Icelandic Chickens

[AK Michelle]

Quote:
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...

And, adding insult to injury, they list this thread as a link for information on the breed. It would be nice if ALL the people actually read the entire thread and got the message of the importance of keeping the breed pure, but we all know that's not going to happen.

Well that feels like a slap in the face. Hatchery Icelandics? Is there any way to prevent this?

 

[AK Michelle]

Quote:
Sorry to be hijacking this thread-

There are no good or bad quality Icelandics- They don't have an SOP and never will since they come in so many patterns and such. The point is that breeders are trying to keep these bred true and not cross with anything for preservation efforts.

Sorry, I'll go now. That's what I think.
Nick

Well put Nick, I agree with you.

Our goal is to keep our Icelandics pure, to preserve the race in it's true form. We don't breed for color or style, we merely enjoy what ever flavor pops out of those pretty white eggs. We are working on preservation.

Hatchery chicks are poor quality, why? Because they are too inbred, they are occasionally mixed (How did that roo get in this pen?!?!?) many things contribute. When you are going for pure volume (which is what makes the hatchery profitable) you aren't as careful about how the breeding is done and by whom it is done. Even if they start with good stock, they cannot make money constantly buying breeding stock so they use some of their own stock to replace breeders as they age. This process eventually leads to inbreeding, and it also eliminates diversity. In a closed society there are only so many options.

I will now step down and back away from the soapbox...

 

[AK Michelle]

Quote:
Too bad you don't have pictures (hint-hint)

 

[AK Michelle]

Due to timezones I believe I'm the only one on this thread tonight so forgive me for posting 7 times in a row.

Kelly, you said you would need a couple more shots of the blondie, well here they are...

 

[chickendales]

Quote:
it is 2 in the morning lol lovely spash

 

[AK Michelle]

This is my awesome roo Kelinn (which is Icelandic for cuddly) He was the mullet head chick.

Before:

After: Look at those colors!

He still loves to be held

It's hard to photograph but there is some real pretty blue in there somewhere.

 

[AK Michelle]

Quote:
it is 2 in the morning lol lovely spash

thanks

 

[AK Michelle]

This is my rafter dweller, she is a dusty rose on top with a beautiful powdery blue on the bottom.

And another pretty hen: Oh, who am I kidding, they are all gorgeous!!!

 

[AK Michelle]

Hey Kathy, look how the your eggs are growing up:

There's a cuddly one in every bunch...

The little black on in the middle is NOT an Icelandic. It is an EE/silkie cross.

This one was not too fond of being held but she finally calmed down for a minute.

The closest I have to a black...

And our cuddler is back on the arm again!

Apparently, she likes him

 

[Jake Levi]

Beautiful pics Michelle, thanks for sharing .

Post all that you want !! I am often the first one here in the morning so its good to see someone has been here

I like your brooders too ! I am going to have similar for pairs and trios next year, and also to house extra roos,

I am going to grow all my roos out til at least six mos, and probably keep at least six over the winter til breeding season, I am sure right now of 3 keepers, Blau, Issison, Skjotur, and possibly the little black that is now getting a silver neck and white secondaries on the wings. Then there will probably be 12 or more from the new chicks from Mary. I will for sure winter at least six, and rehome some, hopefully to 4H'rs. I may pair a few to some of the kids. Or adults.

I think it is real bad news McMurray adding Icelandics, all we can do is make it known that there are hatchery-maybe Icelandics and there are real breeder Icelandics. As with the heritage LF now. Not much else that we can do.

I have several of my original six that also seem to enjoy being held , all get held almost every day.

Life is good.