It is very rewarding to raise heritage chickens. For the small breeder, it is of little consequence if most of these heritage breeds are slow maturing and perhaps don't lay every single day. Some are very decorative and brighten up a yard purely with their charm. It is of great benefit to keep these old breeds alive and thriving.
In the USA, to be classed as 'heritage', a breed must have been around since the mid 20th century and must have had a Standard of Perfection issued by the American Poultry Association (APA). These old-fashioned breeds generally have several attributes in common. They are mostly slow to mature. They are also able to breed naturally, unlike some of the modern breeds.
The Ancona is one of the old-fashioned breeds. It had its beginnings in the province of Ancona in Italy. It began as a mix of breeds so has hybrid vigour and hardiness. The black feathers are 'spangled' with a white V-shape on the tip. The feathers overlap tightly giving a smooth appearance. In the sun, the black plumage has a brilliant green sheen.
These are energetic, hardy birds that forage voraciously. Their lively nature makes them ideal for open-range conditions. Their dark plumage helps make them inconspicuous when free-ranging and reduces the risk of them falling prey to predators.
You can choose from bantam and standard sizes. Adult cocks weigh around six pounds and the hens are a pound or two lighter. The cockerels are slow-maturing. The hens lay well but seldom go broody. If you want to replenish your Ancona flock from within, you may need to set Ancona eggs under a different breed of hen.
Children would enjoy having some Araucanas or 'rumpless chickens' in among their backyard pets. Most Araucanas do not have a tail. These lay colored eggs. Khaki, blue-grey, red, green and blue tinted eggs may be laid depending on the color of the plumage. The Araucana is a blend of several north Chilean breeds.
Some Araucanas have ear tufts. Those with ear tufts should not be mated with each other as some of the chicks will die in the shell before hatching out. Some show standards disqualify birds with ear tufts, muffs, beards and/or tails. Some have a crest of feathers and there is a small comb. It is a calm bird and a reliable layer.
The Dominique is another old-fashioned breed, often cited as the first breed to appear in America. The early settlers took these birds west as they made their way across America. It is sometimes called the 'pioneer's chicken'. Although the Barred Plymouth Rock has similar plumage, it has a single comb whereas the Dominique has a rose comb.
The Dominique has a long tail and wide body. The legs are yellow. Adult weights range from 5 to 7 pounds depending on sex. The eggs are brown with hens laying at least 3 a week. They are excellent mothers and go broody regularly. Most heritage chickens are slow maturing but the Dominique matures early. Hens begin to lay at about six months of age. Raising these old-fashioned breeds can be very rewarding.
In the USA, to be classed as 'heritage', a breed must have been around since the mid 20th century and must have had a Standard of Perfection issued by the American Poultry Association (APA). These old-fashioned breeds generally have several attributes in common. They are mostly slow to mature. They are also able to breed naturally, unlike some of the modern breeds.
The Ancona is one of the old-fashioned breeds. It had its beginnings in the province of Ancona in Italy. It began as a mix of breeds so has hybrid vigour and hardiness. The black feathers are 'spangled' with a white V-shape on the tip. The feathers overlap tightly giving a smooth appearance. In the sun, the black plumage has a brilliant green sheen.
These are energetic, hardy birds that forage voraciously. Their lively nature makes them ideal for open-range conditions. Their dark plumage helps make them inconspicuous when free-ranging and reduces the risk of them falling prey to predators.
You can choose from bantam and standard sizes. Adult cocks weigh around six pounds and the hens are a pound or two lighter. The cockerels are slow-maturing. The hens lay well but seldom go broody. If you want to replenish your Ancona flock from within, you may need to set Ancona eggs under a different breed of hen.
Children would enjoy having some Araucanas or 'rumpless chickens' in among their backyard pets. Most Araucanas do not have a tail. These lay colored eggs. Khaki, blue-grey, red, green and blue tinted eggs may be laid depending on the color of the plumage. The Araucana is a blend of several north Chilean breeds.
Some Araucanas have ear tufts. Those with ear tufts should not be mated with each other as some of the chicks will die in the shell before hatching out. Some show standards disqualify birds with ear tufts, muffs, beards and/or tails. Some have a crest of feathers and there is a small comb. It is a calm bird and a reliable layer.
The Dominique is another old-fashioned breed, often cited as the first breed to appear in America. The early settlers took these birds west as they made their way across America. It is sometimes called the 'pioneer's chicken'. Although the Barred Plymouth Rock has similar plumage, it has a single comb whereas the Dominique has a rose comb.
The Dominique has a long tail and wide body. The legs are yellow. Adult weights range from 5 to 7 pounds depending on sex. The eggs are brown with hens laying at least 3 a week. They are excellent mothers and go broody regularly. Most heritage chickens are slow maturing but the Dominique matures early. Hens begin to lay at about six months of age. Raising these old-fashioned breeds can be very rewarding.
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