I've never really understood the reasoning for breeding to a standard, if the bird can't survive without human help or has a purpose. At least with modern turkeys that need AI, they are bred for the table. What is the point of a big Cornish that can barely stand, or breed by itself if it has no other use?
The thing is, wild animals follow this Darwin thing - the strong survive. When we humans start interfering, we end up (most of the time) screwing it all up.
The bottom line is, NO domestic chicken is natural. Just like dogs and cats and other animals.
So, while I do like the look of the Cornish, I'm breeding for the strongest, healthiest birds. Not to somebodies idea of "perfection", because everyone's ideas of perfection are different!
My perfect bird would lay rainbow eggs, have a small or non existent comb (cold hardy) tight feathering (don't get wet and muddy as much) thrifty and forage for much of their food, be "predator" aware, lay a decent number of eggs and dress out well with tasty meat.
(And if they came in every colour under the rainbow, and some had tiny crests and muffs, that would just be icing on the cake for me)
The thing is, wild animals follow this Darwin thing - the strong survive. When we humans start interfering, we end up (most of the time) screwing it all up.
The bottom line is, NO domestic chicken is natural. Just like dogs and cats and other animals.
So, while I do like the look of the Cornish, I'm breeding for the strongest, healthiest birds. Not to somebodies idea of "perfection", because everyone's ideas of perfection are different!
My perfect bird would lay rainbow eggs, have a small or non existent comb (cold hardy) tight feathering (don't get wet and muddy as much) thrifty and forage for much of their food, be "predator" aware, lay a decent number of eggs and dress out well with tasty meat.
Is that so much to ask for?
(And if they came in every colour under the rainbow, and some had tiny crests and muffs, that would just be icing on the cake for me)