I need your help

[Dustin Biery]

I agree with what you posted Sonoran. But Orps? I would have figured that their populations would be more than enough to get them off the list completely by now. And this list doesn't specify particular colors. I know that on the SPPA's site, they list certain color variants that are in trouble, versus the breed as a lot.

 

[Dustin Biery]

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No, due to work conflicts, I was unable to attend. I really wanted to be there, but didn't make it. How was it?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

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A questions I would ask is how they gather their data and decide which breeds should be on the list and under which label?

 

[Dustin Biery]

I have tried to make contact with them for such information, but haven't had a response yet. I know the last time I contacted them when I was in High school, they just sent me a packet of information in the mail. We will see.

 

[JestersEye]

I would like to agree with lauralou, and choose the Andalusian breed... for many of the same reasons, as well as others.

They are active and entertaining to watch, and exhibit such a variety of behaviors ranging from wing displays, dancing/circling, and a peculiar head shake (which I've only recently begun to notice). These movements all seem to have meaning to them, and that makes them a very communicative breed, in my opinion. Their fancy plumage, and large combs also makes them very beautiful show birds!

Also, they are medium-sized birds which makes them easy to handle. The roosters are not too aggressive and act "gentlemanly" toward their hens, in my experience. The hens are exceptional layers of large, white eggs... every day, like clockwork! (Andy eggs may seem smaller than those of other large egg-layers, but they are actually comparable in weight. Their eggs are just a bit longer and thinner, rather than having an overall rounded appearance.)

I love the personalities of Andalusians, and appreciate the distinction of this breed for scientific reasons, as well. It was the "blue gene" color traits of this breed which was used by the biologist, Gregor Mendel, to study codominant gene expression. For all of these reasons, I believe the Andalusian deserves to be preserved for future generations of backyard breeders to enjoy!

 

[Dustin Biery]

Thank you for your time Jeters. I appreciate everyone time and input on this, since this project will decide my graduation.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I probably should have added that I adore araucanas--very personable birds, very interesting to watch and to interact with. So I would like to see more of them.

 

[Dustin Biery]

Thanks for your help Suzi, not only here, but on the forum in general. I think you are definately value added to this site.

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Malay, and second to them would be Russian Orloff.

I realize a few hatcheries sell these two breeds, but the type and size is really horrible.

Malay is an old exhibition breed, and it is really hard to find good breeding stock anymore. There are only a few breeders who have them in the US. They are very slow to mature, and do not lay many eggs in a year. I believe this has helped cast them out of favor with breeders. They also take up a lot of space, as they are best kept in pairs.

Russian Orloff - I have only been able to find a few folks that are keeping this breed. They've fallen out of favor because they do not lay many eggs after their first year of egg laying.

 

[Dustin Biery]

Thanks Cuban, those are two of the breeds that I am also most interested in.