Breeds needing preservation - how rare

[NYREDS]

Quote:
The ALBC makes it's determination of what's rare based soley on the census forms they send out to members of the ALBC. I'm not a member so I don't get queried even though I raise a "threatened" breed. Kind of a weak data gathering system.

 

[chookster77]

This is an interesting topic that, for me, anyway, begets question after question but no easy answers...

What breeds are truly rare? Which breeds require or "deserve" preservation? What, exactly, does "preservation" mean? How do you "preserve" a breed that has dwindled down to just a few individuals? Is it possible without doing an out-cross? When is it OK to do a cross to a different breed to save a genetically bottle-necked breed? How do you choose which breed is best to use in this cross? How many generations of line breeding will it take before the "rare" breed is considered purebred again; or will it ever be purebred again? If a bird looks like a rare breed but no longer functions/has the utility of the breed from the past, is it still that breed in actuality? Who has the expertise, facilities, funds, and determination to genuinely and properly conserve/preserve a breed? I could go on and on!

One thing I AM sure of is that genetic diversity is a good thing. Both exhibition and utility lines are valuable in their own way. They all serve their purpose. And you just never know what irreplaceable, unique genetic material may lie within any given strain. Some contend we have a responsibility to be good stewards of these genetic resources, preserving and conserving them. I think they're probably right but I have no idea of just how that can realistically be done...

Cheers,
TC

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

chookers, that is a VERY good question.

For example, again, I'm going to use Barred Plymouth Rocks. In theory, Barred Rocks are numerous. In practice though, Barred Plymouth Rocks bred towards preservation (standards) are little to none. White Rocks on the other hand....

 

[My Little Sister's Farm]

Quote:
I

to the master of the answering a question with 100 questions! You make a very strong argument, even when phrased as a question.

 

[loverOFchickens]

Also some colorations of the breed are rarer.
For instace the crele pheonix verses silver pheonix BIG difference.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
The ALBC makes it's determination of what's rare based soley on the census forms they send out to members of the ALBC. I'm not a member so I don't get queried even though I raise a "threatened" breed. Kind of a weak data gathering system.

If you raise a threatened breed maybe you should think about joining a group that works to preserve them..... Just a thought.

Steve in NC

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
Quote from the APA standard of perfection 2001

"Comb
5 well defined evenly serrated points
those in the front and rear shorter than those in the middle
Blade not conforming too closely to the shape of the head"

The bump or short point on the blade needs some work.

Nice pic though

Steve in NC

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
Is there a website you can go too to explain these breeds, and how to keep them? That is something of interest to me, but I was thinking the other day that you would have to keep them all separate from each other, or have genetic messes, or am I wrong? I saw pidgeons and doves today in old messy cages when I was out looking for a house to take pics of, and that is what got me started on thinking about keeping breeds pure . . .not something to take lightly for sure.

http://www.albc-usa.org/

or

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/SPPA/SPPA.html

Breeding and raising methods are plenty, there are quite a few good books out there.

Steve in NC

 

[sandspoultry]

Quote:
Rodriguezpoultry,
Did you get gooseandduck farm's permission before you lifted and posted their picture from their website????
Sharon

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

No Sharon, I did not. If you would prefer me to use one of your own photos...by all means.

Speckledhen, may I use one of your photos as a comparison?



Thank you Steve for the direction, but I know what needs work, I too have a Standard of Perfection. Adding to the fact that the comb needs more work, I would like his stance to be a bit wider. However, I believe it will come when he gets past his first year. He is after all, only six months old.