Starting a purebred flock

[RollinWithTheStones]

So I was on The Livestock Conservancy site and saw several breeds that were considered critical or threatened. That got me thinking, though I have no intention of raising chickens just to breed, should I stick with a breed that needs the boost.

Has anyone decided to keep a heritage breed for a hobby and egg keeping, but will sell the eggs or chicks as purebred? Do I need to do anything specific to ensure they keep their status or anything like that? The two chicken breeds I'm looking at are Araucana (Critical) and Holland (Critical). Though I haven't found any Holland breeders near me (100-mile radius), I have found several breeders of Araucana. Where we live currently, there are 35 chickens that free range, so mine would need to stay in a large run.

The other route is to stick with ducks. I see that Australian Spotted (Critical), Aylesbury (Critical), and Dutch Hookbill (Critical) are also needing a boost. I feel dumb for asking, but if I don't clip their wings, will they fly away? Also thinking of maybe 5 females and 1 male of the breeds. How big of a run would be appropriate? Would a 20ft long run, 6.5' tall, and 12' wide be sufficient? We have a pond on the property, but I'd also give them a pool to swim around in.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I love Araucanas but if you go that route be prepared to lose most of them. If you can handle that I say go for those

 

[RollinWithTheStones]

I love Araucanas but if you go that route be prepared to lose most of them. If you can handle that I say go for those

Is there an issue with the breed that I should be aware of?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Yes they have a lethal gene. Here is an article about it

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7276512/

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Total side note that might not be true—I have never owned ducks but someone I know who does said that if they don’t learn to fly from another duck they won’t fly. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will chime in whether that’s true or not. I do trust the person who told me this I just know nothing about ducks.

 

[RollinWithTheStones]

Yes they have a lethal gene. Here is an article about it

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7276512/

Thank you for letting me know. No wonder so many mix them to make Easter Eggers.

 

[SnackMeat]

I have some Hollands from Sandhill. I find them curious and friendly, both food and attention motivated. I haven't had any other barred breeds so I don't know if barred rocks are the same, but I enjoy them.


Ducks are easier in that you don't have to deal with roosters. You will still have to deal with a drake to hen ratio but if you are open to meat birds, they are faster to a better weight than chickens. Downside is that the feathers can be a pain if you don't time it right.


You might find this interesting. I've heard good things about the temperament of the Nankin.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-critically-endangered-chicken-breeds.67515/

 

[RollinWithTheStones]

I have some Hollands from Sandhill. I find them curious and friendly, both food and attention motivated. I haven't had any other barred breeds so I don't know if barred rocks are the same, but I enjoy them.


Ducks are easier in that you don't have to deal with roosters. You will still have to deal with a drake to hen ratio but if you are open to meat birds, they are faster to a better weight than chickens. Downside is that the feathers can be a pain if you don't time it right.


You might find this interesting. I've heard good things about the temperament of the Nankin.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...s-critically-endangered-chicken-breeds.67515/

Thanks for the info. We don't eat meat due to health difficulties. So not planning on meat birds. Just eggs and pets.

 

[SnackMeat]

Ducks can be nice because then you don't have to worry about roosters (if you can't have roosters.) I do have a quite loud female duck though.

Their eggs are also richer and more nutritious, but some people just don't like them (my partner, for one, even when the food doesn't make the eggs fishy at all. They just don't like the extra richness of them.) but they are excellent in baking.

I find ducks and turkeys to be more immediately affectionate. I've had some breeds, as they age up, want to hang out and socialize and seem to be really into us, but all except one has proven to be cockerels. The one that didn't (who still comes around but isn't as affectionate and demanding of attention) is a Buff Orpington, clearly a hen.

I would say if you're just in it for chickens and eggs to consider two variable options for a whole breed flock:

Bantams-- in which case, you'll still get eggs but they're more like 2-3 eggs for one XL from the store. Lots of cute bantam breeds (and bantam ducks too


Endangered breeds. The Livestock Conservancy is a good place to get ideas. You may not ever do much with them, but for awhile at least, you can offer a little genetic pocket some sanctuary which can be handy because sometimes other pockets get wiped out by weather, sickness, or pests.

 

[SnackMeat]

This didn't attach to my previous comment.