There are hundreds of chicken breeds in existence. Domesticated for thousands of years, Distinguishable breeds of chicken have been present since the combined factors of geographical isolation and selection for desired characteristics created regional types with distinct physical and behavioral traits passed on to their offspring. The physical traits used to distinguish chicken breeds are size, plumage color, comb type, skin color, number of toes, amount of feathering, earlobe color, egg color, and place of origin. They are also roughly divided by primary use, whether for eggs, meat, or ornamental purposes, and with some considered to be dual-purpose. Living in a rural area and in the country away from the city has some great advantages. My daily walks always provide me with something exciting to capture through my lens. I found this strapping young man wondering round with his mates in the paddock. His plumage is magnificent.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 Nov. 20th 2010 Rural Southland New Zealand

strapping Young Fellow – Cockerel

Dust bathing – Red Hen