Key Characteristics

The Ixworth should be in a free range environment as they are active foragers.  It is a hardy breed with a quiet temperament. They appeal to free range/organic/traditional poultry keepers more than to regular show exhibitors, who might prefer breeds with a more interesting appearance. 

History

• The Ixworth breed was created by Reginald Appleyard, starting in 1931 and launched at the 1938 London Dairy Show, and named after the Suffolk village of his birth.
• His aim was to produce a top quality, fast maturing table bird that would also lay more and avoid the other utility problems associated with the Indian Game breed.
• Breeds used in its make included White Sussex, White Orpington, White Minorca, White Old English Game, Jubilee and Dark Indian Game. 
• The breed nearly went extinct in the 1950s as faster growing hybrid broilers arrived.  Rare breed conservationists began to revive Ixworth’s in the 1970s and now there are now about 20 enthusiastic breeders but only four exhibitors.

Appearance

• The Ixworth is a deep-bodied, medium to large breed.
• Birds should have white legs with a pinkish tinge, orange eyes, a red pea comb and hold their tail fairly low
• The Ixworth is only in one colour, white.

Uses

The bird is white fleshed. Some say it provides the best quality meat of any pure breed.  However like most pure breeds it is best to eat at no more than 12-14 months. Depending on the strain the Ixworth hen should produce about 150-180 medium-sized white/cream eggs in a year.

Did you know?

The name Ixworth comes from the Suffolk village where the breed was created. 

Breed Societies

Rare Poultry Society