Heritage chickens are one of the surest bets chicken keepers have to keep a healthy and successful flock if they will take the time to research and find chickens bred to succeed in their area. Heritage chickens often have disease-resistant characteristics and are weather-hardy in certain climates.
According to the Livestock Conservancy, “The American Poultry Association began defining breeds in 1873 and publishing the definitions in the Standard of Perfection. They were hearty, long-lived, and reproductively vital birds that provided an important source of protein to the growing population of the country until the mid-20th century.”
There are over three dozen breeds of heritage chickens nearing extinction. Preserving them is a way to connect our country’s heritage to modern day, but also preserving some of the best-developed genetic factors based on survival. Traditional historic breeds retain essential attributes for survival and self-sufficiency – fertility, foraging ability, longevity, maternal instincts, ability to mate naturally, and resistance to diseases and parasites.
The Livestock Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization with the mission to, “protect endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction.” To be named a “Heritage Chicken” by the Livestock Conservancy, the chickens must meet the following criteria:
- APA Standard Breed
Heritage Chicken must be from parent and grandparent stock of breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) prior to the mid-20th century; whose genetic line can be traced back multiple generations; and with traits that meet the APA Standard of Perfection guidelines for the breed. Heritage Chicken must be produced and sired by an APA Standard breed. Heritage eggs must be laid by an APA Standard breed. - Naturally mating
Heritage Chicken must be reproduced and genetically maintained through natural mating. Chickens marketed as Heritage must be the result of naturally mating pairs of both grandparent and parent stock. - Long, productive outdoor lifespan
Heritage Chicken must have the genetic ability to live a long, vigorous life and thrive in the rigors of pasture-based, outdoor production systems. Breeding hens should be productive for 5-7 years and roosters for 3-5 years. - Slow growth rate
Heritage Chicken must have a moderate to slow rate of growth, reaching the appropriate market weight for the breed in no less than 16 weeks. This gives the chicken time to develop a strong skeletal structure and healthy organs before building muscle mass.
Here are the top eleven nearing extinction and considered critical:
1. Aseel
Origin: India/Pakistan
Purpose: Meat
Eggs/Year: 40-60
Temperament: Aggressive
Climate: Best in warm climates; can tolerate some cold but needs to be kept dry.
Notes: Breed makes excellent crosses for the production of broilers; very hardy and predator savvy; exceedingly protective mothers
2. Booted Bantam
Origin: Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Burma
Purpose: Ornamental/Exhibition
Eggs/Year: 100-120
Temperament: Active but calm
Climate: Not cold-tolerant
Notes: Pet and exhibition fowl, insect control in the garden
3. Catalana
Origin: Mediterranean
Purpose: Eggs, Meat
Eggs/Year: 150+
Temperament: Active
Climate: Best in hot/moderate
Notes: Meat is succulent; cockerels often used for capon in Spain; can be flighty
4. Cubalaya
Origin: Cuba
Purpose: Eggs, Meat
Eggs/Year: 125-175
Temperament: Active, but calm
Climate: Best in hot to moderate climates, highly tolerant of humidity
Notes: Known for fine meat qualities; can be aggressive to other birds, but mild-mannered compared to other game birds; can be noisy
5. Holland
Origin: United States
Purpose: Eggs, Meat
Eggs/Year: 200-240
Temperament: Docile
Climate: Does well in both hot and cold climates
Notes: Top-notch foragers; good homestead fowl; comb can be prone to frostbite
6. Java
Origin: United States
Purpose: Eggs, Meat
Eggs/Year: 150+
Temperament: Docile, but Active
Climate: Does well in both hot and cold climates
Notes: Premier homestead fowl; excellent forager; slower growth equating to excellent meat flavor; combs may be prone to frostbite
7. La Fléche
Origin: France
Purpose: Eggs/Meat
Eggs/Year: 200+
Temperament: Docile but active
Climate: Can handle hot and cold but not extremes of either
Notes: Highly regarded for the flavor of the meat; large breasts for their size
8. Malay
Origin: India
Purpose: Meat
Eggs/Year: Poor
Temperament: Active
Climate: Best in Hot to Moderate
Notes: Tallest of all chickens; meat is very lean with little fat; adults are hardy but chicks can be delicate; can be quarrelsome in confinement – will feather pick each other in close quarters; cannot cover many eggs due to tight feathering, males can be aggressive to chicks
9. Redcap
Origin: England
Purpose: Eggs
Eggs/Year: 180-220
Temperament: Active
Climate: Best in Hot to Moderate
Notes: Huge rose comb; adult color not fully developed until the second or third year
10. Shamo
Origin: Japan
Purpose: Meat, Ornamental
Eggs/Year: 60-100
Temperament: Can be aggressive to other birds, but friendly to people
Climate: Best in Hot to Moderate
Notes: Meat is known to be firm and almost tough; meat often used in Sumo wrestlers’ diet
11. White-Faced Black Spanish
Origin: Spain
Purpose: Eggs
Eggs/Year: 160-180
Temperament: Flighty, active
Climate: Best in Cold climates
Notes: Known as the clown-faced chicken due to the big white face patches of the roosters; noisy; chicks can be flighty, but adults tend to be more calm and curious
Are You Interested in Raising Heritage Chickens?
Heritage livestock farming comes with many enthusiasts. If you choose to take on a breed there are several organizations and individuals passionate to help you in your journey. Start at the Livestock Conservancy and glean from their plethora of resources. Raising Heritage breeds, particularly those considered critical is vital and fulfilling.
This article about endangered heritage chickens was written for Chickens magazine. Click here to subscribe.
