Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
these breeds have excellent feed conversion; they spend little time at the trough as they
are always out foraging. They will almost
naturalize
— they go wild, live in the edges
of fields and gardens, and raise their own young, much as a wild pheasant would.
Fayoumis
are less likely to set, but I have had them do so; they are wonderful pro-
ducers of small eggs. They offer the raiser the additional advantage of resistance to a
number of common poultry viruses and conditions.
Kraienkoppes
are practically wild. They hide their nests and raise their chicks com-
pletely independent of commercial food preparations. I usually have one hen a year
manage to escape the breeding pen and disappear into the garden or orchard. These
elusive birds hatch a nest of young and raise them in the wild, returning as winter ap-
proaches, usually with minimal, if any, loss of young.
Whatever birds you choose when starting a backyard flock, it is always a good idea
to try and include a few from the collection of functional, ornamental breeds. They add
spice and elegance to any flock and will provide you with hours of amusement and re-
laxation, making the whole venture worthwhile.
