BREEDING FOR PRODUCTION...EGGS AND OR MEAT.

[hellbender]

After reading several threads on this great site, I've become convinced that there must be many people, lurkers or those who fear being jumped upon, who are simply interested in breeding chickens for production.

Breeding for egg production has been my life-long hobby and I have never disparaged those who breed strictly for conformation, to the Standard of Perfection, as written by folks who had their ideals met and transcribed long ago and I do not intend to begin here.

In fact, I intend to begin a SOP breeding project in the near future, with a breed that will require considerable dedication and commitment. That being said, I have started this thread for those of us that enjoy the fruits of our labors in egg and meat production and who really don't care if our chickens meet some arbitrary set of rules that can at best, be very subjective.

With egg and meat production....the quality can be seen and tasted. No need for a third party to give us their opinions, with the possible exceptions...if we sell eggs or meat birds, we had better produce quality or our efforts will be in vain.

EDIT: This thread is as much for the SOP folks as anyone. I think they need to realize (many do) that production was the primary reason for having chickens 'back in the day'.

 

[NYREDS]

It's all about selecting for desired characteristics no matter what the goal. There's no reason why birds can't be both productive & correct in Standard appearance-all it takes is proper selection.

 

[hellbender]

It's all about selecting for desired characteristics no matter what the goal. There's no reason why birds can't be both productive & correct in Standard appearance-all it takes is proper selection.

Easily said. I'm not one who necessarily believes that form follows function. I handled dogs in AKC, UKC and American Rare Breed Association. I witnessed what breeding to form has done to so many dog breeds. I know...Apples and oranges.

 

[ronott1]

Thanks!

I will subscribe to this thread.

 

[call ducks]

Breeding for egg production is the first step to breeding for a true dual purpose bird.

Breeding for production traits takes a better poultryman/poultrywomen than breeding to the SOP (just here my reasoning before knocking me, those who breed to the SOP are good breeders as well).

When breeding for egg production many things play a factor it is not just the hens. But cocks play a huge role in breeding for egg production. Selection must be made in both sexes for egg production traits. As well records should be kept of when breeding for egg production and test mating should occur. To learn how to select for production traits one must track down a old school farmer. Farmer being the key. You can improve on egg production in both size and yield within three generations if selection is done correctly.

Breeding for meat production takes an artisan - One must juggle egg production and body size. They must keep records of weights and set minimum weights for birds to be at a certain age ( depending on sex).

Form fallows function in very few breeds. Well the only one that comes to the top of my head is Sussex. Look at the cattle and poultry industry if function fallows form they would not be using four way crosses....

 

[Gramma Chick]

Thanks!

I will subscribe to this thread.

Checking it out ...I Guess I fit in the non SOP Crowd - Mutts . I would like to hatch some this year for meat & eggs

 

[gjensen]

I will follow the thread as this is my first interest.

I would hope that it would be all inclusive. I am one that will breed to the Standard, but also put pressure on my birds for production qualities.

I think breeding for production is a broad subject and includes Standard bred birds, hybrids, experimental crosses, or projects in general. It involves breeding and management. Each person has a different ideal.

As long as this thread did not turn into a bash the SOP or bash other people's ideas, I am interested.

 

[hellbender]

I will follow the thread as this is my first interest.

I would hope that it would be all inclusive. I am one that will breed to the Standard, but also put pressure on my birds for production qualities.

I think breeding for production is a broad subject and includes Standard bred birds, hybrids, experimental crosses, or projects in general. It involves breeding and management. Each person has a different ideal.

As long as this thread did not turn into a bash the SOP or bash other people's ideas, I am interested.

Absolutely all inclusive. I just want people who have NO interest in showing to NOT feel like second class citizens or feel pressure to give up their high production mutts or hatchery birds in favor of heritage breeds that may or may not be their equal in the egg nest .

 

[hellbender]

Checking it out ...I Guess I fit in the non SOP Crowd - Mutts . I would like to hatch some this year for meat & eggs

Everyone is welcome, so long as the primary discussion is about production...even if that is discussed in conjunction with SOP...

 

[hellbender]

It's all about selecting for desired characteristics no matter what the goal. There's no reason why birds can't be both productive & correct in Standard appearance-all it takes is proper selection.

I agree with you NYREDS. There certainly is no reason why production and correct standard appearance can not be selected for...but I have very strong beliefs that many folks will and do breed for form over function (perhaps unintentionally) and I think you will agree with that if you will take off your dark glasses.