From time to time, you may want to add some birds to your flock. I suggest that you not introduce the newest "superhybrids" to your backyard flock just because that is what is on hand at the local farm store. Select one of the reliable older breeds, many of which will demonstrate better foraging skills and greater immunity to disease.
This also will help to preserve traditional and historic breeds which are in danger of being lost forever. You can find out more about traditional and rare poultry breeds, and contact preservation breeders, via these two organizations:
Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiquities
Charles Everett, SPPA Secretary-Treasurer
1057 Nick Watts Rd.
Lugoff, SC 29078
Tel: 570-837-3157
Web site
American Livestock Breeds Conservancy
P.O. Box 477
Pittsboro, NC 27312;
Tel:
919-542-5704
Web site
ALBC maintains a list of breeds in need of preservation and a list of members who are breeders.
For more information on heritage chickens, read "Enjoy Heritage Chickens" at Mother Earth News.
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