I think the breed is called a 'barnyard mix'. Once you mix them they could be any color and look like something they aren't. Crossing up 'breeds', brings out recessive genes, creates something new and likely not repeatable.Anyone know the breeds this barnyard mix is.
'Breed' is an animal husbandry term rather than a taxonomy term. It is a term of art which defines long and careful selection of characteristics - regardless of species.
A breed is a specific group of domestic animals having the same appearance, the same behavior, and/or other characteristics that distinguish it from other organisms of the same species and that were arrived at through very careful selective breeding.
Breeders come to a consensus of what a breed's characteristics should be. When bred together, individuals of the same breed pass on these predictable traits to their offspring, and this ability - known as 'breeding true' - is a requirement for a breed.
A barnyard mix will never breed true to anything that comes before. They may get close but there will always be the possibility of sports or deviations from the norm.
Now I'll get on my soapbox in support of heritage poultry (and other livestock). I understand that most backyard and small flock holders have limited space and resources so are unable to feasibly separate breeds but.
In order to maintain integrity of a breed, a breeder selects those animals with the most desirable traits, to achieve further maintenance and developing of such traits. At the same time, avoiding animals carrying characteristics, not typical or with defects. The population within the same breed must consist of a sufficient number of animals to maintain the breed within the desired characteristics without the necessity of excessive inbreeding. The breed needs to contain several bloodlines that can be interbred to sustain the breed in whole without weakening the gene pool.
As heritage breeds become scarce, we risk losing unique genetics that our forbearers spent decades or even generations developing. Not only would this be a loss of that 'art' but also, the unique genetics of various breeds can sustain poultry in the event of disease outbreaks.
According to the American Livestock Breed Conservancy, heritage poultry "were hearty, long-lived, and reproductively vital birds that provided an important source of protein to the growing population of the country until the mid-20th century. With the industrialization of chickens many breeds were sidelined in preference for a few rapidly growing hybrids. The Livestock Conservancy now lists over three-dozen breeds of chickens in danger of extinction. Extinction of a breed would mean the irrevocable loss of the genetic resources and options it embodies."
Here is a list of endangered livestock breeds from the FAO
http://www.fao.org/3/a-a1250s/endangered_2007.pdf
This is just my opinion and take on this but when someone has some of these endangered breeds, I feel it is incumbent on them to work to maintain and improve their special characteristics. Crossing them with other breeds, negates that opportunity.
Good plan on coop/run construction....
I build every coop assuming that if I go outside at night, this is what I'll find. Not a bad approach, as they pull the side of my house off to climb into my attic. This morning I found raccoon scat near the coops, and the fly traps dragged all over the place (one opened). All chickens completely safe. I'm not an idiot - one may eventually find a way in. But all my coops are very secure for a very good reason...
I cull/process in a little alcove near the hose faucet that cannot be seen from almost anywhere else, in my yard or from the neighbors, for this reason.
You bad boy...
I had an abacus as a toy when I was a small child. I'm only 45, but my mother was a teacher and my father was an engineer. It was inevitable...
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You know, CC, I SERIOUSLY considered just starting with Penedescencas before I bought my first chick (I was doing all that breed research). I opted not to because I didn't have experience with chickens, and surmised (rightfully, I think), that they'd be hard for a beginner. I'm now up to my ears in my own project(s), but every time I see your birds, I am tempted to set up a space and coop for them in the back of my property and let them be free and see how they do...
You have an outstanding dry wit.
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- Ant Farm
I love Penedesencas. They are in danger of extinction in every country where they exist - Spain, Germany, Ireland, Canada and the US. They're supposed to be in Argentina and Central America but I haven't been able to find any there.
Thank you. Not everyone agrees, I'm sure.
It is supposed to have a life expectancy of 45 years. It outlasts all other roofing except copper, some other metals, clay and slate. Slate can last 150 years - unless you live here and have frequent hale storms.
God loves owls - and so do I.MORNING everyone!!!
Tulsa, OK · ~This person Found out why the cats have been disappearing. Found this on his game camera.
Another reason to
Or EBay.
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