Heritage breeds were to be the focus of our personal chicken challenge . We think that if we were going to raise poulet , we wanted to work in a meaningful way to serve breeds in substantial peril of extinction . That meant hatching and raising around 100 razz each class to make careful selection of breeders for the next season . more often than not accepted breeding scheme teach that it ’s only the top 10 per centum of a population that should be kept as breeders . That imply our chances were good that six to 10 birds will be just enough to be held back as breeders each class . What to do with the rest is where most masses struggle because wimp , after all , can be very charming wight . The last thing we wanted was a money cavity for poultry , so it was clean we would have to rust a legal age of what we produce .
We had reconcile on working with Buckeyes and were fortunate to be part of aLivestock Conservancyrecovery task with the stock . A dependable friend and fellow , Don Schrider , hatched the Buckeye biddy for us . We were excited to receive the Modern fowl but were confused that three of the chicks looked very unlike than the quietus . As it turned out , in his infinite wisdom , Don determine for us that our daughterdidneed pet chicken , so he brood her a tercet of Silver Leghorns . She was thrilled and somehow managed to make us anticipate we would n’t eat these three . Reluctantly , we agreed but caution if she did n’t take care of them , the promise was off !
We raised the Buckeyes until they were old enough to set about pass judgment their conformation and qualities . We continue the breeders we needed and the rest went to the processor . That first trip was not an gentle one , but we felt it was our duty to do right by the birds , making sure their journeying was safe and that they were handled humanely .
As the year went by , the trips to the central processing unit became easier , especially when we could see the vast betterment that were being made within the mickle . There came a prison term when every bird in our penitentiary was a fine and productive one , thanks to careful breeding and selection over the years . Since then , we ’ve sent 100 of incubate bollock and doll to many parts of the country , and a dear number of Modern upbringing pile have now been established to support the breed .
Were our Buckeyes positron emission tomography ? sure enough , not . Did we be intimate them ? Certainly , yes . We felt what we were doing was meaningful and a great benefit to the breed by producing all right examples that touch the breed standard and were productive as they should be .
When ask the question “ Are chickens pets or nutrient ? ” the resolution in my opinion is “ All of the above . ” The selection between the two is highly dependant on what you hope to fulfill with your birds . If you want to be a breeder , it ’s not hardheaded or frugal to keep a henhouse full of pets . Also , as any experienced stock breeder can tell you , you will always produce more rooster than you will at last need or can manage in one pen peacefully . If you want to just enjoy a few eggs and have the delight of watching your birds roaming about , then yes , chickens do make delicious pets .
As for our girl ’s Leghorns , two of the three still tramp the farm and yes , we did keep our hope . These were to be our only “ pet ” chickens and we make out them dear .
Your Thoughts
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This week ’s # BurningQuestion is all about chickens : Do you consider your Bronx cheer pets or food for thought ?
Posted byHobby FarmsonMonday , July 6 , 2015
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