My daughter, Sarah, and her husband, David, and their two children live across the hollow from me and my wife, Elaine. They have a totally different vision of how to raise chickens than Elaine and I do. And Sarah's concept of keeping chickens versus ours basically covers many of the decisions that people have to make when they decide to rear poultry. Let's look at how those paths differ so that you can determine for yourself which approach to take.
HERITAGE VS. INDUSTRIAL
When Elaine and I first began raising chickens, we went the standard "buy them at the feedsupply store" route. But after four years of industrial birds and doing a great deal of research, we decided to rear heritage Rhode Island Reds. Our industrial RIRS never once tried to brood eggs, and the roosters, without exception, were aggressive toward us. When we learned that many of the traditional chicken breeds were in danger of disappearing and that industrial hens had the broody trait bred out of them, our path was clear.
So we ordered heritage RIR chicks in 2014 and have ever since depended on our hens and roosters to do what comes naturally and instinctively to them: add new members to our flock. We also have added other heritage RIR chicks from breeders and friends that raise them to create genetic diversity within our two runs. And every spring, we look forward to when one or two of our hens go broody, and 21 days later, we never grow tired of hearing the first peeps emitting from the nesting box.
Of course, our excitement peaks when we glimpse several fuzzy heads emerging from beneath the mother hen.
Sarah's approach is entirely different, and she is just as pleased with her game plan as we are with ours. In early spring every year, she orders six to eight pullets of some hybrid breed, usually RIRS or White Leghorns. Within a short time, the birds, especially the Leghorns, are producing huge numbers of eggs.
This story is from the March - April 2023 edition of Hobby Farms.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March - April 2023 edition of Hobby Farms.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Meet Holly Callahan-Kasmala & Chrisie DiCarlo
In Maryland, best friends of 40-plus years share a passion for good food, laughter and, most of all, poultry.
HISTORIC Hogs
The Hereford breed has a bright future.
ON TRACK
Animal activity trackers, also known as pet location trackers, let you keep an eye on your pets or livestock from your phone or computer.
ELECTRIC BORDERS
Here's what you need to know before you buy a portable electric fence.
beyond TRADITION
Raise these alternative animals on your hobby farm.
Sheep HOOF CARE
The key to good sheep hoof care is keeping an eye out for problems and moving to prevent serious issues.
Santa Carota BEEF
For 35 years, the Pettit family has been upcycling waste carrots for cattle feed, challenging traditional ranching practices while producing exquisite beef.
Metabolic Disorders in Cattle
Manage these body conditions in your herd with diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Midsummer Garden
Keep those vegetables growing late into the year with these planting options and advice.
Microclimate Trouble Spots
Spend enough time gardening in one place and you can get to know it well.