Official BYC Poll - What Breed Characteristic Is Most Important?

[Buttercup Chillin]

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I am one of the heaviest Cullers around, and I process. I don't have pets for breed for show, see below.
I did not vote as there is never 1 reason to make a choice.

But temperament has to be high up there for breeders, or they don't stay long. Wouldn't want those traits past on and trust me I do not have chickens for pets.
Temperature - because they are going to have to live in extreme heat and humidity and I won't be pampering them long, just tell they make the adjustment.
They are for meat and eggs so they are Dual Purpose- no matter what they are normally considered.
Pretty, because I want eye candy. If they don't meet standard that's OK, I'll breed what I want to look at myself.
Heritage - because we are loosing so many breeds due to APA standards and lack of interest (The reason for BYC- to bring back interest). Ooooh, so controversial, Non-Setting, think about it. I think it should be removed from all breed standards, in the Standard of Perfection. Want to save breeds get that one standard removed. Breed for broadiness then start breeding for quality and sustainability, instead of showmanship. (Broody hens have rumpled feathers in case some don't know - the reason it was made a standard, laughs on us, huh).

 

[flgardengirl]

I picked egg color since I also have Marans and Ameraucanas. If I had a second choice it would be egg production.

 

[jessicadawn]

I realized I could have a beautiful chicken or a chicken who lays beautiful eggs but if it's nasty in temperament, it takes away the pleasure of owning and caring for it.

Love this website. Thank you moderators!

Dawn

 

[Beekissed]

I guess temperament just never came up at my place....all my hens~no matter the breed~ I've ever owned have been nice birds. I don't have any bullies, no matter what breed I raise. I had an over-eager roo damaging hens with his exuberance that had to be culled for that trait, but I've not had to cull one for being nasty that I can ever remember!

I don't know where you all are finding these mean birds but I'd be wary of them too....I've just never had one. Actually, I'm more apt to cull for a bird being TOO docile than not. The hens that constantly have bare backs are too docile for my liking...these are among the first to go. I like a healthy-looking bird with good feathering.

This is the reason that I choose egg-laying and hardiness as my most important features for my flock....both are essential to me. I don't pet around on my birds nor carry them around, so them being nice to me just was never a thing I found important.

 

[jenjscott]

I was having a hard time deciding, then thought, duh! The first thing I look for is a heritage/endangered status, then find one from that list that suits me otherwise. Except my Japs, I just love their totally useless cuteness.

 

[BooBear]

Even though I picked Eggs, I would have picked more than one reason these are the other things I feel are very important:
Hardiness, Personality/Temperment, Appearance, and Meat.

 

[froggiesheins]

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The same that I would say too.
BTW, I LOVE your avatar---So funny!

 

[halo]

Very hard to pick just one. I had to pick egg production to be at the top, even if its barely at the top. I do sell eating eggs each week, and sell every egg I can produce, so I suppose that would have to be number one.

 

[aussieheelr]

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I chose this too since I'm working with Marans. Breed SOP is what I'm looking to acheive but I refuse to loose quality of color in order to get there.

 

[Byrdj]

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How is your experience with Marans so far?