Heritage chickens have an important role to play even though they may be no longer commercially viable. They add genetic diversity to the chicken world and should be saved from extinction for this reason alone. These heritage breeds have strong survival instincts. Being both productive and attractive in appearance, they have a positive contribution to smaller landholdings and backyards.
These breeds are often referred to as utility breeds as they supply plenty of eggs and also have fleshy carcases when killed for the table. They are fertile and can raise their own chickens thus family flocks are replenished with little trouble. As they forage for much of their food, they do not require a lot of supplementary feeding. Some of these old-fashioned breeds are now rare but others are more common.
As well as being an old utility breed, the Derbyshire Redcap is extremely handsome and colorful. The extravagant rose comb gave rise to the name 'redcap'. The comb may be three inches long and two inches wide. Show birds are expected to have a short leader at the back of the comb. There must have no hollows but lots of fine points on the comb. Birds with combs that hang over the eyes are penalized in the markings. The feathering is equally distinguished.
The plumage of the hens is a rich nut-brown with half-moon spangles on the feathers of the body. Cocks may be a deep chestnut to black-red. The plumage on the neck and hackles is dark orange. They have black tails and red earlobes and wattles. It is an active bird that doesn't like being kept penned. It forages vigorously. Although the hens are excellent layers, they do not go broody readily. The meat is white and tastes more like game.
Another old breed came originally from northern China. This is the Croad Langshan. It looks much like the Black Cochin with glossy black plumage enhanced by a beetle-green sheen. With short legs and deep, fleshy breasts, they make great table birds. There are also blue and white varieties of the Croad Langshan. From the side, they have a distinctive U-shape as the tail is on a level with the head.
Croad Langshan hens have great maternal instincts and are able to cover a dozen eggs when brooding. They are quiet, docile birds which make great pets and are quick to mature. They have feathered legs and feet which can become dirty and matted in wet, muddy conditions.
The Pheasant Fowl is another very attractive heritage chicken breed named for the spangled plumage of the hen. Each feather has a crescent-shaped spot at the tip. This breed withstands very cold weather without being adversely affected. They are active, rather wild birds which will roost in trees if allowed. Like many old-type breeds they do not take kindly to being confined. They lay large, creamy eggs but pullets may be about seven months old before they begin to lay.
The pheasant fowl has white earlobes, red wattles and a rose comb. The chicks have good survival instincts and are strong and vigorous from the time of hatching. Heritage chickens usually don't require any special treatment as they are tough and hardy. They are an asset to any poultry run.
These breeds are often referred to as utility breeds as they supply plenty of eggs and also have fleshy carcases when killed for the table. They are fertile and can raise their own chickens thus family flocks are replenished with little trouble. As they forage for much of their food, they do not require a lot of supplementary feeding. Some of these old-fashioned breeds are now rare but others are more common.
As well as being an old utility breed, the Derbyshire Redcap is extremely handsome and colorful. The extravagant rose comb gave rise to the name 'redcap'. The comb may be three inches long and two inches wide. Show birds are expected to have a short leader at the back of the comb. There must have no hollows but lots of fine points on the comb. Birds with combs that hang over the eyes are penalized in the markings. The feathering is equally distinguished.
The plumage of the hens is a rich nut-brown with half-moon spangles on the feathers of the body. Cocks may be a deep chestnut to black-red. The plumage on the neck and hackles is dark orange. They have black tails and red earlobes and wattles. It is an active bird that doesn't like being kept penned. It forages vigorously. Although the hens are excellent layers, they do not go broody readily. The meat is white and tastes more like game.
Another old breed came originally from northern China. This is the Croad Langshan. It looks much like the Black Cochin with glossy black plumage enhanced by a beetle-green sheen. With short legs and deep, fleshy breasts, they make great table birds. There are also blue and white varieties of the Croad Langshan. From the side, they have a distinctive U-shape as the tail is on a level with the head.
Croad Langshan hens have great maternal instincts and are able to cover a dozen eggs when brooding. They are quiet, docile birds which make great pets and are quick to mature. They have feathered legs and feet which can become dirty and matted in wet, muddy conditions.
The Pheasant Fowl is another very attractive heritage chicken breed named for the spangled plumage of the hen. Each feather has a crescent-shaped spot at the tip. This breed withstands very cold weather without being adversely affected. They are active, rather wild birds which will roost in trees if allowed. Like many old-type breeds they do not take kindly to being confined. They lay large, creamy eggs but pullets may be about seven months old before they begin to lay.
The pheasant fowl has white earlobes, red wattles and a rose comb. The chicks have good survival instincts and are strong and vigorous from the time of hatching. Heritage chickens usually don't require any special treatment as they are tough and hardy. They are an asset to any poultry run.
About the Author:
For special gourmet breeds and Heritage chickens clink the info link to this site. You will find only the best poultry and eggs at http://www.whynotfarm.net.
No comments:
Post a Comment