Chicken Breed Focus - Maline

[mamawolf544]

I just got 18 of these chicks last week from GFF.

I am so excited to grow these, breed them, and use the extra roo's for meat. Next year of course.

 

[SimonV]

One of my Bantam Malines hens

 

[amymboxer]

We have someone her locally selling these birds for $15 for pullets and $5 for roos.

 

[Our Roost]

Where on earth did you get "bantam" malines hens from? There is no such thing to my knowledge.

 

[Our Roost]

For that price, they must be junk?

 

[amymboxer]

I think because its local only they are being sold for less? I don't think most people know what they are. She sells several show quality breeds as well. But I have no idea I am no bird expert. Here is a photo of her birds.

 

[Our Roost]

My main concern for this very rare breed is the lack of numbers. Continuously mating birds from the same bloodline can bring about issues of concern. Only a professional breeder such as Greenfire farms knows how to handle offspring mating to insure these issues are contained. Its not that easy to purchase another rooster or set of hens to breed with the stock you own. I would gladly donate a few of my birds to someone I trust would breed them properly. I wouldn't just market them to the average person. But, its not my call!

 

[amymboxer]

Ah yes I see your point. I was just getting one for a pet and eggs. Not for breeding.

 

[SimonV]

Where on earth did you get "bantam" malines hens from? There is no such thing to my knowledge.

There are here in Belgium...
And I breed them,that is a pullet from last year

 

[Our Roost]

Hmm, I have several breeds including the Malines. My 3rd year working with them and their demeanor is not on my favorite pet list! Ha ha. Not to say they don't have a docile side to them, but I never considered a meat bird as a pet. These birds were Europe's meat bird before the introduction of the Cornish cross after world war 2. Disease left them almost wiped out and it has been a salvage mission ever since to revitalize them in numbers and in quality. Enjoy!