5. Commercial vs Heritage
www.livestockconservancy.org
Animals
•Rapid growth and high
production rate
•Early maturity to market
weight
Farmers
•Production of large
quantities of food for
growing global populations
•Larger profits in a shorter
period of time
Benefits of Commercial
Strains
10. Commercial Birds
www.livestockconservancy.org
The Down Side
For Animals
•Decrease of genetic
diversity
•Decrease of natural
resistance to health
problems
•Fertility decline & shorter
productive lifespan
•Loss of ability to thrive in
challenging environments
For Farmers
•Veterinary costs are higher
•Increased time, materials
and labor needed for
livestock care
•Added expense for
replacement stock
11. What is a Heritage Chicken?
www.livestockconservancy.org
1. Has a long history
in the US
2. Breeds naturally
3. Thrives outdoors
and on pasture
4. Has a long natural
lifespan
5. Comes from
purebred parent
and grandparent
stock
Leghorn
Poster celebrating Barnum’s
famous poultry expo of 1854
16. Breeds from Around the
Globe
www.livestockconservancy.org
• English
• Continental
• Mediterranean
• American
• Asiatic
• Oriental
• Game
• Bantam
• Miscellaneous
17. English
www.livestockconservancy.org
Sussex
• Foundation birds brought to Britain
by Phoenician traders prior to
Roman arrivals
• Developed as a landrace in the
area of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey
counties in England and link to the
Dorking breed
• Arrived in America in 1912
• Valued for meat quality and egg
laying ability
18. Continental
www.livestockconservancy.org
Faverolle
• French breed developed in the 1800’s
with meat production and winter egg
laying in mind for Paris markets
• Hens lay 150-180 tinted eggs and are
excellent sitters and mothers.
• Produces fine broilers and roasters
and will do best when given access to
ground and spacious areas
• Feathered legs need well drained soils
19. Mediterranean
www.livestockconservancy.org
Andalusian
• Ancient rugged fowl of Andalusia region
of Spain
• Prolific layer of large white eggs
• Famous for it’s beautiful blue coloration
• Has white flesh with plenty of breast
meat
• Active forager that will not do well in
confinement
21. Asiatic
www.livestockconservancy.org
Brahma
• Like the Cochin, its introduction to
England inspired “Hen Fever”
• Appreciated for its size, strength and
vigor
• Once known as “king of all poultry”
• Good winter layers for their size
producing the bulk of their eggs from
October to May
• Do best on dry, well drained soils in
moist, cool climates
22. Oriental
www.livestockconservancy.org
Sumatra
• Originally from Indonesia,
the breed developed
through living wild
• Seasonal breeder with
hens that are excellent
mothers and broodies
laying 150-200 eggs
• Was used for fighting but
weren’t best suited for
this due to calm
temperament outside of
breeding season
• Can fly well to avoid
predators
24. Sourcing Birds
www.livestockconservancy.org
• Livestock Conservancy on-line breeders directory and
classifieds
• American Poultry Association (APA)
• Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiquities (SPPA)
• Breed clubs
Make sure birds come from National Poultry
Improvement Program (NPIP) Certified
Flocks!
25. Pricing
www.livestockconservancy.org
• Chicks $3 - $7 a piece
• Hatching eggs $10 - $25
a dozen
• Older chicks $7 - $10
• Adults $15 - $50
Expect to pay shipping costs which can be pricey,
especially for older birds