Heritage breeds?

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Recommended heritage poultry
by: Scott K

Hi Sherri

that is an excellent question, and thanks for sharing your experience with raising heritage meat birds. My Rule 1 for raising meat birds - DON'T use dual-purpose or heritage breeds - came about because my experience was pretty much like yours.

While there are specialty (or alternative) broiler breeds available to organic/natural producers, they all tend to be slower growing.

These breeds include Redbro, MasterGris and Gris Barre. I don't have personal experience with them, but I do know they are being used in some organic operations, particularly in Europe.

I DO endorse some heritage breeds for laying hens. We have been raising Black Australorps and Red Dorkings since we have been here. They are a great bird for the small farm, they are not aggressive, they are pretty productive, and will set on their own eggs to raise you next years batch of chickens.

Finding these breeds can be tough; ask around the local 'chicken fancier' club, and contact Rare Breeds Canada http://www.rarebreedscanada.ca/ they maintain a list of breeders that might help.

RBC can also suggest other heritage livestock breeds to you, including turkeys, pigs and cows.

Congratulations on making the move to your small farm, and kudos for having the courage to take this on. We need more small farmers just like you.

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Submitted by: Scott K

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Hi Sherri that is an excellent question, and thanks for sharing your experience with raising heritage meat birds. My Rule 1 for raising meat birds - DON'T use dual-purpose or heritage breeds - came about because my experience was pretty much like yours. While there are specialty (or alternative) broiler breeds available to organic/natural producers, they all tend to be slower growing. These breeds include Redbro, MasterGris and Gris Barre. I don't have personal experience with them, but I do know they are being used in some organic operations, particularly in Europe. I DO endorse some heritage breeds for laying hens. We have been raising Black Australorps and Red Dorkings since we have been here. They are a great bird for the small farm, they are not aggressive, they are pretty productive, and will set on their own eggs to raise you next years batch of chickens. Finding these breeds can be tough; ask around the local 'chicken fancier' club, and contact Rare Breeds Canada http://www.rarebreedscanada.ca/ they maintain a list of breeders that might help. RBC can also suggest other heritage livestock breeds to you, including turkeys, pigs and cows. Congratulations on making the move to your small farm, and kudos for having the courage to take this on. We need more small farmers just like you.

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