Bob Blosl's Heritage Large Fowl Thread

[rodriguezpoultry]

Thanks for the great advice. I really appreciate it. My only problem is, I don't know where a concrete place is to buy SQ birds. I just don't. I know that breeders are a good bet... But what breeders? Where are fancy chicken shows in Indiana? I mean, I have zero ideas about that. And I will get that book you mentioned, even if it's pretty expensive. My parents can get it for my birthday. But I don't know where to start.

The book I started with was the 1996 black and white paperback version. It was $15 from the American Poultry Association website. I got it first as I knew I would be thumbing through it for everything. They just came out with the 2010 hardback color version. I, personally, would not start out with the $59 color version of this book. You will be hesitant to take it with you to your pens, in your car, to a poultry show, etc. because you will want to keep it in "pristine" condition.

Indiana is a HUGE place for poultry shows. And corn...lots of corn. By the way, have you ever listened to Korn Country? LOVE that station. "Their ears are listening!" haha.

A very easy way to find out, is to simply google "Poultry Shows in Indiana 2013." If none are listed, then look for 2012. alot of times, this information will be posted on a website along with the superintendent of the show and/or contact information for the past shows. I have had to call these numbers several times if I cannot find out information about a poultry show that I have never been to before and can't seem to find information about.
I digress,

 

[catdaddyfro]

I will. Thanks for helping me. My only problem is that I'm unsure where to buy SQ birds. Hatcheries are bad, I guess. But I think you're right. Taking care of a bird is one of the most important things. I mean, really taking care of it, and making sure it doesn't have bugs.

There's enough right here on this one thread to help you out, I'm sure, without having to search any farther and yes you can see lots of good quality stock in Indiana and immediate surrounding states too.

When you figure out what/which kind suits your fancy, just ask away. Someone here can tell you or point you in the needed direction, surely.

Jeff

 

[Chloe77]

I'll research chicken shows, and purchase a book. I love poultry shows. They're so fun to go to! Thanks for helping me out. This site is just amazing!

 

[Bentley]

Chloe, My very first chicken I caught at a rodeo. I treasured that bird and to this day I can visualize exactly what it looked like. That was 36 years ago and shortly thereafter I realized that was someones barnyard cull chicken. But that was my start to a life, and fortunately a career working with birds through out the animal kingdom. We are all learning. If we are not learning everyday we are missing out on opportunities for growth

 

[OSUman]

There was one this past weekend, but the shows are done for the season I believe.

I'll research chicken shows, and purchase a book. I love poultry shows. They're so fun to go to! Thanks for helping me out. This site is just amazing!

 

[Bentley]

Big show in Shawnee Oklahoma this weekend, but I believe that is a little far for you to travel. Anyone close, don't miss it

 

[buffalogal]

Big show in Shawnee Oklahoma this weekend, but I believe that is a little far for you to travel. Anyone close, don't miss it

Will you be there?

 

[Bentley]

Of course!! Haven't missed in several years. Who else will be there?

 

[3riverschick]

Good Evening,
Verizon had a major crash in their western PA server and I have only got back on-line this evening.
Finally got caught up from 807 thru 818. My, it's been a busy 30 hours here. So glad to see Cloe77
with her questions. I am sure she will find great advice and help here.
------------------------
Spangled asked me these question yesterday just after the server crashed. It would kinda take a book to answer them and after the last 24 hours, not sure anyone wants to read more on the subject here:

So, I'd like to get your take on a few things. Where does Glenn Drowns's Sand Hill Preservation Center fit into your framework? What about ALBC? (American Livestock Breed Conservancy for those reading along). I don't have any problems there. If I presume the parameters behind your question is, how do they fit into the "classic animal breeding" vs "biodiversity" dilemma? In my letter, I was addressing breeding philosophies, not concrete institutions by name. However, personally, I have no problem with them. They are working with the rare instances I said were too rare to use as a basis for general counsel.

What do you think about the show vs. utility aspects (if there is such a thing)? I think it depends on the breed. Personally, I picked Sussex because the show virtues are an integral part of the breed's utility aspects. For me, balance is best, even if it does impact extremes in show or utility aspects.

As in ... wouldn't those who are breeding specifically for egg production (utility) also use line-breeding as in the initial work done by what'shisname with White Leghorns. (Hogan, The Dollar Hen?") Yes, I suppose they would, and rightly so. Just not to unbalance in the bird or breed.
When the rush to breed egg hens started early last century, the Sussex fowl fancy ran into the unbalance problem. The hens started to become shallow-chested and narrow. Great layers and winners in laying trials, but not the meat bird that Sussex were noted for. So the veterans in the breed lead the way to encourage the fancy to bring the breed back the middle of the road. Where it was once again a true dual-purpose fowl. Fit to cram or roast and well able to pay its way with eggs. Overall, the egg production in the breed did increase. The Light Sussex became the color variety most known as a balanced bird which was also the best egg layer in the breed.

Also, what about utility strains of standard APA breeds? Well, if they are utility strains they have probably been bred for a certain purpose and probably are fulfilling it or they would not exist. Personally, I see no reason to try and grade them up when the show stock already exists. I am not sure what answer you are seeking.

Can you please analyze all these things and give us a quick rundown of where these things fit into your previously described framework? Well ... if you have time, inclination, etc. So you wish me to apply the philosophical statements to these concrete examples? Oh, I thought that was self-evident.
Or at this point belongs on that other new thread.

1. Rare preservationists are too rare a category on which to base general counsel. Their situations are extreme and sometimes unique. One cannot build a general foundation on that kind of data.
2. Line-breeding is fine as long as the breed remains balanced in both show and utility aspects.
Personally, I think the best breeding program is what the flock needs at the time. Inbreeding, line-breeding. As long as one stays within the ideals of classic animal breeding and preserves balance in the breed.
3. Utility is as utility does. If they are succeeding in their requirements, there is no reason to have a formal breeding program for them as they're not the future of the breed. They are the worker bees of the breed, not the keepers of type.

And have you written any articles here at BYC? The letters I have written have been sent to different lists on the Forums on different subjects. You can look them up by searching my screen name in the Forum "search" icon.


I don't know if I agree with your way of organizing it all because I don't know enough to make a decision, but it makes for interesting and thought-provoking reading. So, thanks.
I hope this answers your questions.
Best Success,
Karen

 

[Chloe77]

Chloe, My very first chicken I caught at a rodeo. I treasured that bird and to this day I can visualize exactly what it looked like. That was 36 years ago and shortly thereafter I realized that was someones barnyard cull chicken. But that was my start to a life, and fortunately a career working with birds through out the animal kingdom. We are all learning. If we are not learning everyday we are missing out on opportunities for growth

That is one of the best stories I've heard in a long time. For some reason, it really got to me.