Well it was suggested- and someone then picked up that I was getting Chanteclers, but I am not. Which I will answer why not, since Bob questioned what makes people pick certain breeds over others.
I wanted to love Chanteclers- they were one of the first that I researched. From what I've read- the whites are the only ones that can legitimately be considered as having originated from the original breeding/intent, and frankly I just don't want white chickens. The only bird that I have ever lost to an (aerial) predator has been a white bird. And we have impressive (aerial) predators to contend with. When I look at a white chicken I think "commercial". Now that may seem absurd and silly- but I can't say that I am immune to aesthetics when I gaze upon my chickens- and I just don't enjoy whites. (Although I will certainly make an exception for Yellow House Farm's identifying photo- that round breast, and red comb sitting in the snow always catches my eye and makes me smile.)
I am interested in the Standard/Heritage Breeds in the same way, and for many of the same reasons that I grow heirloom vegetables. I have an interest in breeding to the SOP- delving into my chicken hobby in a more scientific/intellectual way. Frankly I never really expected that I would be so interested and enamored with chickens on the level that I have become since first acquiring my motley crew of hatchery birds. And I see saving the old strains as crucial- just as saving endangered wildlife is crucial. Our world has taken a scary turn towards throwing aside our most precious resources- I'd like to do my part to put up a good fight against that.
I live in Alaska, and showing isn't really an option for me. Which is too bad- because I can see that poultry shows would be an invaluable resource for meeting some "old pros" and really learning valuable information. I wish that I could have a hands on mentor, but I will do the best with the resources that I do have.
Initially I put some feelers out for Buckeyes- but I hit a wall in terms of breeders not willing to sell eggs- or having a 25 chick minimum. Reading that they are not the best in confinement had me concerned- because being an amazing forager is something I'm looking for- but my reality is that chickens have to be confined during the brutal cold snaps- and they need to get along with that.
I have decided upon the Good Shepard Barred Rocks because they are stunning- which initially caught my eye, since I always believed Barred Rocks to be quite boring and drab. But also because they look tasty! The photos I have seen on the Good Shepherd website/Facebook page look like the kind of carcass I want to have after I go through the sadness and work of processing my birds. But I want some eggs too- at $5 a dozen, selling extras helps offset the cost of feed. From reading what folks have written about their GSBRs on this forum- it seems as though they are effective foragers, which I want. Winters are long and feed is expensive up here- I want birds that are going to make full use of the time that they have to grab the good stuff, while its available. A video interview I saw with Mr. Reese had him describing his Barred Rocks as hardy and running around in -15 degrees. Inflated advertising? I'm willing to take his word on it- and give them a try myself. So fingers crossed- I never got a response from Good Shepherd, but Jwhip has put me on his list for 2 dozen eggs. He's clearly an amazing breeder and it sounds like he's a good wrapper/shipper of eggs- which is important for the long journey. My incubator is waiting!
I also just sent a check off to Texas- and am dancing in my seat waiting on my 10 RCRIR chicks. I guess I am a sucker for the old standards- the barnyard classics. If they worked on the homesteads of our old family farms- then surely they will work on my little homestead. The rose combs will be practical- but for some reason I find the RCRIRs much more appealing- they look sleek and impressive in a way that the SC don't. And they need more love as far as numbers go. Also my hatchery stock rcrir hen brooded her first time and raised 9 chicks, after sitting on a foolishly large nest of everyone's eggs (It was both of our first times!) - she's a fiesty little thing who teaches the cockerels how to treat a lady- so i have a soft spot- although I know not to expect that same personality in a Standard Bred. Also, I read that they are rich and tasty- and perfect for stews- and eggs (see above). Cast iron dutch oven slow cooking on the woodstove=happy Alaskan Winter.
Hope I haven't bored you all.
