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Poultry
Scots Grey
2008 Watchlist; Category 2, Endangered.
Victorian poultry books agree that the Scots Grey is a very old breed, going back to the 16th Century. A breed club was formed in 1885 and still exists today.
Known primarily as a cottager’s fowl, the Scots Grey has long been known for its hardiness, excellent foraging ability and capacity to thrive in cold and damp climatic conditions. It is classed as a non-sitter, but if chicks are hatched then it is a good mother. Being classed as a non-sitter does not mean that they are flighty and they can become quite tame if handled regularly.
The barring of the Scots Grey’s feathers is quite precise and results in a beautifully smart and crisp looking bird. The beak and legs are white with black mottles or streaks. The effect is completed by a single upright comb and red earlobes.
It is a good all round layer of whitish eggs. Although the breast meat is not over generous on the Scots Grey, it is particularly full of flavour, with good texture and whiteness of skin.