Chicken Breed Focus - Maline

[Shellz]

There is no Standard of Perfection in North America for these birds, as of yet. I've heard you can try to show them in the 'other' class. Problem is, a judge most likely won't know how to judge them. If more people brought them to the show circuit, I'm sure it would pave the way for a standard to be drawn up. Or at least, adopt the European standard for this breed. Breeders here are following the European standard which can be described in the following links. It's important to note this is a utility breed and should remain so, to retain its delectable merits.

http://users.telenet.be/jaak.rousseau/english version/grote_hoenders/mechels_hoen.htm

http://www.aviculture-europe.nl/nummers/06E01A07.pdf

I've had a lot of chicks hatch with yellow traits in my start with them, but most faded by puberty. I had enough numbers to eat the few undesireables & breed the rest. The yellow traits became less & less of an issue in succeeding generations. I believe most breeders in Canada now, have eliminated or nearly eliminated the yellow traits in their stock. Certain other faults can be corrected as well. If one has a hen with sparse leg feathering, you can pair her to a rooster with plenty of leg feathering. The progeny will surely show some good results. That hen can then be used as an egg layer & never need to be bred again.

What breed anywhere doesn't need some work? It seems that's why we have breeders - to continually work & improve the stock they have. There is no 'perfect' chicken anywhere. We're all working towards perfection, but really, is there such a thing? It's what keeps all of us going.

 

[Shellz]

I did some fishing...I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think there are Malines in Australia. They did import some 7,000 + hatching eggs in 2013 from the United Kingdom though. This was to counteract a large salmonella problem where many birds were destroyed. Breeds were not stated.

 

[Shellz]

For the same money that the minimum 6 chicks cost I could buy over 60 barred hollands. 8#roo 6#hen. Not in the same class as the malines. But like the malines a Starting point for my own dual purpose needs. I prefer a yellow skin and white eggs.

True enough. I can understand your reasoning. There is some interest here in Canada for Barred Hollands, but not enough breeders of them here. It seems we all have our own supply issues.

 

[Our Roost]

JRNash, more of a utility strain eh? How do you think they were created in the first place? The malines is a breed that has been raised in different origins in Europe and you will find some differences for sure. The effort to restore and breed for perfection is not for everyone. If its flawed we strive for better. If you want a cheaper version I can set up a dent and ding sale in the spring. If you want a dime a dozen breed, go buy them. Finding a dozen Malines will be a little more difficult for you. Sorry to be so direct but that's the truth at this point in time. This is a critical salvage mission for those with sincere interests and not so much for local hobbyists. Not to say anyone cant raise these, but they just aren't readily available!

 

[JRNash]

JRNash, more of a utility strain eh? How do you think they were created in the first place? The malines is a breed that has been raised in different origins in Europe and you will find some differences for sure. The effort to restore and breed for perfection is not for everyone.  If its flawed we strive for better. If you want a cheaper version I can set up a dent and ding sale in the spring. If you want a dime a dozen breed, go buy them. Finding a dozen Malines will be a little more difficult for you. Sorry to be so direct but that's the truth at this point in time. This is a critical salvage mission for those with sincere interests and not so much for local hobbyists. Not to say anyone cant raise these, but they just aren't readily available!

your obviously one of those that pop off without paying attention.
THAT'S WHAT THEIR WEBSITE SAYS. THESE ARE NOT SOP BIRDS.

 

[JRNash]

I agree that everything has to start somewhere. THAT WAS THE POINT OF MY POST.

 

[JRNash]

I do apologize for that outburst. Having a rough morning. Sorry Our Roost.I do apologize

 

[JRNash]

60$is alot for a single Chick that might not survive shipping. They do have a 72 hr health guarantee. To me the purchase is two fold, one,the preservation of this remarkable dual purpose bird,and secondly it's intended purpose. Eggs and meat. If you go into the purchase expecting an SOP bird,you are in for a suprise. That and only that was the intention of my post. The shear size and beauty of these birds is a wonder to me. I really hope more people invest in it's future here in the states.

 

[JRNash]

I find the yellow skins fascinating. It makes me wonder what all Exactly went into producing this breed. They are in my future. Not for show. I will try to "BREED UP" for the SOP characteristics.

 

[Bine]

I don't know how the livestock conservation orgas in North America work, but maybe they could help to set up a program. Here in Europe the Orgas like SAVE or VIEH do a very good job in promoting rare breeds and through the programs breeders can exchange birds/eggs and sometimes sperm knowing exactly the blood line it comes from.