Icelandic Chickens

[Greybear23]

Mary thank you for posting the pics and for the advice. That is the reason I asked as I do not wish to jeperdise the projest! Also has anyone used these chickens to cross breed into any other breeds and if so what has the outcome been? I truly am into preserving breeds and I love the Gamefowl varieties. I think it is awsome that these chickens have been saved and I am very happy to be a part of this. I am particularly interested in the blue color and I have a couple of bloodlines of Games in Blue. I think just for my own satisfaction in time I will breed the Icelandices in two separate pure blood pens and one of them will be toward a Blue color pattern. Does anyone on here take there Icelandic extras and butcher them, if so how is this breed for food value, does the meat taste any different than other chicken? Lots of questions as I am a chickenaholic!!!! Sorry!!!! LOL Lynn

 

[kathyinmo]

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If you read through the thread you will see that our intent in preserving these wonders, is to keep these birds pure. We do not want to lose their genetics. Honestly, I will not send out eggs or chicks to anyone with the intention of crossing them.

 

[The Sheriff]

Interest in crossbreeding these treasured birds and destroying the genetics is the exact reason Sigrid decided not to attempt to promote them in the US. It will probably be the reason I decide to do the same. I live in fear of the day I log on and see frizzled Icelandics in the auction forum. The thing is, once they leave our hands we no longer have control over what people do with them. I think other cultures treasure and revere the things of their past while we look for the next latest greatest thing, only to cast it aside when the next one comes along. Just my opinion.

 

[Greybear23]

Kathy, I do not intend to cross them! I am interested in the breeding of pure strains! But if you will think about it there are great reasons for using a breed like this as a cross! One of which would be genetic diversity and the ability to utilize this breed to preserve other breeds and strains. There are all kinds of chickens in this world and they all started somewhere, these are a great source for the genetics as they are from insulated stock that has derived from a land race and is unique. I do truly understand and agree with your reasoning of keeping them pure!!! With full intentions of breeding them as pure as possible and yet breeding diversely in the bloodlines. Thank you for your understanding. Lynn

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If you read through the thread you will see that our intent in preserving these wonders, is to keep these birds pure. We do not want to lose their genetics. Honestly, I will not send out eggs or chicks to anyone with the intention of crossing them.

 

[colowyo0809]

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To be honest I tend to agree with you and Kathy. Granted, I would love some Icelandics, and have them in their own large pen area, but I know they aren't for me. I want to have one large barnyard freerange flock and then a couple specialty tractor pens, and while the Icelandics would be rather well suited to our area (getting both highs and lows as we do

) I think I'm better off sticking with the Hamburgs for my partner and the Wyandottes for me

I will continue to enjoy this thread just for the simple pleasure of the purtiness of the chickens and the funness of your donkeys

 

[Greybear23]

I honestly would like to apologize for bringing this subject up!!! I in no way intended to offend or discourage anyone from raising these beautiful birds! I am just a thinker and sometimes I think outside the box. I am always interested in birds and chickens of any kind and in any way!!! I think to preserve these chickens in there pure form is in the best interest to them. I just can't help but think how many EXTRA Roosters there are out there and someone has not already crossed them into some other breed whether intentionally or non-intentionally by getting the rooster at an action or from someone with the intentions of not breeding it. Again I am sorry and Kathy I hope I have not offended you and jepordised my chances of being a pert of this wonderful project, sincerely, Lynn in Okla.

 

[kathyinmo]

I do have alot of roosters! I will not get rid of them for cross breeding or any other purpose. My plan is to grow them out and butcher them. I would rather eat them then anything else. I imagine they will, "taste like chicken." That is my plan at this point. I have taken many many roosters and chicks to auction, but I will not take this breed. I really hope there are others that are serious about the preservation of this breed, as well as in increasing their population. With only around 3,000 of them in the entire world, it is a critical mission, I feel; an important issue. My fear is that others that say that is their intent, are just saying that and not meaning it. It is a dilemma I worry about. I want to do Sigrid proud.

 

[Happy Chooks]

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Way to go Kathy!

 

[cheryl98117]

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This exact reason is why I have not inquired about actually getting any chicks or eggs. As I am not set up for them yet. I would not bring these beautiful birds home until I have a place specifically for them. It may be 6 months, a year, possibly even two, before I would be ready to bring any Icelandics in. As I would want them completely separate from my other birds, so I don't have any cross breeding issues. The Icelandics are perfect just the way they are. They are a unique species, and I am happy just watching you all with yours, until such a time that I am capable of having them securely away from the other flocks.

On that note, I really wish I was currently set up for them, as I absolutely adore these little feathered critters!

Thank you all for letting me live through you all! I love the community feel that you all have created, and I hope some day to be able to join in your endeavor.

Keep up the great work everyone, each and every one of these birds is special, and deserves the chance to help increase the numbers.

Ahh some day... But for now I sit and watch.

edited because I can not spell. even if my life depended on it!

 

[NotAFarm]

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