Bob Blosl's Heritage Large Fowl Thread

[fowlman01]

I can't give Walt's reasoning. See, I was raised with these birds from day number one. Though at times in my life I didn't have chickens (college years) I've been with them all my life. I don't ever remember beginning. Thus, I'm not the one to help with this answer.

I said that they are not a beginners bird because they can be so aggressive toward other chickens. I don't have near the experience with these Orientals that Saladin has, but I have never seen 3-4 week old babies getting into lethal fights like these can. In some ways my females are even worse than the males. It takes some experience knowing who and how you can put these birds together in a confined space like a breeding pen. Most chickens will fight, but when these fight there is one dead at the end of it....sometimes both. They have to be bred responsibly to ensure that they are never mean towards humans. They take more work, but there are no chickens that are as noble as these ancient breeds.

Walt

 

[Lacy Blues]

Shamo! That must be the one I saw that I really liked. These are such cool birds. They look absolutely vicious but aren't.

 

[Robert Blosl]

Maybe Steve or Matt could design some boots to keep their feet clean of the Red Clay.

Tell you one thing those birds from Walt are stunning.

Glad your Rocks are not broody that's a good sign.

 

[ashandvine]

I said that they are not a beginners bird because they can be so aggressive toward other chickens. I don't have near the experience with these Orientals that Saladin has, but I have never seen 3-4 week old babies getting into lethal fights like these can. In some ways my females are even worse than the males. It takes some experience knowing who and how you can put these birds together in a confined space like a breeding pen. Most chickens will fight, but when these fight there is one dead at the end of it....sometimes both. They have to be bred responsibly to ensure that they are never mean towards humans. They take more work, but there are no chickens that are as noble as these ancient breeds.

Walt

That's the impression I am getting. I understand this much better. So their behavior not their physiological needs are the reason they are not beginner birds. ?

 

[fowlman01]

That's the impression I am getting. I understand this much better. So their behavior not their physiological needs are the reason they are not beginner birds. ?

I would say yes, to that.

w.

 

[Lacy Blues]

Here's a picture of an Asil. Are they a lot smaller than the Shamo, Walt?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Give me a Silkie and I can kill it in a week. The bantam Cochins from hatcheries are the best broodies I have ever had. With Brahmas and Langshans a close second.

Why not get some Orpingtons? Those things go broody all the time!

 

[Bentley]

I vote Silkies all the way for 'natures incubators'. One of the breeders of very rare and expensive non chicken land fowl I have worked with used nothing but Silkies for incubation. He didn't even own an artificial incubator. I know other 'old timers' that have very expensive fowl of this type have used either bantam Cochins or Silkies. My Silkies are by far my most broody, but several of my other breeds will go broody as well. Here is one of their pens.


For me I use artificial incubation all the time because I want the birds laying eggs. If we want to promote egg production in the 'Heritage Breeds' we certainly don't want to promote broodiness. But, it certainly is a wonderful site to see momma hen traipsing across the yard with her brood close behind.....

 

[cubalaya]

For beauty the Game is on the top of the heap bettered only by the Cubalaya.

ain't that the truth. as far as asil and shamo not being for beginners, i waited 31 years before i tried them. they are very cool birds and can't wait for the asil to hatch some eggs for me. maybe better broody than a silkie? look much better anyway

 

[mschlumb]

A young pair of Dark Shamo's. The "look"... year old male. They keep growing for about 3 years. The bird in the bottom two pics is a bit over 30" tall and will end up a few inches taller than that. Do they look prehistoric? Walt

Those are some cool looking birds!