Heritage Breeding

[catdaddyfro]

Fred always gives good advice and notice in his post , he will most definitely help one out if and when he can.

He's a "pusher" for good typey true bred stock most definitely the ROCKs

Jeff

 

[HRHDi]

Sorry to ressurect an older thread, but I'm very interested in starting a flock with heritage breeds. In my preliminary research, I found an article in Grit magazine discussing heritage breeds - mostly ducks but chickens as well - and the importance of preserving these breeds.

I understand they're going to be more expensive than hatchery chicks - that makes sense - but my main question is their climate hardiness. We'll be starting our flock this spring in Vermont and I want to make sure I get birdies that can tolerate the cold winters. My head tells me that lines that have kept true to their original standard will handle extremes better than those that have been selectively bred for egg or meat production. But not everything conforms to my logic.

Is starting a flock with heritage breeds a good option? I haven't tended chickens since I was a kid and have a lot to lear/relearn. I want to be responsible and provide a comfortable life for them. Meaning, I don't want to make their lives difficult or uncomfortable because I'm still learning - even if they are going to be raised for meat as well as eggs.

Any and all advice is welcome!

 

[ve]

Rose comb breed will do better in cold, so you may consider to look at Wyandottes, they have many pretty colors, or rose combed Rhode Island Red, Rose comb Dorkind also, or if you are after the eggs, you can choose Rose comb Leghorn or Ancona.

 

[NYREDS]

We have a number of heritage threads here.

Heritage Rhode Island Red Thread
Heritage Large Fowl thread
Good Shepherd Poultry Ranch Barred Rocks
Delaware's from KathyinMO
Homesteading with Heritage Large Fowl

And many others. Those just come to mind. Take your time and do your research. I may not have those thread names precisely right, but close enough for you to find them with a quick search.

Read the website on Poultry at the American Breed and Livestock Conservatory. Great information there as well.


The difference, simply put, is that Heritage is bit of a misnomer, but was coined to express something important. The original birds had a tremendous heritage, but that heritage is being lost, frankly. Think heirloom seeds. The true bred, bred to the Standard, heritage lines are rare. They are usually gorgeous, bigger, slower growing, more docile and much truer to their original intent. There really is a night and day difference. You'll only find true bred, Heritage birds by contacting breeders, fanciers and those who are dedicated to preserving these lines of old time fowl. You cannot get them from the large, retail hatcheries. Hope that helps.

Below are two photos. The first is a pair of hatchery Barred Rocks. The second is a young pair of our Heritage Ringlet line Barred Rocks that have been pure bred and standard bred for 100 years. You decide if even visually there is a difference. What the photos cannot show is the difference in size and demeanor. Click on any photo to enlarge.








Here are some drawings and posters from a century ago, the early 1900's. Which of the above pair of Barred Rocks better represent the true, heritage, heirloom birds pictured below?

No disrespect to Kathy B or her Delawares [I have some & they're the best I've seen in years] but since it's a strain she created from New Hampshires & Barred Rocks5 or so years ago how can they be considered "Heritage".

 

[Fred's Hens]

No disrespect to Kathy B or her Delawares [I have some & they're the best I've seen in years] but since it's a strain she created from New Hampshires & Barred Rocks5 or so years ago how can they be considered "Heritage".

Some might say because she used Good Shepherd Barred Rocks from Frank Reese and Jeremy and crossed them with SOP New Hampshires.

That said, is the entire breed of Delaware a true heritage breed? Given their recent history and the reason for their genesis? I am not too sure myself. But then, I understand what folks mean by the term heritage, well, mostly understand, but largely is is a nifty marketing scheme. I prefer the term Standard bred personally. The heritage thing has largely confused the issues for a lot of people Just my 2 cents.

 

[HRHDi]

It's so funny that you mentioned RIR's and Wyandotte's. They're the two at the top of my list.