Good value or just vanity?

The question was about the 'point' of keeping rare breeds in a farm situation where productivity is important.

This question was relatively easy to address, especially for the smaller landholders, and just those who like a few chooks around the farm.

Being a rare breed doesn't mean that the birds aren't productive and we need to remember that all our current laying or meat breeds originated from the genetic stock in these older breeds.

If you are after productivity and birds that are 'just good lookin' as my mate constantly states, then you can find those birds easily by deciding what you need and then getting the right chook or two.

There are plenty of breeds that I will discuss further in this series that provide economic benefits as well as the looks that will be a conversation starter or just brighten up the yard.

A quick search of the internet will show you the wide variety of breeds available for both eggs and meat.

As well as this there are side benefits of these more unique breeds such as selling the feather for fly-tying, coloured eggs and even selling fertile eggs.

Rare breeds also allow for the vanity aspect as they will certainly lead to hours of chat at shows as to who has the best birds, the unusual looks will generate much debate with friends and neighbours and the pride in good breeding can never be over-rated.

Whatever you want from a breed of poultry you can usually find the birds to suit that need.

Don't forget the family either if you have one as some breeds are more kid friendly than others.

The more active breeds easily adapt to farm life and I have one mate that has a great flock of Old English Game that live in the trees around the wool shed and have been there for two decades!

On a final note as we head into the very cold season don't forget to keep your birds dry and draft free as much as possible as this will keep them in better condition and bring laying on faster when the seasons turn.

All the best with your birds and keep warm!