Icelandic Chickens

[The Sheriff]

Uh oh, calling Kelly.

 

[Totalcolour]

The case for The Icelandic SOP

My MGSU wasn't happy about my getting this little flock of birds from CL; he cited the fact that they are so variable in nearly every way, except size.

I have given it a lot of thought and realized that there are many bird breeds that have a number of variables. Take the Wyandotte for example. The come in a variety of colours; and a variety of feather pattersn, some solid some mottled some barred. They also have different comb types (although frowned upon by judges, and not in the SOP)

The Marans - in France and the US, they are feather legged, in England clean. They come in various colours.

The same with the Ameruacana, the Sussex and a whole host of other birds. I know there are several breeds with only one colour or pattern, but there are so many breeds with multiple variations.

I don't know much about chickens since this is a recent venture for us. But, I do know a little about other livestock. Horses for example. I used to breed Arabians and Thoroughbreds. I have ridden many breeds, and especially love the little American Mustang. The Arabian is known for not just it's looks (and various colours) but for it's hardiness, a trait not often looked for in chicken breeds. The Arabian can go long distances with little water. It also has one or two less vertebrae, so with the shorter back can carry quite a heavy load for it's size. It has long pasterns, an overstep and is usually a very smooth ride. My own Arabians had extremely tough feet and rarely had to have shoes, and even then, only on the front. They were also very human friendly. A far cry from my Thoroughbreds!

Goats too; some are more heat tolerant, and some more disease resistant. Some are seasonal breeders, others not. Some are more adaptable to climate extremes. Some have variable coat colours within the breed. Polled and unpolled can occur in the same breed of some varieties so why can't one breed of chicken have different comb types?

With all this in mind, it seems reasonable to me to have multiple variations in the Icelandic. I have spent much of today in the basement, admiring my new birds. And although they are all different, if you squint just a tiny bit, you can see the similarities.

That's enough. Getting off soapbox now

 

[Farmerboy16]

 

[Totalcolour]

Quote:
Mary, they are GORGEOUS!

I hope mine give me babies like that next spring. Well, they should - they came from you I believe.

 

[The Sheriff]

Quote:
Mary, they are GORGEOUS!

I hope mine give me babies like that next spring. Well, they should - they came from you I believe.

Indeed they did!

 

[The Sheriff]

BTW Kelly, it escalated after we got off the phone this morning. I had to shoo him outta' my breakfast nook!

 

[NotAFarm]

Mary, great looking boys!!! Are the goat girls being mean to the little guy? He looks like he wants to come in and keep you company!

 

[Jake Levi]

Mary he just wanted a breakfast doughnut with you !!

I am hoping the little one with the orange crest is a her !! Sure has a smaller comb then the white guys !

Keeping my fingers crossed !!

 

[Chickielady]

Mary, I would worry the buckling wants in so bad as to harm the glass...........that would scare me!

KATE! You have absolutely the correct idea of the Icees, and your SO may yet come to realize this.
Just take time.
They will grow on you & him as well.
If it does come to be an issue, you can return them, just sayin'.

 

[Chickielady]

Quote:
One cockeral I just sold to Total color is 5 months of age, and she & I both looked closely at his crest is STILL coming out, a bright red.
So at this tender age, who knows what will pop out in another 5 months!?!?