Hartwood Hollow Farm
Chirping
Thought I would post this to give some clarity to what a breed is…also a link to the American Poultry Association who are the folks who defined the recognized breeds in the U.S.
The purpose to a breed is so a buyer knows what to expect when purchasing a chicken. If it is a certain breed they will expect certain traits to be true and can be carried to offspring.
Information is collected from multiple sources.
A chicken breed is a distinct, recognized variety of domesticated chicken that breeds true, meaning offspring inherit consistent traits such as size, feather color, and comb type from their parents, making it a population with shared, identifiable characteristics. These traits result from selective breeding by humans over generations to develop birds with specific qualities, such as high egg production, fast growth for meat, or ornamental value.
Key characteristics that define a breed:
The purpose to a breed is so a buyer knows what to expect when purchasing a chicken. If it is a certain breed they will expect certain traits to be true and can be carried to offspring.
Information is collected from multiple sources.
A chicken breed is a distinct, recognized variety of domesticated chicken that breeds true, meaning offspring inherit consistent traits such as size, feather color, and comb type from their parents, making it a population with shared, identifiable characteristics. These traits result from selective breeding by humans over generations to develop birds with specific qualities, such as high egg production, fast growth for meat, or ornamental value.
Key characteristics that define a breed:
- Breeds True:
The most fundamental aspect of a breed is its ability to "breed true". If you mate two chickens of the same breed, their offspring will resemble the parents in terms of shape, color, and other distinguishing traits.- Size and Physique: A particular body shape and weight.
- Plumage: Feather color and patterns, like the "barred" pattern of a Plymouth Rock.
- Comb Type: The specific shape and size of the comb on the chicken's head, such as the single comb.
- Other features: Skin color, egg color, and other features may also be part of a breed's standard.
- Recognized Standards:
Many established breeds have a written standard, like the American Poultry Association's "Standard of Perfection", which details the acceptable traits and disqualifications for that breed. - https://www.amerpoultryassn.com/
- Selective Breeding:
Over time, humans have selectively bred chickens for desirable traits, such as increased efficiency in converting feed into meat or eggs, or for ornamental purposes. This process has created many distinct breeds and varieties.
- Excellent reference material: Storey’s Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds
- Breed vs Variety
- Breed Definition:
A group of domestic animals within the same species that possess a consistent set of physical features passed down through generations. - Breed Characteristics: Defines body shape, type, skin color, number of toes, and whether legs are feathered or not.
- Example:
The Wyandotte is a breed of chicken known for its specific body shape and features. - Variety Definition: A subgroup within a breed that is distinguished by differences in physical traits that don't alter the fundamental characteristics of the breed
- Characteristics:
Differentiates breeds based on plumage color and pattern, comb type, or the presence of beards and muffs. - Example:
Within the Wyandotte breed, variations like White Wyandottes and Silver Laced Wyandottes are separate varieties, differing only in their color and pattern, while retaining the same body shape as the breed.
- Breed Definition:
