cross breeding egyptian fayoumis for free ranging?

[drangle]

Fayoumis are said to have a natural resistance to mereks as well.

 

[Florida Bullfrog]

I’m doing it and so far not seeing an advantage. In fact I have a pure fayoumi that I suspect has Marek’s. I am awaiting to see how that plays out.

 

[Shadrach]

One of the reasons Fayoumies are such a successfull breed where they originate from (Egypt) is because they haven't had the amount of human interference that many other breeds have.
I would be happy, and so I think would the breed, if it stayed that way.

 

[drangle]

I respect that position fully.

I also respect people wanting to try out different breeds in a mixed flock and see what works for them.
That Is what I am trying to.

My project won’t be effiecent and won’t have the laser focus of someone who is trying to create their own breed of chicken with multiple breeding pens and a lot of time/capital.

The idea is that by starting out with a few different breeds that have traits I desire will over time result in a flock of hybrid chickens that meet my goals for my area.

I could be 100 percent wrong, but at this point in time I think fayoumis would be a good addition.

 

[McChooky]

I'm not seeing what makes Fayoumis a better choice than most Mediterranean breeds, pheonixes, or game breeds

Their natural resistance to Mareks, early maturity and good egg production are desirable traits however the bad outweighs the good. No one wants an unfriendly animal.

 

[Florida Bullfrog]

Their natural resistance to Mareks, early maturity and good egg production are desirable traits however the bad outweighs the good. No one wants an unfriendly animal.

What about fayoumis are you considering “unfriendly?” If you mean skittishness, I find that to be a highly desirable trait.

 

[McChooky]

That trait makes it an excellent choice for free ranging but they're too flighty for some backyard flocks.Edit: They're not known for being friendly sorry!

 

[drangle]

I found one thread about a guy crossing them with those island reds. He called they red pharaohs or something like that. Seems the project died or he lost interest in updating it.

 

[McChooky]

I was considering raising some until I learned how much they like roosting in trees and dislike confinement. We get a lot of snow.They wouldn't survive our cold winters roosting in trees .

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I was considering raising some until I learned how much they like roosting in trees and dislike confinement. We get a lot of snow.They wouldn't survive our cold winters roosting in trees .

I raise a Mediterranean breed that loves hot weather but have survived our extreme winters living in trees - rain, snow, wind with flying colors.