I was going to add this to this post, but I realized I was just restating a lot of it in my own words with the occasional extra thought. But I still wanted to post this.
-----
I love birds dearly. I'm studying to become an ornithologist, and I would never own a parrot, or parakeet, or any other "exotic" bird. I simply do not have the means to provide everything a non-domesticated bird needs. Very few people do, unless they have the money, time, and space for an enclosure genuinely comparable to a zoo or wildlife center aviary.
These are wild animals. They have needs even the best zoos can't completely satisfy*. They are not domesticated. They are not built to live in people's homes. Birds, especially parrots, have intelligence comparable to people, and yet they are so different from us on such a basal level. They cannot live a good life any other way than the way they've evolved to.
*(Though they are still VERY well cared-for and captive populations are necessary to protect species from extinction. Without zoos we would be without so many more species on top of what we've already lost. That's not to mention just how far that exposure to these animals goes when it comes to stirring compassion and activism.)
They belong in their natural habitat with other members of their species. And if that can't be accomplished because of population and/or habitat loss, then at the very least in a high-quality zoo where they're treated like animals, not pets.
Chickens, doves, and other domesticated fowl are bred and built to thrive in captivity. If you want a pet bird(s), get something that's domesticated. It will actually live a fulfilling, happy life, instead of always feeling like something is deeply, deeply wrong with its life, but being unable to change it. Not to anthropomorphize TOO much, but I think a lot of us can empathize with that feeling in this modern era.
~~~~~
I've kept chickens and would so love to do so again when I have a yard again. They're delightful, and the variety of breeds available is extremely fun. Personally I recommend ameraucanas -- they have cheek fluff/"beards", they're very cold-tolerant, and lay green and blue eggs :) And they don't need extra care like Polish, silkies, or other breeds with crazy feathers that get dirty easily.
And if you're totally unfamiliar with chickens, there are two sizes of most (if not all?) breeds: standard and bantam. Standards are the big ones you're likely familiar with, while bantams are maybe half or a third the size. So if you're pressed for space, get a flock of four or five bantam hens of your preferred breed and you're golden :)
Socialize them when they're chicks and they'll adore you when they're older. They have their own personalities, and they'll turn your kitchen scraps into eggs lol (just... double check before feeding them anything that it's safe for them). A mature hen can and will lay an egg a day when she's happy and healthy (no rooster needed), which is actually another reason to go for bantams instead. Smaller eggs (~1/2 the size of standard eggs) means their output is easier to keep up with. And if all else fails, you can sell the eggs too. Fresh, homegrown eggs have better color and flavor so there WILL be demand for them.
8 notes
·
View notes
Want to Raise Chickens Near Town? Consider Quiet Chicken Breeds:
Chickens are easy and fun to keep as an alternate natural food source (meat and eggs), pest control, companionship, entertainment, fertilizer for a garden, source of income and bartering resource.
Chickens are inexpensive to initially purchase and raise. They are friendly, easy to manage and low maintenance. They reproduce quickly, don't need a lot of space and stay near the coop, and, pretty much take care of themselves.
Quiet Chickens: When you are raising chickens in your backyard in the suburbs or even in a small town, there is only one thing as important as egg quality when deciding what breed of chickens to raise – how much noise they make. Quiet chickens breeds do exist, and you do not have to sacrifice egg quality to raise them! If you do not want angry neighbors pounding on your door or stopping you in the driveway over the constant chatter of your beloved flock, invest in a breed known for its polite demeanor. Free-ranging breeds do not need “boredom busters” to keep the content, laying, and playing nice with one another. When allowed to roam at their leisure, the birds are both physically and mentally stimulated and simply don’t feel the need to carry on and make a bunch of racket. A free flock is also usually a healthier flock because they are adhering to their natural instincts and selecting big juicy bugs out of your yard to feast upon – and reducing your feed bill in the process. Noisy chickens in a run might have as much to do with the space and the environment as it does the breed. The general rule of thumb is the taller the coop and run, the happier (and quieter) the chickens will be.
Quiet Chickens – What Breeds to Choose in the Suburbs [Article 3]
Rhode Island Red (invest in heritage breeds instead of commercial breeds)
Orpington (come in various colors like Black, Blue, White, and Buff (tan) and 2 sizes, regular(Large) and bantam)
Java
Bantam ("Banties")
Wyandottes
Cochins
Brahmas (massive size, can grow to hit weights of up to 14 pounds)
Speckled Sussex
Australorps
Barred [Plymouth] Rock
Mottled Java (currently on the Livestock Conservancy listing as in danger)
Ameraucanas
Salmon Faverolles
Polish chicken
Leghorn
LESS ROOSTER CROWING: Silkies and Phoenixes
RESOURCES:
Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow on Amazon
The Chicken Encyclopedia by Gail Damerow on Amazon
One of the most popular misconceptions about chickens is that a Rooster is needed for chickens to lay eggs. Not so. Chickens will lay eggs without a Rooster. The only time a Rooster is needed is to expand the flock (baby chicks). Another misconception is that a nest is needed for a chicken to lay eggs; many chicken breeds (do your research) will lay eggs anywhere, anytime. So, unless you want to go egg hunting for your next omlet, keep them in a coop and penned in area.
Washed (commercial) vs Unwashed Eggs: Eggs are laid with a nearly invisible natural coating, called the "bloom" or sometimes the "cuticle", on the shell that is applied as the last step in the laying process. This coating is the first line of defense in keeping air and bacteria out of the egg. Since eggshells are porous, that natural barrier is removed if the eggs are washed as soon as they are collected. The bloom helps to keep bacteria from entering into the egg white through the shell. It also helps to keep the egg fresher longer by restricting the movement of air through the pores in the eggshell.
Generally, eggs should not be washed until they are ready to be used/eaten. Mildly "dirty" eggs can be wiped with a dry paper/cloth towel. Unwashed eggs last 7 times longer than washed/rinsed eggs. When washing, hold under warm running water [only]; they should never be soaked in a bowl or bucket of water. Washed eggs should be refrigerated promptly. Store bought eggs have been cleaned and the "bloom" has been removed, so they always need refrigeration after purchasing them. Rinse all eggs just before using them to remove any potential bacteria.
[Methods to Preserve (non-commercial) Eggs Long Term]
Encouragement: Raising livestock and cultivating a garden are great activities to become more self-sufficient, less reliant on commercial products and staying in touch with nature. If these activities are not for you, please consider supporting your local farmers instead of the grocery store.
[Reference Link]
[14-Point Emergency Preps Checklist]
[11-Cs Basic Emergency Kit]
[Learn to be More Self-Sufficient]
[The Ultimate Preparation]
0 notes
80 Chicken Breeds Information (A-Z List)
When we think of animals in our lives, one of the last ones that I think about is the chicken even though we eat eggs and chicken weekly. So today, I’m going to enlighten you all on the breeds and differences in chickens.
I will describe to you, what chickens are best for laying eggs, which ones are best for meat purposes, the chickens that are best for eggs and meat, show poultry, and Bantam.
At the end of the article, you’ll see a list of chickens to have as a reference source.
Chicken Breeds - Type, List, Picture & Information
Meat Breeds
We have chicken breeds that are for meat. Many people are worried about hormones in our foods, therefore decided to raise their own food. If you want to follow their lead, these are the chickens to raise.
The Cornish Cross is preferred when picking a chicken for meat. They can be up to 12 pounds in 6-8 weeks. The Jersey Giant weigh up to 13 pounds, but they are slow growers who need a lot of food.
Bresse is a white chicken that is a fairly large chicken breed. With their bright blue feet, it's not hard to see this bird. They are expensive and popular. They can get up to 7 pounds. Orpington is the last meat chicken I’ll cover. They average 8 pounds and have tender meat.
Dual Purpose
The three best dual-purpose chickens include Black Australorp, its friendly, a great egg layer, and a great mother. They are protective of the flock. Speckled Sussex, which is beautiful and nice, protective as well.
Rhode Island red, great layer and meat, they get up to 8 pounds. There are many resources to find the best meat birds online, so you can pick your favorite chicken to raise and eat.
Exhibition/ Show Poultry
The poultry show is a small piece of a livestock show, which involves an exhibition and competition of the chickens. Chickens are trained for these shows and they are cleaned very well and given manicures too. The chicken breeders are highlighted at the shows as well. It’s a display of beautiful birds.
Related Article - Poultry Farming Guide and Information
Bantam
What are Bantam chicken breeds? They are a little smaller than other birds and they’re great for small backyards. They are very adorable birds.
They are little versions of Brahma chicken. They lay eggs as well, but they do not produce that many eggs per year. They don’t eat much though and their eggs are smaller, but they still taste the same.
Now that you know more about breeds of chickens, I’ll provide a list of the breeds of chickens that we have.
The A-Z of Chicken Breeds - Choosing the Perfect One
Ameraucana
Egg Laying:Excellent (5/wk)Egg Color:Light BluePrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Broody
COMING SOON
American Game
Egg Laying:Fair (2/wk)Egg Color:Whitish/CreamPrimary use:OrnamentalCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Hardy
LEARN MORE
Ancona
Egg Laying:Excellent (5/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Active
LEARN MORE
Andalusian
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:NoTemperament:Active, Gentle
LEARN MORE
Appenzeller Spitzhauben
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:Yes (in winter)Temperament:Forager
COMING SOON
Araucana
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:BluePrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Flighty
COMING SOON
Asil (Aseel)
Egg Laying:Poor (1/wk)Egg Color:Cream or TintedPrimary use:OrnamentalCold Hardy:Yes (in winter)Temperament:Aggressive
LEARN MORE
Australorp
Egg Laying:Excellent (5/wk)Egg Color:BrownPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Hardy, Docile
COMING SOON
Ayam Cemani
Egg Laying:Fair (2/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:OrnamentalCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Flighty
LEARN MORE
Double-Laced Barnevelder
Barnevelder
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:Light brownPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Friendly, Active, Quiet, Lively
LEARN MORE
Braekel
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Active
LEARN MORE
Brahma
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:BrownPrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:FriendlyTemperament:Yes
LEARN MORE
Buckeye
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:BrownPrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Peaceful
COMING SOON
California Gray
Egg Laying:Excellent (5/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Quiet
LEARN MORE
California White
Egg Laying:Excellent (5/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Quiet
COMING SOON
Campine
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Active
COMING SOON
Catalana
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:Pinkish CreamPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Active
COMING SOON
Chantecler
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:BrownPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Gentle
COMING SOON
Cochin
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:BrownPrimary use:OrnamentalCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Friendly, Calm, Quiet
LEARN MORE
Cornish
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:BrownPrimary use:MeatCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Aggressive
LEARN MORE
Cubalaya
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:Light brownPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:Yes (in winter)Temperament:Forager
COMING SOON
Derbyshire Redcap
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Hardy
COMING SOON
Dominique
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:BrownPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Forager, Calm, Personable, Hardy
COMING SOON
Dorking
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Calm, Docile
COMING SOON
Dutch Bantam
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:Light BrownPrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:NoTemperament:Friendly, Flighty
COMING SOON
Easter Egger
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:Green/Blue/Pink/MultiPrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Peaceful
COMING SOON
Faverolles
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:Light brown, PinkishPrimary use:OrnamentalCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Gentle, Docile
COMING SOON
Fayoumi
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:Off-white, TintedPrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:NoTemperament:Flighty
COMING SOON
Hamburg
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Docile
COMING SOON
Holland
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Calm
COMING SOON
Houdan
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:NoTemperament:Sweet, Easily handled
LEARN MORE
Iowa Blue
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:BrownPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:-Temperament:Skittish
COMING SOON
Ixworth
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:TintedPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:-Temperament:Alert, Active
COMING SOON
Jangmigye
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:Light BrownPrimary use:OrnamentalCold Hardy:-Temperament:Friendly, calm
COMING SOON
Japanese Bantam
Egg Laying:Fair (2/wk)Egg Color:Cream or tintedPrimary use:Exhibition /OrnamentalCold Hardy:NoTemperament:Hardy, Bit flighty
LEARN MORE
Java Chicken
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:Cream or tintedPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Hardy, Docile
COMING SOON
Jersey Giant
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:BrownPrimary use:MeatCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Calm, Docile
LEARN MORE
Kuroiler
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:BrownPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:-Temperament:Friendly, Feed Continuously, Good Foragers
COMING SOON
Lakenvelder
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:Tinted, WhitePrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:NoTemperament:Active, Quick
COMING SOON
Lamona
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:MeatCold Hardy:-Temperament:Friendly, Docile
COMING SOON
Legbar
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:Light BluePrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Forager
LEARN MORE
Leghorn
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:NoTemperament:Nervous, Flighty
LEARN MORE
Malay
Egg Laying:Fair (2/wk)Egg Color:Light-brownPrimary use:MeatCold Hardy:-Temperament:Aggressive
COMING SOON
Marans
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:Dark brownPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Quiet, Docile
LEARN MORE
Marsh Daisy
Egg Laying:Good (3/wk)Egg Color:TintedPrimary use:EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Calm, Active
COMING SOON
Minorca
Egg Laying:Very Good (4/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:OrnamentalCold Hardy:NoTemperament:Noisy, Flighty
COMING SOON
Modern Game
Egg Laying:Poor (1/wk)Egg Color:WhitePrimary use:OrnamentalCold Hardy:NoTemperament:Curious, Friendly
COMING SOON
Naked Neck
Egg Laying:Fair (2/wk)Egg Color:Light brownPrimary use:Meat/EggsCold Hardy:YesTemperament:Cold hardy
COMING SOON
Read the full article
0 notes