Breeds that make good foragers?

[eggdd]

Quote:
I agree, the Mediterranean breeds can cover some ground. They aren't very "people friendly" & would rather roam & scratch.

what are mediterranean breeds? examples?

 

[tiki244]

meditteranian>>>>That which originates in the area around the Mediteranian Sea. . Has a slim body and usually large comb in order to cool off easier from the heat, Leghorn, Anacona, Minorca, krainekoppe, Andalusian, Buttercup, Lakenvelder., Campine

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Minorcas, White Faced Black Spanish, Leghorns, Andalusians,Sicilian Buttercups, & Catalanas.

 

[fowled-out]

Naked Necks Hands Down! Nuff said! Great forager, good feed to weight conversion, good layers, great mothers, very docile/calm, grow fast with good dress weights and tasty too!

 

[JPHorvath]

Given the opportunity all chickens will forage for food. I don’t care what breed they are. It is normal instincts from birth watch your chicks in a brooding pen. At one day old all chicks will be scratching in the litter. If they are penned up in a coop and not permitted to be free they will eventually just stick to the feeder. If you have older birds that are socializing with the new pullets they will impression one them. If the older birds are out foraging then the new guys will follow suit and do the same.

 

[Illia]

Yep, most if not all purebred breeds should be good foragers, honestly. Everyone's going to give you a bunch of different responses.


However, some do rule over others, but climate is the number one determinant of what breed does well. These in general are usually good with a good "wild" type instinct:

American Games, Oriental Games, Araucanas, and most other light-type breeds such as Polish, Leghorns, Minorcas, Anconas, La Fleche, etc. Because of their lighter frame or smaller size, they do not require so much fatty foods, and aren't as laid-back.


But, again, it depends on climate, and many other bigger breeds are just as good or better. A second huge factor considered is how they are brought up in life. If they get to know the free range environment early on, they're better suited. Broody raised chicks especially increase their instinct and intelligence; less dependance on chick feed, which matures to hen feed.

 

[stormylady]

I think speckled sussex, when my girls are out free ranging I really have to look for them if they get up against a tree you can hardly see them they're like little leopards or something hiding in the brush! So as far as safety is concerned there a good bet, plus they love it and they far don't stray to far and never out of my yard. Sandy

 

[Mahonri]

Absolute BEST forager: ICELANDIC!... without any doubt.... anciently they called them pile chickens because they would scratch through manure and anything else for a meal.

Of the others I've owned, the best are Leghorns and Brahmas.

My Ameraucanas and Marans are lazy butts.

 

[flowerchild59]

My sussex and chanteclers are great foragers.
Depending on your environment and what your ultimate purpose would be, I would be looking at dual purpose birds like javas, buckeyes, chanteclers, sussex, and yes, I will second the turken. What sweet, friendly birds and they dress out real well too.

 

[Cowgirl71]

Thanks so much for all the replies!

Buckeye: I'm concerned about how well they'd do in the heat with their big meaty bodies, dark coloring, and small combs. It got up to 114F here the other day (luckily the coop is in the shade!).

Naked Necks/Turkens: They seem like a really neat breed! But... I'm sorry, I just can't get past their... unique beauty. I'd also feel so sorry for them during the winter.

Sussex and Dominiques are looking very interesting, I'm doing more research on them!

Thanks for the link Arielle! Very interesting and helpful!