ALBC, breeders of rare fowl, do you list your flocks?

[spook]

Most of you are very aware of the ALBC, especially if you breed the heritage breeds of well, all livestock, not just our beloved feathered friends. Below is the Wikipedia definition of the site.
My question is, do you list your birds, why or why not, and do you feel its a positive thing keep these lines clear and whole? Can we over breed these lines if we do not reach out to others for new blood? I'm interested in your opinion and work. Thanks!

(I did not quote the whole definition)

American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
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The ALBC logoThe American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is a nonprofit organization founded in 1977 and headquartered in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Its mission is to protect "genetic diversity in livestock and poultry species through the conservation and promotion of endangered breeds."[1] ALBC maintains a list of breeds which are either becoming rare (some critically so) or else simply lack historical documentation. The conservation list published by ALBC is used by the SVF Foundation for the purpose of preserving genetic material from rare breeds.[2]

The ALBC is the foremost organization in North America involved in the preservation and promotion of rare breeds,[3] and has been instrumental in saving several livestock and poultry breeds, sometimes in concert with organizations such as the Society for Preservation of Poultry Antiquities or Slow Food USA. ALBC's conservation efforts include research on breed status and characteristics; developing breed specific strategies for conservation; maintaining a gene bank of rare breeds; strengthening the stewardship skills of breeders through various educational venues; and educating the public through workshops, conferences and publications.​

 

[cybercat]

Spook are you a member of the ALBC? Did you know there is a public breeder listing for the chickens there. We do have a few members here on BYC. I am not one but will be after next month.

 

[spook]

Really, that is interesting, possibly next month I could be on it. Not completely sure what chicks I just hatched! ha ha...I'll be getting Midget White Turkeys next month with hopes that I can atleast have 1 pair by the end of the year.
Either way, thank you for the heads up!

 

[cgmccary]

I am a member and I contribute (financially) when able. I attended their annual conference in Pittsboro, NC in November, 2007. ALBC is a solid, very well operated non-profit corporation with a defined mission. They are a committed, close group of folks who are very helpful to each other.

As a poultry breeder, we need each other in many ways. For me, I am limited in the numbers of birds I can keep at any one time. By keeping a close relationship with other breeders, both within and outside ALBC, I am able to maintain genetic diversity, and get some help in raising my birds. I do not believe you have to breed out very often (i.e. what you call "new blood"), but you need to breed responsibly. Maintain as much genetic diversity within your lines as possible. This may involve keeping individual birds not only because they are your best looking & most productive birds but also because of their genetic diversity. Both aspects are important.

I have also participated in ALBC workshops in evaluating poultry and have corresponded with some of their very knowledgeable staff & fellow members. I have learned more about my breed than I have garnered from all the other sources combined. I have went to the RAFT/ Slow Foods tastings of the rare breeds. At the conference, we all had one big banquet/dinner together of Red Wattle ham, Buckeye & Java Chicken and Pineywoods steak. I can only say positive things about the organization.