Icelandic Chickens

[RedIII]

I'm wondering if the vitamin deficiency is a result of the small gene pool of the breed? It makes sense to me that that would be a possibility. And when my boy was having problems before with his feet, they straightened on their own within several days.

 

[Jake Levi]

My vet diagnosed it as a manganese deficiency. Both of my younger groups get a lot of greens in their diets, so I dont think its a vitamin problem. I havent found a mineral only supplement yet. But looking.

The smaller gene pool could be a mixed blessing, lethal recessives were 'dealt' with hundreds of years ago, actually eliminated.

. We seem to have 3-4 basic color patterns for instance, but still with a wide range of colors interacting almost every egg is a new toss of the dice. A shorter incubation time is also a survival plus. Some of my little ones are doing laps around the hatcher as the others are still hatching. The different factors seem to have many different ways of expressing themselves. I believe all survival based. Iceland was/is a great proving ground for evolving breeds along hardiness , survival and utilitarian factors. Look at the horses, sheep, dogs, 3 other great breeds, each honed over a thousand years for utility and survival values. And, each with its own beauty. Frank Loyd Wright was/is right, utility has its own beauty.

I believe the smaller Icelandic breeds sizes is a suppresion, coupled with smaller adults having a lower food need through the harsh Icelandic winters, but the vitality was a survival factor so its a major plus. Adding size to our chickens will be slower now but I do think it can be selected for. All things considered I believe that we have a genetic treasure. I am looking forward to this years breeding season. I need to get a couple more pens built for a couple broody hens.

and see what the dice come up with this time around.


Life is good, and better with Icelandic Chickens !!

Now where can I find an Icelandic dog and a couple of horses??

 

[Happy Chooks]

Jake - check with @mlmddh . He shows his Icelandic dog.

 

[mlm Mike]

Jake, it would be no problem to find an Icelandic Sheepdog. I hope to have puppies later this year. Also there are several breeders close to you in MI. The gentleman I received both my Icelandic Sheepdogs from is currently building a house relatively close to you, up on the thumb on Lake Huron. He lists many available puppies on his blog, http://vinlandsicelandics.blogspot.com.

 

[mlm Mike]

So, I'm looking out my window and what do I see?

An Icelandic Chicken, breaking trail and on a mission.


She arrived at her destination.



Why would she wade through the snow to get here?
That's where a wild bird feeder is.

 

[coldupnorth]

So, I'm looking out my window and what do I see?

An Icelandic Chicken, breaking trail and on a mission.


She arrived at her destination.



Why would she wade through the snow to get here?
That's where a wild bird feeder is.

Resourceful Girl!

 

[Sporteltx]

I have one out and another piped and a few more I still am hoping one. Its early on day 20. I also think this one is a rooster.

 

[mlm Mike]

Congratulations!

 

[Jake Levi]

Jake, it would be no problem to find an Icelandic Sheepdog. I hope to have puppies later this year. Also there are several breeders close to you in MI. The gentleman I received both my Icelandic Sheepdogs from is currently building a house relatively close to you, up on the thumb on Lake Huron. He lists many available puppies on his blog, http://vinlandsicelandics.blogspot.com.

Thank you, I will print out the puppy ap and send to him.

When do you plan your breeding? I am interested. I get down to Ohio several times a year, on average.

Jake

 

[Jake Levi]

I have one out and another piped and a few more I still am hoping one. Its early on day 20. I also think this one is a rooster.

Congratulations ! If I had to guess it would be as a rooster, stance, and what little I can see of the comb.

90% of my eggs have hatched from day 19 to day 20.

Who did you get your eggs from?