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The Croad Langshan Club

A little about the breed

The Croad Langshan is an ancient breed originating from the Langshan region in Northern China (where we believe they still exist today). They were imported into Britain by Major F.T. Croad in 1872. The original colour was black with a bottle-green sheen, and that is the main colour today, although some whites have been bred from the blacks. Egg colour is a pinkish plum. Langshans are a delight to keep because the birds are inquisitive, intelligent, and graceful – but generally docile, including the cockerels.

In Britain and in the USA (where the breed was imported in 1898), there was a great deal of argument between Langshan and Cochin breeders, and it was some time before the Langshan was recognised as a breed in its own right.

The Croad Club was formed in Britain in 1904, the name Croad having been added in tribute to Miss Croad, Major Croad’s niece, who did so much to support the breed. The name Croad also distinguishes the ‘original’ type of Langshan imported in 1872 (which was a useful utility fowl, good for both eggs and the table) and other Langshan types such as German and Australian Langshans, and the tall Modern Langshans that have been developed for the show pen.

Between the wars the Croads’ utility properties made them popular and they did well in laying trials. As with so many other breeds, numbers declined after World War II. The breed was rescued by the Rare Poultry Society until 1979, when the Club was re-formed.

Bantam Croad Langshans have been created by breeding down from the large fowl and using other breeds. These are now of good type, but many do not lay the correct colour egg.

The Croad Langshan Club of Great Britain

The Club promotes this magnificent but rare breed. Members receive regular newsletters, and can contact other members for information and new stock. Each year there is a Club Show and several Area Shows, and we offer special awards at local shows which have Croad classes. The club does its best to put members in touch with breeders of good quality stock.

The Croad Langshan breed book is available.   Details here.

Why not keep some of these magnificent birds?

For membership information download this pdf file (55k) 

or contact the Club Secretary:

Ms L Heigl, Stillwaters, Thursley Road, Churt, Farnham, GU10 2LQ

Telephone 01428 602992

Email lynh@croadlangshan.org.uk

Subscription £7.50 a year (juniors £4.00)