Hi, I just joined FFA about three weeks ago and am going to be doing a poultry breeding project. What I will be doing is getting probably around three hens and one roo of a specific breed and hatching out chicks and selling them, and then I will eventually introduce new bloodlines and such. I can't have roosters where I live so I will be keeping at my High Schools land lab, which is basically a farm type of thing that is primarily taken care of by FFA members, and FFA members that don't have a place to keep animals are allowed to keep them there. I am super excited about it, and I would like some input on what breed I should focus on. I am thinking silkies just because they are goofy, and are worth good money. I am also thinking about Blue orpingtons(bantam or standard not sure). However I would like suggestions on what breed to keep. I would like to raise something not so common heritage breeds. Thanks so much, AJ
I would focus on a less common breed if it was me. Silkies are just too too common, as are OEGBs, Cochins and Orpingtons. I would go with something like Cubalayas, Andalusians, Campines or even Minorcas. They might not be as easy to find, but that is why you should do it! If they are less common, people might be more interested.
Check out this site from the The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/wtchlist.html#chickens There is plenty of threatened and critical chicken breeds that you can choose from. I for one love the Speckled Sussex wich is on the threatned list and a rare heritage breed,they are very friendly. Anyway hope this helps some.....
Orpingtons are common, but not the blues. I think you might have some difficulty finding blue breed stock, you might have to start with hatching eggs. Good luck with you project!!! Blue orps and speckled sussex are on my list for futute birds.
Good Luck on your project. My son just joined FFA as well. He had to do an essay for a competition to win a spot as a greenhorn to go to Nationals in Indianapolis. We won't know if he won till the end of the month.
Thats cool about going to National Convention, I am planning to go in my Junior or Senior year. I am thinking that I am going to raise bantam silky ducks, and am thinking about Mottled Houdans to raise for chickens. Holderreads is like thirty minutes away from my house and I know of a private breeder of them in Oregon so I can get some new blood eventually. There is also a breeder of Mottled Houdans not too far away. playswithfowl
