Heritage Large Fowl - Phase II

[gjensen]

I'm not getting any younger and it might be interesting to see how our birds produce with other management practices...

I think those Naked Necks would make great production birds, and in particular, the south.

 

[BGMatt]

OK folks, a friend is trying to make some decisions about where she is going to go with her poultry flock this coming year. We would like some input from more experienced breeders. Keep in mind we are looking at quality, standard bred birds, not hatchery stock.

Right now one decision is Plymouth Rock vs Orpington
My take on them is that they are about the same size bird, they should be about the same meat wise. I believe that they lay roughly the same. I *think* but am not sure that the orps may tend to be a bit broodier than the rocks. Any other pros or cons?


If you have a different breed that might fill the bill a bit better, please make some suggestions!

Her wish list;
Big eggs, good layers
good meat birds (ie cockerels grow quick to broiler/roaster size) old hens have some meat left on their bones
tolerate cold down to about 10 degrees
tolerate the heat well (she gets over 110 degree days in the summer)

Either of those birds will fill that role well. Both birds filled the same niche in their respective countries when they were developed. I would just advise (as always) to get the birds from a reputable breeder and avoid hatchery junk.

 

[hellbender]

I think those Naked Necks would make great production birds, and in particular, the south.

Yes, but they are far more cold-hardy than many realize. It gets COLD in these mountains and they get out and go, no matter how cold it gets....so long as there is not total ground cover with snow.

Either of those birds will fill that role well. Both birds filled the same niche in their respective countries when they were developed. I would just advise (as always) to get the birds from a reputable breeder and avoid hatchery junk.

I'm a bit prejudiced but Turkens are hard to beat in all categories.

EDITED to say, if I could have only one breed, it would be Turkens! Have your friend at least give them a hard look and not be scared off by the initial 'Jurassic Park Syndrom'.

 

[BGMatt]

Quote isn't working for me again currently. But yes Naked Necks (correct name, you won't find "Turken" in the standard) are a very under valued breed in my opinion. I wonder how many non-hatchery flocks of Naked Neck there are?

 

[hellbender]

Quote isn't working for me again currently. But yes Naked Necks (correct name, you won't find "Turken" in the standard) are a very under valued breed in my opinion. I wonder how many non-hatchery flocks of Naked Neck there are?

I won't argue the pointless 'name point'

but your point is well taken with regards to the non-hatchery flocks.

My flock was started with hatchery birds more than 60 years ago by my grand dad but I have seen some recent hatchery birds that dressed out nicely for their owners. They had especially full and flavorful breasts.(I was gifted a couple)

 

[Apdeb]

There was a naked neck breeder at knoxville dixie but i didnt get her info

 

[gjensen]

I won't argue the pointless 'name point'

but your point is well taken with regards to the non-hatchery flocks.

My flock was started with hatchery birds more than 60 years ago by my grand dad but I have seen some recent hatchery birds that dressed out nicely for their owners. They had especially full and flavorful breasts.(I was gifted a couple)

Ironicly, concerning the Standard, I have seen some hatchery Naked Necks that did not look that bad. Decent sized birds. I cannot remember what hatchery they were from.

 

[BGMatt]

Ironicly, concerning the Standard, I have seen some hatchery Naked Necks that did not look that bad. Decent sized birds. I cannot remember what hatchery they were from.

I wonder if they hatcheries view them as a meat bird? I often see them included in the broiler assortments. That'd mean they would try and keep their size up at least.

 

[gjensen]

Yes, but they are far more cold-hardy than many realize. It gets COLD in these mountains and they get out and go, no matter how cold it gets....so long as there is not total ground cover with snow.

I'm a bit prejudiced but Turkens are hard to beat in all categories.

EDITED to say, if I could have only one breed, it would be Turkens! Have your friend at least give them a hard look and not be scared off by the initial 'Jurassic Park Syndrom'.

I imagine that they are cold hardy. That is why I was saying "in particular the south". Many of the heavy breads also have a surplus of feathers. I like the idea of feeding less feather. I like functional.

I also like the something different factor. I like the variety of poultry breeds. The Naked Neck has something to offer that none of the others do.

 

[hellbender]

I imagine that they are cold hardy. That is why I was saying "in particular the south". Many of the heavy breads also have a surplus of feathers. I like the idea of feeding less feather. I like functional.

I also like the something different factor. I like the variety of poultry breeds. The Naked Neck has something to offer that none of the others do.

Your points are appreciated. Another consideration is, if you already have birds you like, the NN gene is dominant and they can be used to incorporate and move forward.

I have pure Australorps and 'to keep others happy' pure NNs but my best production birds are the hybrids and better in just about every way.

It has been my practice to always use NN cocks over Australorp hens because my grand dad and my dad tried it both ways with varying degrees of success. My way seems to always produce better off-spring than either of the parent stock. JMHO