• Locate the purest possible sources of a breed’s genetics.
The longer a particular flock’s history is, the better. A few may even have vestiges of a performance background to share with buyers.
• Become a student of the breed, its history, and the practical uses for which it was initially developed.
• Acquire the best possible genetic pieces with an eye for their vigor, growth in keeping with breed standards, and fertility.
• Begin breeding toward their traditional type and role. Cull ruthlessly while doing so.
I have recently seen Exchequer Leghorns, exotic colored Wyandottes, Delawares, and Javas offered by even some of the smallest of the commercial hatcheries. Some of these might be doing a quite serviceable job with one or another of these breeds, but I have heard some horror stories right now about what was supposed to be in a chick box in no way matching what actually arrived. And some of those boxes come from individuals and not just hatcheries.
My take on things right now is buyer be careful; be very, very careful.
Breed selection must be a very careful, well thought out and executed action.
I know the temptation is always present when opening a catalog or brochure to say I want three of these, two of those, and a couple of the black ones on the next page, but that works only if you’re stocking a chicken zoo and not building poultry flocks.
Which choice of breed is certainly the question most asked at farm shows, bird meets and markets, and wherever those interested in poultry keeping are apt to meet. Breed choice could lead to the work of a lifetime — so it remains a very personal, very important long-range commitment.
Reprinted from
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar