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Scots dumpy chickens

Scots Dumpy chickens

The newest chickens on the farm are the rare breed Scots Dumpys. Our brood of chickens includes a cockerel and several hens.

Wester Kittochside's flock

Come and see the chickens in action down on the farm or catch a glimpse of them in the chicken slideshow!

  • Scots Dumpy chicks
  • Scots Dumpy chicks
  • Scots Dumpy Chickens
  • Scots Dumpy Chickens
  • Scots Dumpy Chickens
  • Scots Dumpy Chickens
  • Scots Dumpy Chickens

Scots Dumpy Breed

Scots Dumpys a traditional fowl of Scotland, however they are now one of the rarest breeds. They were first mentioned as a breed in the 1850s and were exhibited in 1852 at the Metropolitan Exhibition in London.

The most distinctive features of the Scots Dumpy are its delightful waddling action and quiet nature. They are good layers and are considered particularly good as broodies and mothers.The main characteristics of of the breed are:

  • The body should be boat shaped with a long back and a low, heavy appearance.
  • Eyes and ear lobes are red.
  • Beak, legs and feet should be black or slate in blacks, mottled in cuckoos and otherwise white.
  • Eggs are commonly white although other colours have been known.
  • Today Scots Dumpys are commonly cuckoo-coloured and black but white, buff and other sorts are accepted by most.
  • They should walk with a waddle from side-to-side, as if "sailing across the ground".
  • They have four toes and a single comb.
  • They come with long and short legs. The longer legged variety have legs longer than 7.5 cm but still robust in diameter.

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Scots Dumpy Cockerel

Scots Dumpy cockerel at National Museum of Rural Life.

Down on the farm
  • Down on the farm

Related pages

  • Mairi the Clydesdale
  • Tamworth pigs
  • Kittochside Ayrshire herd
  • Garden Detectives
  • Teachers' resources

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National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130