Icelandic Chickens

[RedIII]

Icelander, not a problem. I know on a personal level how easy it is to have something you've said be misconstrued. And in a place such as the online world, it can be more difficult to tell how people are coming across. I don't want anyone to feel like I'm taking sides or anything. I'm just here to enjoy chickens

 

[Happy Chooks]

Mary has always been upfront and honest about her flock, where her flock originated from and the feathering issue. Nothing was hidden here - ideas were shared by other breeders interested in preserving this landrace to try to solve the issue. In the end, Mary decided to cull her entire flock except for her original 2 birds, which was not an easy decision for her. The feathering issue has been discussed in detail here for over a year. Anyone that took the time to read the entire thread would see that.


You stated previously that your birds came to you via importation from Johanna and that your family in Iceland took care of all the importation paperwork. As Mary stated above, Johanna has never participated in legal importation from Iceland.


Quote:
I have looked into the legal importation of hatching eggs (for another breed), and I do know the amount of paperwork and rough cost to do so. It's not an easy thing to do. There is no quarantine from eggs from Iceland because they are a Newcastle disease free country. But you still have to complete the importation paperwork, including coordinating a vet certificate indicating the health of the flock of origin which MUST be with the hatching eggs at all times, and pay the fees.

These requirements are for hatching eggs (live birds are a completely different ball game) for acceptance INTO the United States. I'm sure there are additional regulations from Iceland for exportation out of their country.

 

[Icelander]

Icelander, not a problem. I know on a personal level how easy it is to have something you've said be misconstrued. And in a place such as the online world, it can be more difficult to tell how people are coming across. I don't want anyone to feel like I'm taking sides or anything. I'm just here to enjoy chickens

I understand, and Icelanders can more abrasive than most. I would think we are all on the same side, i.e. of preserving the wonderful Icelandic chicken

 

[RedIII]

I understand, and Icelanders can more abrasive than most. I would think we are all on the same side, i.e. of preserving the wonderful Icelandic chicken

 

[Icelander]

Mary has always been upfront and honest about her flock, where her flock originated from and the feathering issue. Nothing was hidden here - ideas were shared by other breeders interested in preserving this landrace to try to solve the issue. In the end, Mary decided to cull her entire flock except for her original 2 birds, which was not an easy decision for her. The feathering issue has been discussed in detail here for over a year. Anyone that took the time to read the entire thread would see that.


You stated previously that your birds came to you via importation from Johanna and that your family in Iceland took care of all the importation paperwork. As Mary stated above, Johanna has never participated in legal importation from Iceland.



I have looked into the legal importation of hatching eggs (for another breed), and I do know the amount of paperwork and rough cost to do so. It's not an easy thing to do. There is no quarantine from eggs from Iceland because they are a Newcastle disease free country. But you still have to complete the importation paperwork, including coordinating a vet certificate indicating the health of the flock of origin which MUST be with the hatching eggs at all times, and pay the fees.

These requirements are for hatching eggs (live birds are a completely different ball game) for acceptance INTO the United States. I'm sure there are additional regulations from Iceland for exportation out of their country.

I have commended Mary for her efforts of preserving the breed, some people act here as if I am attacking her, this is simply not the case. Like I've said before, as an Icelander myself, I think you are doing God's work in preserving our endangered species and I think anyone can tell Mary has a strong commitment to these birds. Starting from scratch is not easy, but the breed will no doubt benefit in the long run. Her effort is very commendable.

I can't say much about the importation because I don't know much, but I will say that Mary's statement regarding Jóhanna is not correct. I suggest Mary check with the ultimate authority on this subject, Jóhanna herself, as I have done.

In any case, I am in the process of arranging an importation of fertile eggs from Iceland, with papers, myself in order to remove all doubt in this area.

 

[joyous]

Wow, what an interesting few days. I fell in love with Icelandics from an accidental roo I got from Sand Hill Preservation Center who specialize in preserving critical breeds and plants but yes, they would classify as a small Hatchery. Understanding the dangers of inbreeding, I discovered this thread and was generously welcomed by all including Mary (not a farm) and am raising some beautiful healthy babies from her flock! I also bought some more from Sand hill (Lyle behl line) so that I could save the best of the best and even built a new coup to house several breeding trios from different lines. I am totally dedicated to keeping them pure, and what I love most is that they are a land race without all the politics of "show" chickens ,allowed to flourish in their natural state. Now it seems that politics have hit them also. Now after reading these posts, will my birds be considered inferior because I attempted to combine different pure lines?, especially since I used an evil hatchery, or perhaps I am being too sensitive, I just want to preserve and enjoy this lovely breed.

 

[redchicken9]

Mimddh, those are the most wonderful icelandic sheepdog and puppy I have ever seen! They're likely my first!
Sheriff, congrats on the graduation! She sure has a great photographer at her ceremony! I realize you quoted my post. I don't have anything to say.

All the rest of you, keep going on the chickens. Lots of information and personalities. Smiles.

 

[The Sheriff]

Joyous, no one is condemning you for buying from Sandhill. My point was that ordering from a hatchery is anonymous. No one gets to give the buyer the third degree about not crossbreeding, not attempting to standardize them, etc. Private sellers can get an idea if the buyer wants them for the wrong reason. I have not sold to several people because they wanted them for crossing with other breeds. My real reference is hatcheries like Murray McMurray who had a campaign on Facebook not long ago asking how many people would buy Icelandics if they stocked them. I think the consensus of opinion among poultry enthusiasts is that the best stock comes from breeders not hatcheries. Not knocking McMurray or anyone else. If I want the best, I go to a breeder.

You are a contributing member of this group.

 

[joyous]

Joyous, no one is condemning you for buying from Sand hill. My point was that ordering from a hatchery is anonymous. No one gets to give the buyer the third degree about not crossbreeding, not attempting to standardize them, etc. Private sellers can get an idea if the buyer wants them for the wrong reason. I have not sold to several people because they wanted them for crossing with other breeds. My real reference is hatcheries like Murray McMurray who had a campaign on Facebook not long ago asking how many people would buy Icelandics if they stocked them. I think the consensus of opinion among poultry enthusiasts is that the best stock comes from breeders not hatcheries. Not knocking McMurray or anyone else. If I want the best, I go to a breeder.

You are a contributing member of this group.

I see your point, I just really thought getting from different lines would help against problems associated with inbreeding and I really believe Sand hill has a lot of integrity for preservation.. I truly want to keep the breed pure and will certainly not breed any chickens with defects. But your point is valid, that with a hatchery, anyone can buy chicks without any desire to preserve and protect. I have more had an issue with breeders that breed to type to show, but sacrifice the original function, instincts and health of the breed. That's what I love about Icelandics! They retain their hardiness, health and instincts because no one is trying to breed to a distinct look. Thanks so much for your dedication and integrity!

 

[Hangtown Farms]

so after reading the last few hundred posts or so I have a question.
My question is as I am trying to get into breeding this wonderful breed and help do my part in saving (expanding) the breed
when hatching chicks and keeping the ones you want.
Is it best to offer the chicks as barnyard mixes? or be truthful? there are only so many local icelandic people to help take chicks.
I am wondering because i want to make sure I do my part but also want to make sure my chicks get good homes.
especially the roosters. Purebred Icelandic's would stand a better chance of living a good life than one assumed as a mix breed which usually end up on someones plate.
I look forward to posting more pic's of my chicks as they grow to hopefully get feed back on what you think..