Hello - I am considering getting Icelandic chickens next year and i am interested in those breeding them for conservation what your experiences are and which advice you can give.
I will not be trying to breed them for show, neither plan to select for heavy weight and daily laying, but i am wondering what those are doing who do try to keep them for conservation, who DO you chose to hatch from and what criteria are you using (other than avoiding unhealthy parents), what type of breeding schedule do you use ...and such, as in what are the criteria for culling, what were the criteria for culling in Iceland (in case anyone knows)
Where do you suggest i get them (best or acceptable sources) where they have not been crossed with other breeds - including norwegian. I have been happy with my straight runs from Sandhill Preservation (fayoumis, buttercups, andalusians, catalanas, minorcas) - and like what they have to say about their hardiness)
Hatching - my broodies hatch the chicks here and I would need day old chicks (my experience with the post office for chicks and adults have been excellent - but i always have paid the express fee)
For the first year, i'd only be able to keep 1 roo.
I am very interested in them being a hardy and predator savy breed and like them all looking different. what are any of the negatives - or something that could maybe considered a negative?
What have you observed about their space needs, temperament?
They would be partly free range with secure coop at night and otherwise organically fed. I prefer them not sleeping in the trees.
Do they keep out of an 8 foot high fenced garden plot? What is their general willingness to return to the coop?
How far do they tend to range?
Thanks much for any sharing and feedback.
I will not be trying to breed them for show, neither plan to select for heavy weight and daily laying, but i am wondering what those are doing who do try to keep them for conservation, who DO you chose to hatch from and what criteria are you using (other than avoiding unhealthy parents), what type of breeding schedule do you use ...and such, as in what are the criteria for culling, what were the criteria for culling in Iceland (in case anyone knows)
Where do you suggest i get them (best or acceptable sources) where they have not been crossed with other breeds - including norwegian. I have been happy with my straight runs from Sandhill Preservation (fayoumis, buttercups, andalusians, catalanas, minorcas) - and like what they have to say about their hardiness)
Hatching - my broodies hatch the chicks here and I would need day old chicks (my experience with the post office for chicks and adults have been excellent - but i always have paid the express fee)
For the first year, i'd only be able to keep 1 roo.
I am very interested in them being a hardy and predator savy breed and like them all looking different. what are any of the negatives - or something that could maybe considered a negative?
What have you observed about their space needs, temperament?
They would be partly free range with secure coop at night and otherwise organically fed. I prefer them not sleeping in the trees.
Do they keep out of an 8 foot high fenced garden plot? What is their general willingness to return to the coop?
How far do they tend to range?
Thanks much for any sharing and feedback.
