Endangered breeds

[DTchickens]

I myself plan on preserving rare breeds and such, like the Shamo, not exactly rare in it's country or here now (depending on the people you are around) and hopefully some old strains of American gamefowl. Who knows what i'll end up with honestly... But i will say, watch carefully who you buy from- bypass anyone who got them from a hatchery if you purchase from a breeder as they'll most likely be no good. Find breed clubs, or ask around about who has the REAL things and purchase from them.

People in those breed clubs most likely will want the breed to grow and if you mention that is what you want to do, is breed them as they should be, and not just make money off of them.. Then you can be pretty sure they will send you pure birds, and maybe even cheap or free depending on the type of person they are.

And as for any comments on the hatcheries, i will say that my comment on them most likely being no good is that breeds who never produce enough eggs- will be crossed with something else to make up for the low egg production. Hatcheries will say "pure", but i can show many of examples against this claim "in just about every breed". Another reason is the birds will be bred strictly for production, and it would be MUCH easier to preserve the birds to what they should be if you go with a good breeder who has already done part. If you go with a hatchery, or someone who got them from a hatchery i would suggest only Sandhill poultry preservation or Superior farms.. And even then it is somewhat "questionable" (for me anyway) except on Superior farms as i have seen their actual birds.

Sandhill i thought of testing, they have a few rare breeds I'm interested in like the Kraienkoppes, which I'm not expecting to be perfect, as many many show too much Leghorn influence but hopefully better than other hatcheries. Anyone who got the Kraienkoppes from Sandhill mind showing me some pics?

-Daniel.

ETA: Not trying to insult anyone by the way, just giving my strong opinion of hatcheries.

 

[Illia]

Honestly when I hear the word "endangered" I think of breeds that truly are endangered and have little to no preservation going on for them. Examples are: La Fleche, Redcap, Houdan, Sultan, Malgache, Thai, Cubalaya, and quite a few other breeds that either are only available in other countries, terrible quality in hatcheries, or just a few breeders in the US.

Salmon Faverolles are indeed considered critical, but there are quite a few breeders and owners of them now, most probably because they're so beautiful, cute, and they lay eggs.

Personally I'd love to start a preservation project, but I'm still bouncing around ideas for what breed. I love the Madagascar Game, but I don't live in the sweltering south, and I love Sultans, but I don't want a cow-hocked bird.

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

I've had numerous endangered, I mean truely endangered species over the year. The ones you have to have U.S.D.I. License and gamewarden and USDA inspections to keep. Everything from rare wild waterfowl, pheasants, and yes chickens too. Just knowing you are breeding a species that is on it's last leg, is a tremendous feeling of reward! I'd say go for it, rarer the better, I know many breeds are listed, but lets be honest they arent hurting in captivity, so try to find you some that are truly rare and endangered. Just be mindful, some do require permits if crossing state lines in the purchase of them. This is mainly for the high end birds, waterfowl, pheasants, and such, not so much chickens.
Good luck with your efforts
Aubrey

 

[Prettiest Frog]

My husband wants me to get some prairie chickens, but I wouldn't have the first clue where to get them or how to handle them if I did get them.

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

I dont know him personally, but watch eggbid under the partridge section, there is a guy on there that sells them and grouse fairly regualrly, that averga $250 pr or better though.
Alos get a copy of the Gamebird Breeders Gazette, there are breeders in it with them too,
Good luck
Aubrey

 

[ijon1]

I have Chantecler. Nice birds, real good layer.

 

[Oopoo]

wow, lots of good info. I'll have to research well, I live in Northern IL so I have to match my breed or my care to the bird I get. No chickensicles. This is my first year with 3 Buff Orps and 3 Barred Rocks and except for a little comb frostbite (Floppy got her name from her comb) we've done well with no illness and plenty of eggs. I would definately set up a seperate coop for the newbies.

 

[cubalaya]

Quote:
i got some kraenkoppes from sandhill but they are a noisy flighty breed. got some good cubalayas from sandhill

 

[Rocky Meadows]

Oopoo, if you are serious I am willing to donate a dozen Dominique eggs, they are not on the critical list any more but they are a heritage breed. I like when someone takes an interest in preserving.
I too am wanting to get more breeds. I have my heart set on getting delawares next just looking for a good quality bird. From what I have read and seen on BYC speckled hen has some beautiful birds. I am hoping this spring to get some 4-h's out to my center and get them started on learning about heritage breeds and heirloom vegatables. I feel if we get our youth interested in something more than video games some of them may get an interest and our heritage can be saved.

 

[joletabey]

Heritage Delawares here.