Category: Chicken Breeds

All About Heritage Chickens

Considering Raising Heritage Chickens? Here’s What You Need To Know

A heritage chicken is a breed of chicken that has been around for a long time and is considered to be a part of a country’s agricultural heritage. These chickens are usually bred for their ability to thrive in a variety of environments, rather than for their egg or meat production.
They are generally considered to be healthier and hardier than modern commercial breeds, and are often used in small-scale or backyard poultry farming. Some examples of heritage chicken breeds include the Barred Plymouth Rock, the Sussex, and the Brahma. These chickens are known for their unique characteristics and are often bred for their colorful feathers and distinctive appearances.
Heritage chicken breeds are breeds that were developed in the past and are now considered to be endangered or at risk of extinction. These breeds are valued for their genetic diversity and are important for maintaining a healthy and resilient gene pool in poultry.

Here is a List of Some Heritage Breeds You May Be Familiar With:

  1. Australorp
  2. Barred Plymouth Rock
  3. Brahma
  4. Buckeye
  5. Chantecler
  6. Cochin
  7. Dominique
  8. Dorking
  9. Faverolle
  1. Jersey Giant
  2. Leghorn
  3. Marans
  4. Orpington
  5. Plymouth Rock
  6. Rhode Island Red
  7. Sussex
  8. Wyandotte
  9. MORE
Dominique | TBN Ranch

Where Can You Find Heritage Chickens?

Hatcheries: There are several hatcheries that specialize in heritage chicken breeds. You can find a list of hatcheries that sell heritage breeds online or by contacting the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
Poultry shows or exhibitions: Poultry shows or exhibitions are a great place to find heritage chickens and talk to breeders. You can find a list of upcoming shows in your area by contacting the American Poultry Association or the American Bantam Association.
Online classifieds or forums: There are several online classifieds and forums where you can find heritage chickens for sale. A popular option is Backyard Chickens.

Best Place To Learn More About Heritage Chickens

The Livestock Conservatory

Livestock Conservatory Articles of Interest

Conservation Priority List
Definition of a Heritage Breed
Online Directory of Heritage Breeds:
Use this Breeders Directory to find rare breed stock and products. To be listed in the directory, you must be member of The Livestock Conservancy or a Breeders & Products Directory Participant.

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Breed Focus: The Chantecler

Source: Livestock Conservancy

The Chantecler chicken is an exceptional dual-purpose poultry breed from Quebec, Canada. Brother Wilfred Chatelain decided to develop the Chantecler breed while walking through the Oka Agricultural Institute’s poultry flocks. He realized there were no chicken breeds from Canada as all of the ones being used originated in Europe or America. He then set out to create a chicken that could endure the harsh Canadian climate and be used for both egg and meat production. Read Article

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About the Brakel

The Brakel’s history dates back to 1416. They were developed in the Flanders region spanning northern France, Belgium, and Holland. These birds were a staple on small farms in the area and were bred as a dual-purpose breed with excellent egg production and good table quality. Hens lay about 180 – 200 eggs per year, which are quite large relative to their medium body size.
Brakels are a hardy and active breed. They are good fliers, alert for predators, and excellent foragers. This makes them well-adapted for free-ranging flocks.
After both World Wars, the Brakel population declined drastically. In the 1960s, the breed was all but extinct. In 1971, recovery efforts began. The only remaining birds were 2 hens, 2 roosters, and a dozen eggs. Remarkably from this small group, the breed was revived!

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