Farming and Homesteading Heritage Poultry

[3riverschick]

On the subject of obsolete knowledge,
I pretty much given up on old breeding advice for Light Sussex color. after reading these books by the old masters, I believe they had a variety which started out eb/eWh.
And over the years they moved it to eWh/eWh S/S. That is why I believe the brassiness and creaminess disappeared from the Light Sussex plumage. These old texts need to be sifted like wheat. Threshing out the useful kernels of knowledge and casting aside the chaff of obsolete knowledge the breed as moved oast.
Best,
Karen

 

[3riverschick]

Lots of interesting new research on I egg production in the on-line ezine " Poultry World". I read it regularly to keep up on new stuff.
If you supplement your poultry feed with Alltech All-G-Rich, your hens will lay eggs with elevated DHA levels. No need to buy Eggland's Best eggs.
https://www.alltech.com
Best,
Karen

 

[gojira]

As far as Carefoot's book, it seems to be a UK thing, so i have not read it. I would like to read it to see what it says. But, i know Grant Brereton looks up to him, and he does not have a good knowledge of genetics. Hutt's book may be the best, unless one can afford Crawford's book. As far Bob Blosl's page, it is very outdated information. He was very passionate, and he motivated many people, but reading his page, and not going farther, will keep people going in circles. Poultry World is written for commercial poultry. One might get a little out of it that they can apply to backyard poultry, but not much. As far as Alltech, they supply feed manufacturers. It would be easier to find out what feed manufacturers they supply, and buy that feed. Otherwise, if you obtain some of the product, and mix it to an already prepared feed, you may cause an imbalance. Plus, one might not get it mixed thoroughly enough, and some would get too much, and others not any at all.

 

[BantyChooks]

As far as Carefoot's book, it seems to be a UK thing, so i have not read it. I would like to read it to see what it says. But, i know Grant Brereton looks up to him, and he does not have a good knowledge of genetics. Hutt's book may be the best, unless one can afford Crawford's book. As far Bob Blosl's page, it is very outdated information. He was very passionate, and he motivated many people, but reading his page, and not going farther, will keep people going in circles. Poultry World is written for commercial poultry. One might get a little out of it that they can apply to backyard poultry, but not much. As far as Alltech, they supply feed manufacturers. It would be easier to find out what feed manufacturers they supply, and buy that feed. Otherwise, if you obtain some of the product, and mix it to an already prepared feed, you may cause an imbalance. Plus, one might not get it mixed thoroughly enough, and some would get too much, and others not any at all.

I was able to locate Carefoot's book. I found it interesting and for me it really 'turned the lights on' as to what basic genetics is about. It did a great job (I think) of taking the already published technical jargon and cutting it down to my level, and it referenced Hutt's book, which you spoke highly of. If you ever find it I'd like to know what you think of it.

 

[3riverschick]

What's going on in the commercial poultry world is useful in the backyard flock. It just takes time to winnow out the things which can be scaled down to backyarders needs.
And no, I don't care what anyone else thinks. I have studied this for many months and see its value.
Best,
Karen

 

[gojira]

I was able to locate Carefoot's book. I found it interesting and for me it really 'turned the lights on' as to what basic genetics is about. It did a great job (I think) of taking the already published technical jargon and cutting it down to my level, and it referenced Hutt's book, which you spoke highly of. If you ever find it I'd like to know what you think of it.

Did you find it used online? My understanding is that a limited number were printed, so it may take me a while to find it. Usually when I read a book to see what it says, I am disappointed.

 

[BantyChooks]

Did you find it used online? My understanding is that a limited number were printed, so it may take me a while to find it. Usually when I read a book to see what it says, I am disappointed.

No, I borrowed a copy from someone that had one. There's still a seller in England with legal rights to print and another in Australia. Ebay had a few copies in the past but I wasn't quick enough to secure one.

 

[gojira]

What's going on in the commercial poultry world is useful in the backyard flock. It just takes time to winnow out the things which can be scaled down to backyarders needs.
And no, I don't care what anyone else thinks. I have studied this for many months and see its value.
Best,
Karen

That depends. The rift between backyard/exhibition poultry and commercial poultry widened beginning in the 1940s. Since then, the genepools are different. Even between commercial strains of the same type, there can be differences in nutrient requirements. It would take quite a while to genetically select backyard birds to perform like commercial birds. Commercial birds have an 80+ year head start. To be honest, for the most part, backyard/exhibition birds are not as productive now as they were 80 years ago. Many of the additives and products mentioned are available only to feed producers, and on many cases, need specialised equipment to utilize. Alltech is a company that develops and supplies products to feed producers. If you like a product, look for a product the includes that. I am familiar with Alltech, as well as other feed additive companies.

 

[3riverschick]

It doesn't matter what others think. Only what works.
Best,
Karen

 

[gojira]

Some people take advice from others with hands on experience about what works. I guess some people would rather use trial and error. Or have you conducted trials for Alltech, and been published in their literature? Do you have an egg business?