutch of eggs, is just as mellow. She's warned me away from taking the eggs she's trying to hatch, but when one rolls out from underneath her, she lets me tuck it back underneath her. Also, neither of these birds suffered frostbite over the winter. I hadn't expected to have this breed, but they have won me over! :-)