Bob Blosl's Heritage Large Fowl Thread

[Robert Blosl]

http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=poultry

Want to read some poultry books. Here you go. bob

 

[7961]

Quote:
A week or so back I found this website. There is a plethera of great info with the rare books they have online now. Who would have thought!

 

[buffbeauty]

Ok. Finally I have made it through all 150 pages of this thread. Mom (jenjscott) told me probably 2 months ago to read it but I just got started on it a week or so ago. There were so many things I wanted to comment on or question but, of course, at that point it would have been lost. I'm fairly new to chickens. Just got my first ones in May, but started with and got what I wanted. I started with a trio of buff orps from Mr. Roy Autrey who got them from Superior Farms as chicks? eggs? at their liquidation. So being from where they are from what lines are the probably from? Heritage? I have kept 2 of what I hope were the best pullets and will put them under my cockbird as soon as they start laying. (any day now) and will hopefully then really start getting some more great birds. I also have taken on 2 trios of bantam salmon faverolles and a flock of bantam black faverolles. I love all of these birds!!
Excuse the broody hen, but doesn't he loooks so proud!!

better pic of hen, except she wanted to play ostrich!

2 pullets and hen

Lastly a very rare but COMPLETELY heritage breed. A previously quoted "tow-head orpington" cockerel getting his bath before a show!!

From the start of reading this thread I keep seeing these awesome BRs and told mom that it sure does make me want some but she suggested I add LF faverolles instead (since they are heritage as well) which does make more sense since I already have learned quite a lot about the standard for color and such. So where do I find some?? The male that won reserve continental was STUNNING!!! But word on the street is that the Patterson's don't let any of their stuff go. Other known fav breeders have suffered major predator attacks recently: rose isggrig and dick boulanger, and I've talked to Peter Merlin some on the faverolles thread and my impression is that he isn't really breeding/selling right now. I see that Duane Urch has some listed but does anyone know the quality of his LF Faverolles? Or know where to get some great ones? Or have an inside line with Johnathan Patterson?

Loving this thread and really sad that I'm all caught up because now what am I going to do the rest of the night at work??

 

[hcammack]

Quote:
Talk to Leisha about getting birds from Ron and Jonathan. I have almost bought eggs from them several times. Cindy also has a trio of good birds from Ron so I believe he sells probably just not this time of year. I also know Dick is planning a big hatch in January and February for next years show season. Cindy will also have more she has both birds from Dick and birds from Ron. I can put you in touch with some other folks as well. I have been thinking I want to get into LF salmons after college.

 

[buffbeauty]

Heehee. Hi Henry!! Ok. Wasn't sure what everyones plans for spring were.

 

[hcammack]

Quote:
Ha ah I am everywhere. Yeah your right its hard to get birds just be persistent. I can give you Ron's email and Dick should have some to. Not sure about Cindy yet. Just let them all know your interested.

Henry

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I have a question...probably already been answered way back in these pages, but does the term "Heritage" only cover birds that were originally bred in the US?

 

[punky rooster]

Quote:
no
Definition of Heritage Chicken

Purpose:

Chickens have been a part of the American diet since the arrival of the Spanish explorers. Since that time, different breeds have been developed to provide meat, eggs, and pleasure.

The American Poultry Association began defining breeds in 1873 and publishing the definitions in the Standard of Perfection. These Standard breeds were well adapted to outdoor production in various climatic regions. They 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 American Livestock Breeds 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.

Therefore, to draw attention to these endangered breeds, to support their long-term conservation, to support efforts to recover these breeds to historic levels of productivity, and to re-introduce these culinary and cultural treasures to the marketplace, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is defining Heritage Chicken. Chickens must meet all of the following criteria to be marketed as Heritage.

Definition:

Heritage Chicken must adhere to all the following:

1. APA Standard Breed. Heritage Chicken must be from parent and grandparent stock of breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) prior to the mid-20th century; whose genetic line can be traced back multiple generations; and with traits that meet the APA Standard of Perfection guidelines for the breed. Heritage Chicken must be produced and sired by an APA Standard breed. Heritage eggs must be laid by an APA Standard breed.
2. Naturally mating. Heritage Chicken must be reproduced and genetically maintained through natural mating. Chickens marketed as Heritage must be the result of naturally mating pairs of both grandparent and parent stock.
3. Long, productive outdoor lifespan. Heritage Chicken must have the genetic ability to live a long, vigorous life and thrive in the rigors of pasture-based, outdoor production systems. Breeding hens should be productive for 5-7 years and roosters for 3-5 years.
4. Slow growth rate. Heritage Chicken must have a moderate to slow rate of growth, reaching appropriate market weight for the breed in no less than 16 weeks. This gives the chicken time to develop strong skeletal structure and healthy organs prior to building muscle mass.

Chickens marketed as Heritage must include the variety and breed name on the label.

Terms like “heirloom,” “antique,” “old-fashioned,” and “old timey” imply Heritage and are understood to be synonymous with the definition provided here.

Abbreviated Definition: A Heritage Egg can only be produced by an American Poultry Association Standard breed. A Heritage Chicken is hatched from a heritage egg sired by an American Poultry Association Standard breed established prior to the mid-20th century, is slow growing, naturally mated with a long productive outdoor life.

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has over 30 years of experience, knowledge, and understanding of endangered breeds, genetic conservation, and breeder networks

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

Hey, Yours are starting to look almost as good as my Buff Orpingtons!


Quote:

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

punky rooster, from your post, is this the general idea?

"All APA birds bred towards the APA standard that are were a recognized breed before the 20th century and can breed naturally are considered 'heritage' however not all 'heritage' birds are bred towards the APA standard."

Am I understanding the idea behind it correctly?


Isn't the purpose of the APA to preserve the different breeds of birds? Why is there another organization doing the same thing? Seems a bit redundant to me.

I'm not trying to spark an argument, just trying to understand the purpose and get some questions answered.