Heritage Large Fowl - Phase II

[thedragonlady]

No...that would be my big lovable, scatterbrained dork of a husband. 6'4" and he was scared of a rooster. He's also scared of snakes. Screamed like a girl first time he stepped on one in the garden. He's suburban raised, poor thing. I grew up in a more rural setting in a tiny town called Wetumpka, Alabama. Still have family there and in Eclectic (which is not).

I just noticed what time it was. Wow! I got caught up watching the spurs/heat game I'd dvrd earlier. Spurs lost. oO(sigh)

sandi

Sandi,

95% of your success in dealing with this bird is that you are an alpha, and he knows it.I doubt that it is something that can be taught. It has to do with an aura that you put out which can be read by all animals. Go girl, and enjoy your rooster.

 

[ocap]

Sandi,

95% of your success in dealing with this bird is that you are an alpha, and he knows it.I doubt that it is something that can be taught. It has to do with an aura that you put out which can be read by all animals. Go girl, and enjoy your rooster.

question (slightly off topic): is the alpha action of a human any different for chickens than dogs, I have an easy time being alpha for my female dog but have a little trouble with my chickens?

 

[hellbender]

No hellbender I don't believe that is the general consensus. I believe it is a matter of semantics which has greatly confused a lot of people. Yes it's true that a breed can be a "heritage breed", it cannot be assumed that as birds of that breed are heritage animals. Look at the RIR for example... The production birds called RIR don't even look like the lines of heritage RIR which have been maintained for generations. They are called the same thing still but they look and function differently. That is just one example.

Ok...I'll stipulate to that. But what's to prevent someone with marginally good looking production type RIRs from showing up at a venue and exhibiting some of their birds? Sure, they are going to lose and perhaps be laughed out of the building but if they kept coming back..not missing an event, some casual viewers might take up their cause and get the ball rolling...simply for the sake of discussion.

 

[thedragonlady]

question (slightly off topic): is the alpha action of a human any different for chickens than dogs, I have an easy time being alpha for my female dog but have a little trouble with my chickens?

You can go through the motions of dominance with dogs, and have some success. Not so with poultry, or some other birds .In working with lots of raptors over the years, I found that Owls like and respect me as an alpha, after I have made polite owl overtures. I've never been bitten yet .Anyone else approaching these injured birds, had owls coming at them standing on their tails , attacking with beaks and talons.My male Orps follow suit, and I've never had a chicken of any breed that I've owned, come at me . The rubber chicken, with the second place ribbon around it's neck, that hangs in my main coop, might have something to do with that !

 

[RedRidge]

No hellbender I don't believe that is the general consensus. I believe it is a matter of semantics which has greatly confused a lot of people. Yes it's true that a breed can be a "heritage breed", it cannot be assumed that as birds of that breed are heritage animals. Look at the RIR for example... The production birds called RIR don't even look like the lines of heritage RIR which have been maintained for generations. They are called the same thing still but they look and function differently. That is just one example.

Ok...I'll stipulate to that.  But what's to prevent someone with marginally good looking  production type RIRs from showing up at a venue and exhibiting some of their birds?  Sure, they are going to lose and perhaps be laughed out of the building but if they kept coming back..not missing an event, some casual viewers might take up their cause and get the ball rolling...simply for the sake of discussion. 

Not a thing... ;-)

 

[RedRidge]

And I doubt anyone would laugh. I have shown a lot of different types of livestock and none are more helpful and encouraging than poultry people.
Sometimes it is difficult to receive that help if you are convinced your birds are the best thing since sliced bread. And like wise it may be difficult to help give advice if the receiving party isn't open, or you lack tact. But many (if not most) people who now have excellent quality stock started with that first production bird they fell in love with. There is a place for them all. You simply have to be realistic about what you want and be willing to continue to learn until the day you die. And good mentors are priceless. ;-)

 

[ocap]

question (slightly off topic): is the alpha action of a human any different for chickens than dogs, I have an easy time being alpha for my female dog but have a little trouble with my chickens?

Quote:


I skin my freezer camp birds next to the cockerel pen, maybe that is as good as a "dead" rubber chicken with a second place ribbon

 

[Arielle]

Quote:
LOL


Understanding species behavior seems to be key. Years ago when I bought my first rottie, the breeder gave me a list of behaviors for me to do around the dog. Just need a list for roosters now.

And I doubt anyone would laugh. I have shown a lot of different types of livestock and none are more helpful and encouraging than poultry people.
Sometimes it is difficult to receive that help if you are convinced your birds are the best thing since sliced bread. And like wise it may be difficult to help give advice if the receiving party isn't open, or you lack tact. But many (if not most) people who now have excellent quality stock started with that first production bird they fell in love with. There is a place for them all. You simply have to be realistic about what you want and be willing to continue to learn until the day you die. And good mentors are priceless. ;-)

I am finding the same thing-- perhaps it is that those that came before us are humble people in the poultry world, and in other arenas the mentors were cut throat in their behavior. We learn from our elders and mentors all sorts of things.

I left friendships and trainers when they did not behave at the level of compassion and kindness that is comfortable for me. WHen I noticed I was changing to be like them-- I moved on and dropped those friendships.

 

[ronott1]

But tnspurs's rooster Is not a 'heritage' birds...is it? Unless you class all White Leghorns as heritage.
What is the difference between a heritage breed and the standard?

Bob Blosl's Thread is here:

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

This one is Phase II so a bit different.

I love the thought of honoring Bob's memory by keeping the thread true, but Bob loved it when examples of not Show Quality "individuals" of a Heritage Breed were presented here like the great example of the White Leghorn. It was an opportunity to discuss what went into breeding to standard

White Leghorns are Heritage by the Definitions used here. This would be a good time for someone to post pictures of their Show Quality White Leghorns.

 

[Vamvakas]

I'm gonna warn you people if your ordering chicks don't do a split order with someone your not sure of cause I learned that the hard way and I don't speak to that person anymore.. This spring I am going to have way to many chicks and half the breeds I don't want hope I can sell them..