Dual-purpose Heritage breeds?

[dragonjaze]

I don't have chickens yet, so this is just research for later.

I would like to do my part in preserving the backyard/farmyard flock. What are some good heritage breeds for a small flock, for eggs and meat?

I'd like to think that I'm helping to preserve a rare breed for future generations, while not sacrificing good eggs and meat

Not interested in showing, just enjoying.

 

[Illia]

New Hampshires. They're extremely rare (real heritage ones, not hatchery production layers) and of good size and from what I've heard, very good layers too. Gorgeous birds. Just ask kathyinmo

 

[Tam'ra of Rainbow Vortex]

I love my wyandottes. If I had to pick just one color, I would pick blue laced red. They are wonderful in many ways, but if you want older varieties, go with gold laced. They seem to be the hardiest and most sensible. I have never had one get sick or eaten by a predator (which includes domestic dogs!) They are just very aware of the world and even when the hens of other breeds were a little ragged due to too many roos, the golds were unscathed. They don't let anyone mess with them. Great free rangers.

 

[dragonjaze]

Quote:
Wyandottes are near the top of my list for regular chickens, but I'm not sure they could be considered a rare breed.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
How would a person know if New Hampshires are "real heritage"? Is there a certain look or color? Do you have a pic of one?

 

[newchickens2009]

Delawares make excellent dual purpose birds, (before the cornish cross broiler of today they were the commercial meat bird). They have a lot of meat and are also great layers. They will also go broody so you can keep a few hens to use to reproduce for you

I try to always keep a couple in my flock. A few friends and I had a bbq last month and I brought one of my roos (cleaned ofcourse) and put on the grill. When everything was finished cooking and we all started to eat someone ask where did the turkey wings and legs come from? When I told him that it was not turkey but a roo I had killed and cleaned from my flock he couldn't believe it. There's no way a chicken can get that big he said. Everyone there said the meat was so tender and had such a great flavour. (Maybe it wasn't the type of chicken but my great cooking

 

[dragonjaze]

here's an interesting chart listing status of some breeds:
http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/CPLPoultry2011.pdf

I would probably like to choose a breed from the critical and/or threatened list. The Delaware qualifies, so that's one I'll definitely research!

 

[Illia]

Quote:
The New Hampshire even there is qualified as common, same with Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock, however - The true heritage type are very rare.

How to tell a heritage? For one, look for a flock that fits the SOP. Then ask the owner their lineage, their background. True New Hampshires should look similar to true Rhode Island Reds in body, - they have a very smooth, level, horizontal back, a well fanned but small tail, set at a very low angle, and nice uniform orange color (Rhode Islands being a VERY dark red, and very glossy too) except black in the neck (just a little) and in the tail and primaries) The birds should be big, but not overly fluffy. The tail should not be pinched, squirrel-like or bunny-like in appearance.

 

[kathyinmo]

I have a few pictures of Heritage New Hampshires....

Delawares are great dual purpose birds, too!

 

[newchickens2009]

I have both production rhode island reds and heritage rhode island reds and have had both different breeds with the delawares. There is a BIG difference. The production birds lay more eggs per week but the birds themself are a good bit smaller than the heritage breeds making them not as meaty for the table. If you are more interested in eggs get production birds but if you want a good size meaty for dinner get the heritage breed hands down. We have eaten both and around here you can't beat the hertiage delawares.




kathyinmo......
That is the most beautiful new hampshire birds that I have ever seen.