Icelandic Chickens

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
3rd time is a charm! Good luck!

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
3rd time is a charm! Good luck!

ditto! Good luck!

 

[Jake Levi]

Kathy that is fascinating !!

You deserve a LOT of credit for doing this.

If, I can get to where I can have more then one breed, and keep them all pure, I would like to begin a small flock of Iowa Blues, but the Delawares have always interested me too.

Why did you decide to recreate them then to work with the few that are available?

I have read about their believed origins so I can see recreating them. Unfortunately with the Iowa Blues you cant find any credible information as to who, where and when they originated with. Thankfully there is a remnant to work with.

Life is good , and better with Icelandics and Pack Goats !

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
I guess I decided to do it as a challenge, of sorts. It is so hard to find any decent Delawares. Many have added other blood (other breeds) into them, like many do, etc. I searched and searched for a true "heritage," strain of Delawares. You know, some that originated back in the 50s or the like. (they were created around 1940). I finally gave up and wrote to a few genetics experts and asked for guidance in how to create them.

My next challenge was to find the best stock I could find, to begin the project. I felt that was an important first step. I needed Barred Rocks and New Hampshires. I knew which strain of Barred Rocks I wanted (because it is important that they be "pure," for this project to work). I then set about trying to obtain some. That took me a while, as I knew it would. True heritage (old blood lines) stock without other blood added in are hard to find!

Next, I researched the New Hampshire breed and found they were near extinction in the USA as well. After the war in Germany, as part of the reconstruction effort, the USA sent New Hampshires (and Amrocks, etc) to Germany. (The American and German soldiers had literally eaten all the poultry during the war). The Germans continue today to love the New Hampshires and they are said to have some of the best. In the USA they fell to the wayside when the new broilers became Cornish Cross. Anyway, I found out a man had some New Hampshires from Germany. He sold some to Doug Akers, and I bought some from Doug.

There ya have it!

That is why I got the Barred Rocks and New Hampshires I have ..... to create Delawares!

Now, I just hope this project becomes a success!

 

[tazcat70]

That is amazing Kathy! I cannot wait to see YOUR Delawares.

 

[Happy Chooks]

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Me too!

Every time I go to Mary's I just stare at the New Hampshire girl. When I have the room, I'm gonna have to get one or two.

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
Me too!

Every time I go to Mary's I just stare at the New Hampshire girl. When I have the room, I'm gonna have to get one or two.

IF this project works ....... you are all gonna get Delawares! From me!

Of course, I could always stick a few New Hampshire chicks in the box, too!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
Me too!

Every time I go to Mary's I just stare at the New Hampshire girl. When I have the room, I'm gonna have to get one or two.

IF this project works ....... you are all gonna get Delawares! From me!

Of course, I could always stick a few New Hampshire chicks in the box, too!

I've always wanted some Dellies also, so no problem!

 

[LarryPQ]

Dear Kathy-

I have enough chickens. Stop with the cool projects.

Thank you!
Laree

 

[tazcat70]

Quote:
IF this project works ....... you are all gonna get Delawares! From me!

Of course, I could always stick a few New Hampshire chicks in the box, too!

I've always wanted some Dellies also, so no problem!

X2