Did you choose the right breed—but still end up with birds that don’t meet your needs? Two flocks can carry the same breed name and give their keepers very different results. What might you have overlooked?
Frank Reese joins the Poultry Keepers 360 team to discuss choosing standardbred poultry for eggs, meat, and preservation. Drawing on his experience breeding chickens and turkeys, Frank explains why the breeder and the particular line deserve as much attention as the breed name.
We discuss New Hampshires, Barred Plymouth Rocks, Delawares, and other traditional breeds, along with the questions to ask before bringing birds home. The conversation also covers selecting future breeders, learning from experienced poultry keepers, and working with others to maintain a line.
In this episode:
• Heritage poultry and the importance of breed standards.
• Setting a clear purpose for your flock.
• Matching a breeding line to your egg and meat goals.
• The difference between hatching chicks and selecting breeders.
• Finding a breeder and learning the strengths and weaknesses of a line.
• Considering costs and a market before expanding.
• Preserving useful qualities for future generations.
This Audio Edition is adapted from a previously recorded PK360 LIVE conversation. Production figures and examples reflect Frank’s experience with particular lines and management conditions; they are not guarantees for every flock.
RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE
Linebreeding Chickens: Build Consistency Without Losing Vigor – Audio Edition
https://youtu.be/ajtT02BbTWY
Continue with a closer look at breeding for consistency while maintaining vigor.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Why choosing the right breed isn’t enough
00:30 Frank Reese: learning from lifelong breeders
02:28 Heritage poultry and breed standards
05:58 Decide what your flock needs to do
11:48 Choosing birds for eggs and meat
15:48 New Hampshires and Delawares for the table
17:27 Hatching chicks versus selecting breeders
19:20 Why the breeding line matters
20:40 Finding a breeder and maintaining a line
30:48 Growth expectations and good management
31:18 Study the breed and its standard
33:19 Jersey Giants and the family table
34:00 Frank’s advice for getting started
36:00 Preserving poultry for future generations
36:39 Takeaways and your next episode
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
What do you want your flock to provide: eggs, meat, preservation, or a combination? What would you ask a breeder before choosing your next birds?
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