There are so many new genetically altered and mixed breed chickens and livestock breeds these days it is becoming very apparent that the only the original Heritage breeds are to survive is for chicken keepers to do their best to keep the blood lines pure. Keep accurate breeding and hatch records and don't breed other breeds with your heritage breeds by keeping your Heritage flock separate from other breeds. Do not inbreed your flock. Heritage breeds are the original poultry and livestock breeds which were raised by our forefathers."These breeds were carefully selected and bred over time to develop traits that made them well-adapted to the local environment and they thrived under farming practices and cultural conditions that are very different from those found in modern agriculture" (Livestock Conservancy).
The commercial poultry industry were in need of genetically altered and chickens who are bred for specific characteristics such as increased egg production, reduced weight, start producing eggs at a younger age, increased shell strength in eggs, and feed conversion, bottom line they needed a smaller chicken that could produce more eggs with stronger shells and eat less. Broiler chickens were actually genetically altered to gain weight quickly, so much weight that if kept longer than 8-12 weeks of the age, most will no longer be able to carry their own weight and commonly develop respiratory and heart related health issues which will cause them to die at a much earlier age than Standard, Bantam or Heritage breeds. This rush to appease the demands of a growing population ultimately resulted in the loss of Heritage Breeds and Breeders because breeders could make more money by breeding and producing these new "super chickens" and let's face it the commercial egg and broiler industry is all about making that money.
However, there are a few remaining stewards dedicated to maintaining the blood line and preserving the legacy of Heritage breed chickens and livestock.
The commercial poultry industry were in need of genetically altered and chickens who are bred for specific characteristics such as increased egg production, reduced weight, start producing eggs at a younger age, increased shell strength in eggs, and feed conversion, bottom line they needed a smaller chicken that could produce more eggs with stronger shells and eat less. Broiler chickens were actually genetically altered to gain weight quickly, so much weight that if kept longer than 8-12 weeks of the age, most will no longer be able to carry their own weight and commonly develop respiratory and heart related health issues which will cause them to die at a much earlier age than Standard, Bantam or Heritage breeds. This rush to appease the demands of a growing population ultimately resulted in the loss of Heritage Breeds and Breeders because breeders could make more money by breeding and producing these new "super chickens" and let's face it the commercial egg and broiler industry is all about making that money.
However, there are a few remaining stewards dedicated to maintaining the blood line and preserving the legacy of Heritage breed chickens and livestock.
References:
1. Beauty of Heritage Chickens. Livestock Conservancy. Retrieved from Youtube. July 17, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJKzrYC568w
2. Heritage breeds. Livestock Conservancy retrieved on July 17m 2020. https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage
1. Beauty of Heritage Chickens. Livestock Conservancy. Retrieved from Youtube. July 17, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJKzrYC568w
2. Heritage breeds. Livestock Conservancy retrieved on July 17m 2020. https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage