Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
11
Ornamental Chickens
THERE ARE MANY REASONS
for raising poultry beyond profit from egg and meat sales.
Many people are interested in the aesthetic value of having just a few chickens. They
want something pretty to look at or something to run around their yard that gives them
that farmyard or rural feeling.
In previous chapters, I've described chicken breeds that are raised specifically for lay-
ing eggs, breeds used primarily for meat, and some that can be considered dual-purpose
birds — raised for both eggs and meat. But there's a whole other world of exotic chickens
out there that people should explore.
Many “fancy” breeds exist that are very attractive yet also functional as a backyard
flock. Although some breeds, such as the Brabanters and the Kraienkoppes, are not re-
cognized by the APA, quite a few of these aesthetically pleasing birds have been around
a long, long time or have some unique characteristics that will make them something spe-
cial in your backyard flock. All will lay eggs, of course, but some will lay eggs better than
others or be better suited for meat. Some will make excellent mothers, some are vigorous
foragers, and some are merely a delight to own.
Being somewhat of a purist at heart, I naturally enjoy seeing pure breeds and flocks
of all one type. However, there are times when I stand looking in amazement at all of the
young stock roaming around our farmyard. I count it as one of my life's greatest pleasures
to see the diversity of types, shapes, colors, habits, and growth patterns before my eyes.
While row after row of one variety of flower provides uniformity, structure, and its own
type of beauty, the vision of a diverse poultry palette is much like a flowerbed with count-
less plant species, textures, colors, and blooms to admire. Luckily you don't need to own
a huge menagerie with myriad buildings holding several thousand birds to delight your
senses. This striking beauty can also be achieved by owning a mixed flock of a dozen or
so chickens.
