Scots Dumpy: Eggs, Temperament, Size and Raising Tips

Scots Dumpy Chicken is a dual-purpose chicken, meaning they are produced for their meat and laying eggs. Although, this is a breed that has been around for a long time, but it is currently considered to be endangered.

Background and History of Scots Dumpy

Scots Dumpy Chicken, from the name itself, originated in Scotland. This chicken has been around since the early days of the twentieth century.

Scots Dumpy Chicken has been referred to by several names such as Crawlers, Bakies, Dadlies, etc. They are called such names due to their exceptionally short legs. Scotland had two traditional and native fowl:

• Scots Dumpy Chicken
• Scots Grey Chicken

Though its history has been documented in legendary stories, this breed has been introduced to Britain by the Phoenicians. 

Written in history, one of the Scots Dumpy Chicken’s famous characteristics is being a “Time Alarm Clock Bird”. They are recognized with this label because this breed of chicken has the ability to wake up at the same hour. May it be at night time or in the daytime.

Aside from waking up consistently at the same time, they are said to possess abilities superior to that of a Collie dog. Soldiers at the time used to bring chickens instead of watchdogs mainly because of their attentive ability. This breed of chicken paid an outstanding contribution to the victory of the Phoenicians in opposition to conquering the Romans.

Scots Dumpy Chicken Breed Standard and Appearance

Scots dumpy chickens are famous for having exceptionally short legs that do not even exceed at least five centimeters in its length., thus, pretty much having a waddling gait as they walk, which most people find very alluring.

Breeding Scots dumpy chicken is comforting rather than stressful as they are easy to maintain. Their extremely low legs give them enough freedom to roam around while being gentle in the backyard as they can only scratch the surface and not deep within the soil.

They can be considered low birds when we talk about height. But, they have this long yet broad physique allowing them to be one of the breeds with a deep chest.

The Scots dumpy doesn’t have a standardized color set. Though most of them are either in black or cuckoo, the chickens that have either white or blue colors are rising in popularity. Aside from these four varieties of colors, more are being developed.

Due to its short legs, the exercise for Scots dumpy chicken is limited. Hence, their weight is quite heavy. The average weight of a Scots dumpy rooster is around 7 pounds, and the hens typically weigh around 6 pounds.

This breed has delicate facial features, a magnificent skull head, and an imperfectly curved beak. It has a bright red single upright comb matching its red earlobes and brightly big eyes. Their wings are known to be gracefully tucked. Its body is curvy enough that allows it to have that nicely flowing long tail. Moreover, it should have a U-shape from its head down to its tail.

Personality and Temperament

We have already established since the beginning that the Scots Dumpy Chicken is a dual-purpose breed. Means, it is eligible to be laying eggs and can serve as meat as well. When it comes to their temperament, Scots Dumpy can make magnificent pets. They can be quiet birds. They are considered one of the breeds that can be effortlessly tamed well as they are peaceful by nature.

This breed can pretty much tolerate any weather, but they are primarily good at cold climates. Moreover, they can also be loud, so they are usually known to have that “alarm clock” trait as they wake up at the same time, usually at the beginning of dawn. Frequently, it is the roosters who crow first among any other cockerels.

The Scots dumpy hen is motherly. Therefore, you are exempted from worrying because once they have started laying eggs or around their chicks. However, in contrast to hens, some roosters tend to be more aggressive.

Scots Dumpy Chickens Egg Laying

Scots dumpy chickens can lay more or less than three eggs in a week and are considered to be great sitters and gentle mothers, too. The hen of a Scots Dumpy annually lays up to 180 either tinted or off-white colored eggs.

Scots dumpy chickens can be regarded to be a part of layer farming commercially. These hens can then start to lay eggs around their age between twelve and twenty weeks.

Then they start producing eggs frequently once they have reached twenty-five weeks of age. However, the production of eggs will gradually slow down once they have reached their adult stage of about seventy to seventy-two weeks.

Their egg production is regarded to be in a medium range, yet their egg size is surprisingly on a large scale. Scots dumpy chickens can handle any climate. Although they can lay more eggs during warm days than cold days, they are still considered good egg layers even during the winter season. If you consider having a poultry farm business, then this breed is a perfect fit for you.

Health Issues and Care

Suppose you are a business-minded person and have Scots Dumpy Chicken for poultry farming. Then you must know how to take care of this type of breed. It would be stressful to experience significant losses due to poultry diseases in your chickens.

In order to get desired peak production of eggs, it is crucial that you are always aware of the health of your chickens and take good care of them. There are various classifications of poultry illnesses your chickens might get. Categories vary from contagious, parasitic, and malnutrition. Chicken breeds such as Scots Dumpy Chicken are not exempted from such diseases and viruses.

Provide them a comfortable and well-ventilated coop because it does not just help them fit and be healthy as they breathe in the fresh air. But putting the Scots dumpy chicken in a risk-free and well-secured coop will also assure them that they are protected from all predators lurking around and safe from natural disasters.

As a responsible poultry farm owner, it is essential that you can supply them with high-quality poultry feeds that provide them the nutrients their body needs. Good food intake will allow them to grow as healthy and better as they should.

Scots dumpy chicken is known to be a hardy, dynamic, and powerful breed of chicken. Thus, they do not require much or extensive attention, unlike any other breeds.

All you need to know is to check them frequently and look out for viruses or illness symptoms for you to take the necessary action needed. Learn the importance of vaccines as they will give you the ease that your chickens are safe and protected from any poultry illness.

4 Tips on how to raise Scots Dumpy Chicken

Undoubtedly, raising any breed of chicken, especially the rare ones, can be a bit challenging. Fortunately, Scots Dumpy Chicken does not require much special care until they age.

Take gentle care of the chicks

Since this breed is genetically short, you only need to pay special attention when they are still young. Please take into consideration that the feeding and drinking cups of these chicks are at an average height. The lower, the better. This is for them to access it smoothly.

Provide security in the coop

To successfully raise a flock of Scots Dumpy Chicken, ensure that these precious rare chickens are safe and away from predators. On the other hand, as you are already informed that this chicken has dwarfism genetics. Scots dumpy’s extremely short legs make them sensitive to high areas and prone to danger. Always check that.

Clean coop, happy chickens

It’s vital to keep their coop clean and sanitary. Make it livable for them. With this, you will prevent any diseases that might endanger your whole poultry farm. Sanitation is essential simply because it will impact the general health of all chickens in the coop.

A healthy chicken, generous gifts

Ensure that you always provide them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. In return, they will produce a significant number of eggs per laying and lean meat.

Conclusion

So just in case you are fascinated with chickens and ponder whether to have poultry in your backyard. Then you may want to consider Scots Dumpy Chicken for several reasons.

Firstly, their short legs will mean that they are easy to maintain because they can only scratch the surface of your backyard soil. Second, they are exceptional egg-laying chickens, which can also mean more business if you decide to have them for a living.

They are also obedient and gentle, especially the mother chickens. However, your only concern is that they can also be a consistent and outstanding alarm clock that usually crows at dawn.

Joseph Hudson

Joseph Hudson has been raising chickens for over 15 years. In 2018, he completed the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. He currently raises over 1400 chickens on his 7.5-hectare farm. He keeps sharing his experience on raising healthy and happy chickens on Chicken Scratch The Foundry.