Is this a total waste of time/money?

[Eliza1313]

Our original plan was to build hoop coops to have mobile tractors. Then we became interested in the heritage breeds, which for them to be considered heritage they have to free range. We are still working out all the details. Although with all the drought damaged trees that we can rough cut it seems more practical to just build a stationary coop so that the only costs are wire and hardware. Also fuel for the chain saw, but it would be used for cutting the trees up anyway.

The raccoons around here are rather brazen. So I wouldn't doubt that the weekenders feed them. Plus we have to worry about everyone else's dogs. Already had my coop surrounded by a pack of hunting dogs. Fortunately I have not seen them around again.

I will have to take a closer look at the leaves next time we take a walk back there. Thanks for the pic. I know how the teasing goes. If it's anything like I am used to it's not the teasing you should worry about but when they aren't picking, because then they're mad at you.

 

[dheltzel]

Heritage is not the same as free range. You can put heritage breeds into individual cages inside a building with no outside access ever and that doesn't mean they are no longer "heritage". People have differing views on the definition of "heritage", but saying they need to free range is one I've never heard (and would certainly be rejected by everyone I know).

Hoop coop tractors are fine for heritage breeds. Better than free-ranging, IMO, since it means they are valuable enough to protect from predators at all times.

 

[Eliza1313]

Based on The Livestock Conservancy definition a heritage breed must be outdoors.

"Is a chicken Heritage if it is raised in confinement?
No. Heritage Chicken must be raised outdoors on pasture to qualify. Why? The natural exposure of chickens to elements and naturally occurring pathogens will ensure that these breeds will retain robust immune systems and healthy constitutions. Additionally, outdoor foraging tests their legs and bodies. If a bird can not walk, actively forage, and naturally mate, it needs to be culled (or removed from the breeding group)."

http://www.livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/heritage-chicken-faq

My interpretation of them needing to forage is that they need to be free-range. Hence my want of hoop coops only for when I know a predator is in the area. I can keep dogs out by mending fences, won't stop the chickens from going to the other side. We have hawks, but they make calls and leave behind other signs they are in the area. Most varmit type critters are nocturnal, so a good coop will protect them at night. Then the only other thing I have to worry about are big cats, which neighbors have said they have seen. However I have seen no prints, heard no calls, nor any other sign of one being around.

 

[TalkALittle]

My interpretation of them needing to forage is that they need to be free-range.

I went to the link you provided and then nosed around on their other pages and came across this on their page titled "Definition of a Heritage Chicken".

Chickens must meet all of the following criteria to be marketed as Heritage.
Definition:

Heritage Chicken must adhere to all the following:

1. APA Standard Breed
   Heritage Chicken must be from parent and grandparent stock of breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) prior to the mid-20th century; whose genetic line can be traced back multiple generations; and with traits that meet the APA Standard of Perfection guidelines for the breed. Heritage Chicken must be produced and sired by an APA Standard breed. Heritage eggs must be laid by an APA Standard breed.
2. Naturally mating
   Heritage Chicken must be reproduced and genetically maintained through natural mating. Chickens marketed as Heritage must be the result of naturally mating pairs of both grandparent and parent stock.
3. Long, productive outdoor lifespan
   Heritage Chicken must have the genetic ability to live a long, vigorous life and thrive in the rigors of pasture-based, outdoor production systems. Breeding hens should be productive for 5-7 years and roosters for 3-5 years.
4. Slow growth rate
   Heritage Chicken must have a moderate to slow rate of growth, reaching appropriate market weight for the breed in no less than 16 weeks. This gives the chicken time to develop strong skeletal structure and healthy organs prior to building muscle mass.

What caught my eye was "they must have the genetic ability to live a long, vigorous life and thrive in the rigors of pasture-based, outdoor production systems." It doesn't actually say they have to be on pasture. I did read the quote you supplied and linked to and it is from their list of FAQs and it does, as you quoted, say chickens "must be raised outdoors on pasture". It seems to me that if they want that to be an essential component to the definition, they would be wise to actually specify it to the definition. Otherwise their definition is at best confusing and at worst meaningless.

 

[Eliza1313]

OK, so the discussion of the definition of heritage breeds has hijacked this thread so I will start another thread to continue the heritage breed discussion on.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/969305/what-makes-a-heritage-breed

monkcat - I have enjoyed bouncing ideas back and forth with you. This is your thread.

 

[monkcat]

Not bothering me! LOL hijack away. It had pretty much run its course anyway. I am interested in heritage reeds if I do well with my beginners and keep this up. Takes a bit more than that to "ruffle my feathers" so to speak . An I have enoyed it as weell. I thinkk I have decided on the style I like. Now to see if DH is on the same page or can get on the same page.

Oh, I sopped at our local feed and seed store today for a couple of things. They had so many of the chicks I wanted to get! Frustration. I know if I get them, they would still be in a brooder long enough to build the coop. But I'm trying to show sel-restraint. I was so proud of myself! LOL

 

[Eliza1313]

I showed restraint when it came to the feed store chicks, up until I was contemplating another order from a hatchery. So that was my compromise, 6 from the feed store instead of 20-30 from a hatchery. Those will be next year.

Well I ordered breeds that are heritage breeds, however I do not think mine can be considered heritage chickens. Thought we would test how the breeds do here first before ordering the really high dollar chicks. Two different colors of Cubalayas and Barred Hollands, plus some Egyptian Fayoumis just for fun. Then ended up with some black Cochins and mystery broilers from TSC.

Good luck with the coop. Hope you are able to get the chicks this year.