Standard-bred poultry are breeds that have been documented and officially recognized by the American Poultry Association, which is the oldest livestock organization in the country. They are bred to conform to a written standard of perfection, and those standard-bred birds that had their characteristics defined before 1950 are the breeds now labeled as Heritage. Some of the breeds we offer are not considered heritage, due to their more recent importing into the United States from the countries in which they originated. However, all do have written standards that guide us in our breeding efforts.
The following traits are required for a chicken breed to be considered "heritage" by the Livestock Conservancy:
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.
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 3-5 years and roosters for 5-7 years.
Slow Growth Rate
Heritage Chicken must have a moderate to slow rate of growth, reaching appropriate market weight for the breed in no less than 16 weeks. This gives the chicken time to develop strong skeletal structure and healthy organs prior to building muscle mass.
The following traits are required for a chicken breed to be considered "heritage" by the Livestock Conservancy:
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.
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 3-5 years and roosters for 5-7 years.
Slow Growth Rate
Heritage Chicken must have a moderate to slow rate of growth, reaching appropriate market weight for the breed in no less than 16 weeks. This gives the chicken time to develop strong skeletal structure and healthy organs prior to building muscle mass.