www.petdirectory.com.au - Pet Directory
Banner Ad
Posted in Farm Animals

Keeping & Breeding Rare and Special Birds


Keeping & Breeding Rare and Special Birds

What has now become a passion for collecting and breeding rare breeds, probably began as a child when I lived in close proximity of Sydney’s Paddy Markets - “Yes, Mum, the man said they are baby pullets/hens”, I declared when arriving home with several chickens in hand. Nearly always they were roosters which began to crow after several weeks. Our city neighbours were not too enthusiastic at this natural alarm clock.


Mark Tully with his Light Brahma cock bird


Silver Pencilled Hamburg hen

Recently I found a school assignment I had done on poultry when I was ten years old.

"I was amazed at the content and passion within me at such an early age."

This passion also included concern for many other animals from around the world.


Guinea Fowl chicks

 


Buff Cochin


 


White Polish hen



Gold Pencilled Hamburg cockerill


Blue Indian Runner duckling

I had a dream to do something positive to save the animals from extinction. As the years went on I began to think that it would be impossible for one to make a difference – but now I am actively trying to do that very thing.

History and past heritage tell us that many animals have been domesticated and developed into many breeds. Unfortunately many of these have now become extinct while others are bracing themselves against the door of extinction. The disappearance of many breeds is caused by globalisation and commercialisation and the need for faster growth and greater return for the dollar.

African Grander

Cape Brown Gander
 (Australian Nature)

Sebastapol Geese also known as Ribbon Geese 

Mottled Houdan hen

Science is now used, with the study of genetics, to develop new strains of stock making the old, colourful and unique domestic breeds of old obsolete and reducing hundreds of different breeds across the species into one or two dominate commercial strains. Old, colourful and unique domestic breeds of, not only poultry, but pigs, sheep, cattle, and other animals across the world are being lost.

These commercial strains that are reliant on science and chemical development in their growth and production may enhance the industry. However, it should not be at the cost of losing breeds and species of domesticated animals that have played such an important role in the development and growth of everyday life within so many civilisations and cultures throughout the world.

Only in recent years has there been a resurgence in trying to preserve the rare domesticated breeds.

These days I have a practical passion towards saving some of these old and rare breeds within the species of poultry.

Currently, in my collection, I have some 26 breeds and colour of duck, 11 breeds and colour of geese, 6 breeds of turkey, over 40 breeds, variety and colour of chooks and a number of colours in Guinea Fowl.

Many of these are rare and considered critically endangered. Some special ones to me are Spanish, Sultan, Sicilian Butter Cup, Brahma, Cochin, Large Saxony Duck and Pomeranian Goose.

Much of my time is spent educating people about the many rare breeds and how they too can help save these rare domestic breeds, and how here in Australia we have some of the purest bloodlines to be found anywhere in the world.


Last year in 2005 a friend assisted me to put on a display of some 80 rare and true breeds at a Queensland Pet Expo where several thousand people attended. So many people commented that they were unaware of the number of different colours, size and types. Some asked “Do they lay eggs?” Yes they all do and you can eat the eggs that your poultry lay. I want to thank Exhibition and Marketing Services (EMS) who run the Pet & Animal Expo for the opportunity to provide a public awareness showing of rare breeds.

I want to encourage others to consider taking up the challenge of being involved with rare breeds and also experience the wonders of these interesting and exotic breeds.

The experience will be fulfilling, educational and can become a whole family interest and hobby; sharing together in the keeping of a few or more special breeds depending on the requirement of your local council regulations. To keep just a few pure bred hens in your backyard would help to preserve a threatened species.

Do a little research, surf the net, contact a local poultry association, ask a few questions, find a breed you like. Most councils around Australia allow for two or more hens in the standard back yard. By buying some true breed hens from a breeder means that the breeder has to breed more which keeps the breed alive.

Just to watch the activity and enjoy your birds can be, not only interesting, but relaxing and peaceful, especially if they are allowed to roam in your backyard or orchard. Shall I say these experiences can be good for the soul, creating a special focus of interest. I, too, as many others have, also suffered with depression and I hope your special pets will bring healing to your situation as the birds have done for me.


Leave Comment Below



Search Website

Join Our Community

1. Register a member account
2. Create a searchable listing
3. Connect with more clients

Get Listed Today
Banner Ad
Banner Ad
Banner Ad
Banner Ad