The Heritage Rhode Island Red Site

[okdfarms]

i was hoping someone would start talking about production and filling out/maturity. bob had a great post a while back on how to improve fertility by culling for the fast feathering chicks. but i got to wonder, is the 'preserving the heritage breeds' all about how many blue ribbons are won? i have been raising sheep for many decades and continue to raise - what we call, 'old fashion dorsets'. great sheep: lamb 150% each year, get fat on grass, super carcass - wool, well not so good. but enough to pay the shearers when they come in.
most of the posts here have been about feather quality, combs, leg color.--qualities that do not pay the feed bill. i haven't seen many about dress weight or egg production - the qualities that will preserve the breed.
now i can appreciate breeding to 'standard'. and perhaps the 'production red' has been outcrossed to where it's not the breed of times gone by? but help me here: is there no emphasis in the standard for what the breed was intended to do? there were a few posts back and forthe here that described a wonderful roo--but one who took over 2 years to fill out and strut his stuff. are these the birds that you all want to define as the 'true' rir? got to wonder.
maybe i am at the wrong forum and someone can point me in the right direction. is there a thread that concerns itself with maintaining breed standards and breed purpose? thanks.

 

[thea71701]

Here are a couple of pics of some of my rosecombs. tell me what you think.

 

[punky rooster]

Quote:
Some do some don't. I will breed mine FOR the original purpose AND to the great standard. I think this is something more should do.
think about this, a bird that comforms to standard, should produce the original purpose well too.

 

[punky rooster]

Quote:
Nice birds!

 

[okdfarms]

thanks punky: but where are the posts who give stats on what their hens are laying rates or egg weights? where are the posts that address what their cockerals dressed out at? all i have seen are posts with pics and the caption: "what do you guys think of this bird?". so it have 10 degrees tail set, maybe stringy feathers. i just am getting to the point that the 'heritage' breeders have lost their way. jmho.

 

[thea71701]

Thanks! I kinda like them myself!

 

[Chris09]

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Since you brought up the term "Heritage" lets look are the term "Heritage" as in poultry.

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.
Above information from ALBC.

The Heritage bird hasn't lost there way one bit. Read some of the old books on Reds and tell me just how they lost there way... The Red was never bred to pound out eggs or weight in record amounts they were bred to be a good all round breed in which it is.

If one is worried more about what their cockerels dressed out at, how many eggs a hen layed in a year or what the weight of a hens eggs are then they are not interested in the Heritage of the Rhode Island Red.


Chris

 

[thea71701]

Does anybody know where I can find a video or something that tells or shows me what to look for to make a good show bird out of my reds. I dont know how to judge my own birds. Im new to this. I have the American Standard of Perfection book and i know it says what to look for but from what i have read most of my birds have these qualities. Im more of a show me person. It would be nice for someone to demonstrate or show me what to look for than just reading a bunch of words. Because all my birds are beautiful to me and are show quality in my opinion. LOL! By the way, my hen seems to be doing a little better this morning! Thanks to Tylan and Desert Rooster! Thanks again Desert Rooster!

 

[heritagehabitatfarms]

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y not show them??? even if you are not really into showing take your 10 best birds and let the judge tell you whats your best birds... it does not cost much to do...

 

[cowboygourmet]

Hey folks, I just wanted to thank everyone for the cuddos on my grand champion win at El Dorado with my RIR SC cockerel. It was too much fun! Been getting calls and emails form friends and friends to be and just wanted to say Thanks!
Hope to have some pics tomorow.