Read Online A Family Guide To Keeping Chickens by Anne Perdeaux - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Anne Perdeaux
Ads: Link
Leghorn, was always under my feet, although her sister displayed the normal aloof nature of this breed. Obnoxious Orpingtons, non-sitting Silkies and easy-going game fowl probably exist too.
When my Appenzeller (one of the lightest, flightiest, non-sitting breeds) disappeared, we feared the worst. She was discovered sitting on a nest of twelve eggs, all of which she hatched and raised as proudly as any Mother Hen. True, she didn’t tolerate any slackers and the chicks grew up to be tough, independent little birds, keen foragers, who insisted on roosting in the trees. All of which are Appenzeller characteristics . . .
Finding Out More
Once you have decided which types of chicken are likely to be suitable, try to find out some more about them.
Pure-breeds
There is a dedicated breed club for most breeds (those without a club are looked after by the Rare Poultry Society). Contact the relevant club for information, advice and help with finding breeders. The Poultry Club of Great Britain has contact details for breed clubs (see Further Reference).
Hybrids
Visit one or two suppliers to look at the different varieties they have available. The breeder will be able to advise you on their characteristics and suitability for your requirements.
Seeing before you decide
A poultry encyclopaedia or internet search will provide useful pictures and information but it’s better if you can see the actual birds.
Country shows often include poultry exhibits or you could attend one of the many poultry shows, which are held at both local and national level. A large event will have a vast selection of chickens, as well as enthusiasts keen to talk about their favourite breed. The Poultry Club has details of showsthroughout the country – The National Poultry Show, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, in November, is well worth a visit.
While shows tend to focus on pure-breeds, a visit to a large poultry sale will provide an opportunity to view all kinds of chickens. Don’t expect to see the best examples, as breeders often use markets to sell surplus stock – and it’s not a good idea to buy your first chickens from sales either (see Chapter 7 ).
Key Points
• Chickens may be either pure-breeds or hybrids
• Hybrids are productive, usually friendly and easily available
• Productivity in hybrids declines after the first year or so
• Rescuing ex-battery hens can be very satisfying, but they require extra care at first
• Pure-breeds offer a wide choice of attractive chickens and cockerels are available
• Many pure-breeds stop laying in winter but often lay for more years than hybrids
• Features such as abundant feathering require extra attention
• Hard-feathered breeds are the game birds, originally bred for fighting
• Soft-feathered applies to all the other breeds
• Light breeds are bred for laying rather than the table
• Several heavy breeds are prolific layers and can also be kept for meat
• Heavy breeds are generally placid – some tend to go broody
• Bantams are either small versions of large chickens or ‘true bantams’ with no large equivalent
• Find out about your chosen breed but remember that chickens don’t always follow the rules!
Quiz
Do you know which chickens you want to buy yet? Try this quick quiz on Chapter 4 .
Question One
Which of these statements is true?
(a) All chickens look the same
(b) Chickens only come in brown or white
(c) There is an enormous variety of chickens to choose from
Question Two
If you want eggs in winter, which type of chicken would you choose?
(a) Hybrid hens
(b) Pure-breed chickens
(c) Chickens don’t lay eggs in winter
Question Three
Do ex-battery hens make good pets?
(a) No, they are very unfriendly birds
(b) Yes, they quickly become tame
(c) Battery hens aren’t available to the public
Question Four
What are ‘wattles’?
(a) The red object on top of the chicken’s head
(b) The flesh dangling under the beak
(c) Extra feathers
When my Appenzeller (one of the lightest, flightiest, non-sitting breeds) disappeared, we feared the worst. She was discovered sitting on a nest of twelve eggs, all of which she hatched and raised as proudly as any Mother Hen. True, she didn’t tolerate any slackers and the chicks grew up to be tough, independent little birds, keen foragers, who insisted on roosting in the trees. All of which are Appenzeller characteristics . . .
Finding Out More
Once you have decided which types of chicken are likely to be suitable, try to find out some more about them.
Pure-breeds
There is a dedicated breed club for most breeds (those without a club are looked after by the Rare Poultry Society). Contact the relevant club for information, advice and help with finding breeders. The Poultry Club of Great Britain has contact details for breed clubs (see Further Reference).
Hybrids
Visit one or two suppliers to look at the different varieties they have available. The breeder will be able to advise you on their characteristics and suitability for your requirements.
Seeing before you decide
A poultry encyclopaedia or internet search will provide useful pictures and information but it’s better if you can see the actual birds.
Country shows often include poultry exhibits or you could attend one of the many poultry shows, which are held at both local and national level. A large event will have a vast selection of chickens, as well as enthusiasts keen to talk about their favourite breed. The Poultry Club has details of showsthroughout the country – The National Poultry Show, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, in November, is well worth a visit.
While shows tend to focus on pure-breeds, a visit to a large poultry sale will provide an opportunity to view all kinds of chickens. Don’t expect to see the best examples, as breeders often use markets to sell surplus stock – and it’s not a good idea to buy your first chickens from sales either (see Chapter 7 ).
Key Points
• Chickens may be either pure-breeds or hybrids
• Hybrids are productive, usually friendly and easily available
• Productivity in hybrids declines after the first year or so
• Rescuing ex-battery hens can be very satisfying, but they require extra care at first
• Pure-breeds offer a wide choice of attractive chickens and cockerels are available
• Many pure-breeds stop laying in winter but often lay for more years than hybrids
• Features such as abundant feathering require extra attention
• Hard-feathered breeds are the game birds, originally bred for fighting
• Soft-feathered applies to all the other breeds
• Light breeds are bred for laying rather than the table
• Several heavy breeds are prolific layers and can also be kept for meat
• Heavy breeds are generally placid – some tend to go broody
• Bantams are either small versions of large chickens or ‘true bantams’ with no large equivalent
• Find out about your chosen breed but remember that chickens don’t always follow the rules!
Quiz
Do you know which chickens you want to buy yet? Try this quick quiz on Chapter 4 .
Question One
Which of these statements is true?
(a) All chickens look the same
(b) Chickens only come in brown or white
(c) There is an enormous variety of chickens to choose from
Question Two
If you want eggs in winter, which type of chicken would you choose?
(a) Hybrid hens
(b) Pure-breed chickens
(c) Chickens don’t lay eggs in winter
Question Three
Do ex-battery hens make good pets?
(a) No, they are very unfriendly birds
(b) Yes, they quickly become tame
(c) Battery hens aren’t available to the public
Question Four
What are ‘wattles’?
(a) The red object on top of the chicken’s head
(b) The flesh dangling under the beak
(c) Extra feathers
Similar Books
