Fermenting Feed for Meat Birds

[AletaG]

I know a lady that has two or three RIR's Roos somewhere around a year old I do believe. What is the difference between a heritage and hatchery RIR ?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/407294/the-heritage-rhode-island-red-site
Very busy thread, more info than you probably want. Here's a sum-up:
Big difference in purpose, results, looks, temperament, the whole thing. Trade off positives going Heritage is longer useful laying life (up to 10yrs), better temperament (read, almost never have a cock come after a person), more meat (more DP than egg), flat gorgeous. Trade off in the 'neg' column is lower egg production (about 200/yr first 2 yrs, slowly drop off after). Um, not sure other negatives. 'course, I'm biased. About to make a 500mile rnd trip leaving kids w the hubby to go get 2 breeding pairs...

 

[Beekissed]

A heritage chicken from a breeder who is trying to return the breed to the original traits of the breed..hardiness, meaty carcass, good survival instincts out on range, laying longevity and even high production...some of the best producers recorded were recorded back in the day(depending on the focus of the breeder), and good conformation...and this counts for egg delivery, fertility, etc.

It's like the difference between a Jaguar and a Geo metro...both will get you there, but one is going to do it better and last longer and the offspring of "the Jag" will have a greater value for many years to come. The Geo? It will save you money on gas for awhile and get you from A to B for a few short years...but it will look ugly while doing so and won't hold its value.

 

[Windy Bay Farm]

That's how I do it..ferment them whole. They would take up a lot of room in a ferment bucket and they are great when they can drain out their fluid, leaving the skin thin and the interior spongy and perfect for their eating. They tear into it like cotton candy and I've never see them eat raw pumpkin like that...just the fermented. Here's one chawed by sheep and chickens...that was about 10 min. after putting it out.

And how long (roughly) does it take for it to drain its fluid/ferment ? I'm sure it depends on size but just wondering approximately.

 

[Beekissed]

I never really paid any attention to it...just let them freeze, thaw, freeze, thaw...then one day I take a notion to see if the chickens will eat it. If they do, yippee! If they are not too enthused, I just store it longer. I know...not a sure answer, but it's all I have.

 

[Windy Bay Farm]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/407294/the-heritage-rhode-island-red-site
Very busy thread, more info than you probably want. Here's a sum-up:
Big difference in purpose, results, looks, temperament, the whole thing. Trade off positives going Heritage is longer useful laying life (up to 10yrs), better temperament (read, almost never have a cock come after a person), more meat (more DP than egg), flat gorgeous. Trade off in the 'neg' column is lower egg production (about 200/yr first 2 yrs, slowly drop off after). Um, not sure other negatives. 'course, I'm biased. About to make a 500mile rnd trip leaving kids w the hubby to go get 2 breeding pairs...

A heritage chicken from a breeder who is trying to return the breed to the original traits of the breed..hardiness, meaty carcass, good survival instincts out on range, laying longevity and even high production...some of the best producers recorded were recorded back in the day(depending on the focus of the breeder), and good conformation...and this counts for egg delivery, fertility, etc. 

It's like the difference between a Jaguar and a Geo metro...both will get you there, but one is going to do it better and last longer and the offspring of "the Jag" will have a greater value for many years to come.  The Geo?  It will save you money on gas for awhile and get you from A to B for a few short years...but it will look ugly while doing so and won't hold its value.

Thanks, Aleta and Bee ! It sounds as though finding a heritage breeder is what would be in my best interest but at this point I have no clue where in this province (Nova Scotia) I will find one. I know they exist just not sure where. There used to be, and maybe still is, a farm called Circle Pond farms in a place called Chester, NS. If you google it you may be able to tell me if that is a heritage breeder.

 

[Windy Bay Farm]

I never really paid any attention to it...just let them freeze, thaw, freeze, thaw...then one day I take a notion to see if the chickens will eat it.  If they do, yippee!  If they are not too enthused, I just store it longer.  I know...not a sure answer, but it's all I have. 

That's a sure enough answer for me, Bee !! Thanks so much !

 

[Beekissed]

Thanks, Aleta and Bee ! It sounds as though finding a heritage breeder is what would be in my best interest but at this point I have no clue where in this province (Nova Scotia) I will find one. I know they exist just not sure where. There used to be, and maybe still is, a farm called Circle Pond farms in a place called Chester, NS. If you google it you may be able to tell me if that is a heritage breeder.

Here's a thread where you can direct that question and maybe find a solid answer...these are breeders from all over the US and Canada and they know other breeders from all points.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/400344/heritage-large-fowl-thread


Here's a likely looking spot! http://riverviewbirds.webs.com/

And a few others....

http://www.activelifefarm.ca/ourchickens.html

http://jubileeacres.fateback.com/chicken_breeders.html

http://www.nsppa.ca/breeders.html

After checking out these sites I started to envy you your proximity to such fine poultry breeders...they have some stunning looking birds!!!! WV has absolutely nothing...nothing in the way of heritage breeders of this caliber.

 

[Windy Bay Farm]

Here's a thread where you can direct that question and maybe find a solid answer...these are breeders from all over the US and Canada and they know other breeders from all points. 

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/400344/heritage-large-fowl-thread

Thanks, Bee . I'll definitely check it out !

 

[Beekissed]

Thanks, Bee

. I'll definitely check it out !

Check out those other sites first...they have some absolutely stunning birds in the breeds that everyone desires...RIR, Plymouth Rocks, BAs, etc. Makes me want to get in the Jeep and take a trip....

 

[Windy Bay Farm]

Here's a thread where you can direct that question and maybe find a solid answer...these are breeders from all over the US and Canada and they know other breeders from all points. 

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/400344/heritage-large-fowl-thread


Here's a likely looking spot!  http://riverviewbirds.webs.com/

And a few others....

http://www.activelifefarm.ca/ourchickens.html

http://jubileeacres.fateback.com/chicken_breeders.html

http://www.nsppa.ca/breeders.html

After checking out these sites I started to envy you your proximity to such fine poultry breeders...they have some stunning looking birds!!!!  WV has absolutely nothing...nothing in the way of heritage breeders of this caliber. 

The NSPPA has a show every year in late Oct and it's being held next weekend. I've been wanting to go all year but I am going to be away and just won't be able to make it. I'm certain I could pick up a nice rooster from there. Guess there's always next year !