New Conservation Breeder

Heritage Hen

Chirping
May 6, 2020
19
71
91
Northern California
Hi Everyone.

I am about 3 years into my chicken journey. When I started my heritage farm, I selected my breeds based on 3 criteria.

1. Had to be available in the United States prior to 1863
2. Had to be an endangered breed in need of conservation according to the Livestock Conservancy
3. Had to be a breed that my children could easily care for, IE, not flighty or have a tendency toward meanness.

I've done a few experiments and made a concession to my children that they could have their own hand picked chickens which would be treated as pets.

My focus breeds are:

Black Java
Red Dorkings

The other assorted members of my (non breeding) flock are Silver Grey Dorkings, Domoniques, Buff Cochins, and my children's pets, an Ameraucana and a Rhode Island Red.

We have an 18 acre farm and are beginning to breed in earnest this year, hatching our first batch of eggs as I type.
 
Welcome to Backyard Chickens. I knew Javas were part of the answer. The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry has a continuing farm segment including a state of the art incubator-brooder. A man who raises Javas (different colors) takes the hatched chicks home with him while bringing in new fertile eggs. It's one exhibit that always has kids and parents intrigued.
 
I also have Fawn and White Runners, a blue runner and a Cayuga duck, and a rescue duck of unknown species, but I think its a Pekin or a White Layer. She was found abandoned with two other ducks who have since died on a nearby pond.

Runners are such a great breed, fill free to post some pictures of them on the duck forums when you have the chance!
 

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