- Jul 11, 2011
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Quote:
Diane and folks in doubt of the Icelandics,
Using the words 'standard' and 'type' loosely and interchangeably often brings about fruitless debates in a community forum environment. When specifically discussing Icelandics, one is limited to information pertaining to this species and its unique history. Speaking from a academic researcher point of view, one can only trace a species' heritage as for as human knowledge allows. As to define a set of rules to determine if a certain bird belongs to the Icelandic family is only by means of a DNA test.
From what I have read, I can only assume the information shared is true. It is up to us to challenge information or accept them as facts. Again facts can be challenged but in the end, what limits fact checking is time and money.
Why I had mentioined DNA testing? Icelandic's DNA is unique and different from majority of other chickens species. Whoever made this claim would have published a technical article and this article would be a reference point. The author's burden of proof is to have had traveled to the various parts of Iceland collecting chickens and using an accepted DNA test method. The author would also have to prove his/her work to reviewing peers. Its the scientific community's check and balance system. For us flock owners to claim we have Icelandics and not some random poultry which happens to look like Icelandics is to match what we have to a reference, i.e. the last known DNA test.
Now to make this interesting and think outside the box (a little), what if we have this bird which looks like a RIR/Marans/JG/EE (just about whatever commonly found chickens) do a DNA test. The test comes up positive match to Icelandic and negative on RIR/Marans/JG/EE/etc. Now a we have 2 questions; (a) how sure are we of the RIR/Marans/JG/EE/etc. DNA? and (b) a bird that looks like RIR/Marans/JG/EE but has Icelandic DNA. This bird is still an Icelandic irregardless of its appearance.
The bottomline of this 900+ page forum is that the diverse feather style and color scheme is unique. Not many other chicken species can claim this characteristics. Most of us have un-conscientiously narrowed down to one color scheme per species mindset. The ability to see outside box and accept Icelandics for what they are what Warden/Mary, Mary, Kathy, Jake .... and many other folks posses. Their word is not final and absolute, but say enough to keep a 1000+ year old tradition alive and going. That is the hallmark of this community and their preservation effort.
Peace
Diane and folks in doubt of the Icelandics,
Using the words 'standard' and 'type' loosely and interchangeably often brings about fruitless debates in a community forum environment. When specifically discussing Icelandics, one is limited to information pertaining to this species and its unique history. Speaking from a academic researcher point of view, one can only trace a species' heritage as for as human knowledge allows. As to define a set of rules to determine if a certain bird belongs to the Icelandic family is only by means of a DNA test.
From what I have read, I can only assume the information shared is true. It is up to us to challenge information or accept them as facts. Again facts can be challenged but in the end, what limits fact checking is time and money.
Why I had mentioined DNA testing? Icelandic's DNA is unique and different from majority of other chickens species. Whoever made this claim would have published a technical article and this article would be a reference point. The author's burden of proof is to have had traveled to the various parts of Iceland collecting chickens and using an accepted DNA test method. The author would also have to prove his/her work to reviewing peers. Its the scientific community's check and balance system. For us flock owners to claim we have Icelandics and not some random poultry which happens to look like Icelandics is to match what we have to a reference, i.e. the last known DNA test.
Now to make this interesting and think outside the box (a little), what if we have this bird which looks like a RIR/Marans/JG/EE (just about whatever commonly found chickens) do a DNA test. The test comes up positive match to Icelandic and negative on RIR/Marans/JG/EE/etc. Now a we have 2 questions; (a) how sure are we of the RIR/Marans/JG/EE/etc. DNA? and (b) a bird that looks like RIR/Marans/JG/EE but has Icelandic DNA. This bird is still an Icelandic irregardless of its appearance.
The bottomline of this 900+ page forum is that the diverse feather style and color scheme is unique. Not many other chicken species can claim this characteristics. Most of us have un-conscientiously narrowed down to one color scheme per species mindset. The ability to see outside box and accept Icelandics for what they are what Warden/Mary, Mary, Kathy, Jake .... and many other folks posses. Their word is not final and absolute, but say enough to keep a 1000+ year old tradition alive and going. That is the hallmark of this community and their preservation effort.
Peace
