Icelandic Chickens

[LarryPQ]

You do that, Dar. I am going to hold out until the NYD hatch. BE STRONG!!!

 

[The Sheriff]

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Liar, Liar, pants on fire!

I guess that is a little harsh. Lets go with denial, denial, denial. The haboob made me do it!

 

[tazcat70]

Isn't there supposed to be a Halloween hatch too?

 

[The Sheriff]

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[tazcat70]

What?

I would like some company when I set eggs in Oct. I am actually planning on/around Oct 1. I am trying to restrain myself from filling my sportsman.

 

[The Sheriff]

I can be your moral support, encouragement, counselor, therapist, advisor, and cheerleader, but I cannot set eggs! I have four Mamas with a total of 25 babies right now, a broody on 7 eggs and 40 something eggs in the incubator!

 

[The Sheriff]

Paul Bradshaw of Greenfire Farms has a blog post about landraces that I think fits the Icelandic chicken very well. It might help people understand the difference between a landrace and a "scatter-bred mutt." Here's the link: http://greenfirefarms.com/2011/08/playing-the-landrace-card

 

[kathyinmo]

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I like that. Good for Paul, educating those who browse his site!

 

[tazcat70]

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Thanks! We still have time for you to change your mind.

 

[gallorojo]

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I do appreciate your posting of this link. I had already read this blog entry, but perhaps it may be of interest to others with questions. I will admit to sharing some of the same questions as the person you are directing this comment towards. I personally totally understand what a landrace is. I think most other people with questions do as well. I think where the issue lies is in the fact the Icelandics are so variable, more than any other landrace I have ever seen or heard of. If I buy a working terrier, or working collie, or working gamefowl, these could all be very variable in appearance, , technically landraces, yet, they could be identified by certain set behaviors. I think what people are looking for is a way to prove that they have real Icelandics. There is no breed standard or pedigree for these birds. I guess that is very exciting and liberating in some regards, and valuable genetically, but, potentially problematic long term. Is there something a person can use to identify an Icelandic if they happen upon one at an auction? I believe personally that you breeders really, truly, have the real birds, I also believe that you all have kept them pure, and have the best possible intentions for them. Your reputations are enough, for now. What about 10 years from now? What about 20 years form now? What if, God forbid, a hatchery starts carrying Icelandics? There are lots of potential solutions to this,-perhaps a pedigree, or breeder club with registry, something? You all seem like creative people, but, something is going to have to be done long term for the sake of the purity of the landrace. My apologies if I have upset any of you, it is not my intention.

It would be a real shame 20 years from now to have the equivalent of EE's vs real Ameraucanas and all that would come with that with these birds. It would be a shame to lose the genetic resource they represent. Yet, as they get into more and more hands, more potential exists for not only questions, but far worse.

Something to think about.