“The originator …Mr Charles Moore, discovered these [hens] in a little village near Southport where the ground they ranged over was a veritable swamp in winter, and yet these birds continued to lay when no one else’s birds produced an egg. And it is from this they get their name of Marsh Daisy.” Sussex Agricultural Express 20 July 1923

“…a British product viz., The Marsh Daisy as its name implies will thrive in a swamp…. and these birds will lay as well in their third or fourth as in their pullet year… Owing to their game blood they make an ideal table fowl, and a Marsh Daisy cockerel mated to Light Sussex Hens gives one brown pullets and white Cockerels”Letter in West Sussex Gazette December 10 1925 - Francis J Hemelryk Dec 4^th, 1925

“There is no reason why they should not become one of the best of the utility breeds whilst maintaining those attractive show characteristics that have already made them so popular…”

"The Marsh daisy are great show birds as they love posing in their pens. The first time I saw the breed was many years ago, I loved the type and character" - Sharon Smith (former Breed Registrar and long -term breeder)

With its distinctive rose comb, stunning green legs, upright stance and striking colouring, the Marsh Daisy is certainly a breed worth preserving. Great for first time breeders, the Marsh Daisy is very gentle with even the males showing little or no aggression and being kind to their females.

“…I have to say personally, for me one of the main reasons for continuing to put a lot of effort into the breed 10 years ago, was the non-aggressiveness of the males”– Jane Keys (former Breed Registrar and long-term breeder)

Marsh Daisies are particularly happy in free range conditions, they do not mind the rain. They generally lay good numbers of reasonably sized brown eggs, laying well into the winter months and rarely go broody. Some breeders report excellent laying qualities and egg size and breeders are working on improving those utility qualities lost in some flocks.

Marsh Daisy are standardised in five colours: Wheaten, Brown, Buff, White and Black. See the range of colours and more photographs of these beautiful birds here.

The Marsh Daisy has a fascinating history, follow this link to find out more.