Know Your Hobby Animals a Breed Encyclopedia E-Book

Jack Byard

• Herausgeber: Fox Chapel Publishing
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2021

Seitenzahl: 183

Beschreibung

Cows, sheep, and goats, oh my! Know Your Hobby Animals is an essential guide to discovering loads of interesting facts about 172 popular breeds of chickens, pigs, goats, cows, and sheep. A complete compilation of the most popular farm animals within the Know Your… series, you'll learn all about each breed's unique characteristics, history, breeding, personality, and more. Fun and fascinating, this engaging and collective guide will turn both the young and old into farm animal enthusiasts!

Leseprobe

Originally published by Old Pond Publishing Ltd under the titles Know Your Sheep, Know Your Cows, Know Your Pigs, Know Your Chickens, and Know Your Goats. Copyright © Jack Byard, 2019, 2020

Fox Chapel Publishers International Ltd. All rights reserved.

This edition copyright © 2020 by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, sPA 17552. All rights reserved. Published under license.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright holders.

Print ISBN 978-1-4971-0087-9

eISBN 9781607657750

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First printing

NOTE: All weights, sizes, and measurements in this book are averages based on breed records and the terrain in which the animals live.

This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein.

CONTENTS

Foreword

Chickens

Cows

Goats

Pigs

Sheep

Acknowledgements

Picture Credits

FOREWORD

Sheep, goats, pigs, cows, and chickens have provided us with food and drink, clothing, and shelter for thousands of years. Today many breeds are extremely rare and not commercially viable, and this is where the smallholder—the hobby farmer—plays a crucial role. After a full day at the office, workshop, or local store, they will put in several hours looking after their charges. Some keep a donkey or mule in the field with the sheep, natural guardians against attack from four-legged predators, such as foxes, coyotes, and bobcats (and against being stolen by the two-legged variety on occasion).

In most countries of the world, there are areas that are inaccessible to agricultural machinery. What keeps the moors and hills surrounding my home so neat and trim, making it accessible to lovers of the open countryside? It is the hill sheep that roam this unfenced and harsh land. Certain breeds of draft horse are increasingly used for forestry work in areas out of bounds to machinery, being more efficient and less damaging to the landscape.

Organizations such as The Livestock Conservancy in the United States and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in the UK work tirelessly to protect these rare breeds, but more needs to be done. We must never forget the value of these animals—they have supported us for generations, after all—and protect farmers and ranchers, both large and small, from those who profess to know better.

—Jack Byard, Bradford, England, 2020

CHICKENS

Our feathered friend and companion, the chicken, has been around “since Adam were a lad,” as an old farming friend used to say.

The rich diversity of color, size, and feather pattern, along with their elegant toy-soldier-like strutting, is a joy to behold. Most are friendly, docile creatures but there are a few “grumpy old men” who will view your legs as their next appetizer. In the chicken world, many are bred for the sheer joy, pleasure, and happiness they give to their breeders. Many small breeders will put in two or three hours of care on top of a full day at work.

Standards of care for chickens vary enormously around of world, but thankfully the welfare of the birds is widely promoted, and most chicken farming is undertaken responsibly these days. The vast majority of British farms and farmers ensure that all birds have a good and stress-free life, and lead the way in commercial standards of husbandry, while in the United States bodies such as the Animal Welfare Institute promote high welfare standards and animal-sensitive approaches to farming.

In the British Isles, organizations such as The Rare Poultry Society and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) do much to ensure that rare breeds do not disappear into the annals of history. RBST grading, where mentioned in the book, refers only to the color of the chicken pictured. The same breed, but of a different color, can have a different grade.

Note: Many breeds of chicken have been developed to produce a range of different varieties/colors. In this book, the breed heading and characteristics information relate to the variety shown in the accompanying photograph.

Ancona

Andalusian

Appenzeller Spitzhauben

Araucana

Australorp

Barnevelder

Belgian d’Uccle

Black Rock

Brahma

Cochin

Croad Langshan

Dorking

Dutch Bantam

Faverolles

Golden Phoenix

Hamburg

Indian Game

Japanese Bantam

Jersey Giant

Lakenvelder

Leghorn

Maran

Marsh Daisy

Old English Game

Orpington

Pekin

Plymouth Rock

Red Jungle Fowl

Rhode Island Red

Scots Dumpy

Scots Grey

Sebright

Silkie

Sumatra

Sussex

Wyandotte

Ancona

Characteristics

Color: Midnight blue with bright V-shaped white speckles.

One of the oldest breeds of chickens, the Ancona was bred for centuries in the Marche region on the east coast of Italy. Fortunately, it was spotted by a group of poultry enthusiasts and arrived in the British Isles in the mid- to late-nineteenth century. It was also known as the Mottled Leghorn or Black Leghorn, since its beautiful patterned plumage gives it a strong resemblance to that breed. The feathers whiten with age.

This tough, hardy bird is extremely popular in Europe since it can adapt easily to a range of environments. It is an efficient scavenger and has a great instinct for finding food. It is also well known for its egg-laying abilities; it is quite common for one bird to lay 300 white eggs a year. As a result of this range of attributes, the breed has flourished. The high-flying Ancona must always be bred free range but kept within a high fence to prevent it from disappearing.

It is no longer used commercially but is bred for the pleasure it gives, still having a firm place in domestic flocks and at poultry shows throughout the British Isles, Europe, and the United States.

Andalusian

Characteristics

Color: Slate-blue with narrow, dark blue lacing on each feather.

This ornamental bird was developed in Andalusia, Spain, and further developed in the British Isles and the United States. The modern blue Andalusian is a result of crossing black and white birds imported from Andalusia in 1846. Crossing two blue birds will result in 25 percent black and 25 percent white, with the remaining 50 percent of the clutch blue. The Andalusian is therefore only bred by enthusiasts with an interest in preserving the breed. The development of the breed as we know it today is credited to the English, but whether this was achieved in Andalusia or in England is not known.

The Andalusian has a magnificent presence, being both elegant and graceful (the reasons most people give for keeping them). It is also an extremely fast runner (the breed society suggests anyone wishing to keep the birds should invest in a landing net). One bird will lay around 160 creamy white eggs a year.

Originally from Andalusia in Spain, the breed is now found throughout Europe, the British Isles, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Appenzeller Spitzhauben

Characteristics

Silver Spangled

Color: Silvery white with a lacy bonnet; feather tips have black dots (spangles).

Also Gold Spangled, Black Spangled, and Barthuhner varieties.

The Appenzeller—the national chicken breed of Switzerland—originated in the Canton of Appenzeller, where it is thought to have existed for over 40 years. The bird’s comb is similar to a traditional pointed lace bonnet from the area: a spitzhauben.

During World War II, the Appenzeller Spitzhauben came close to extinction, and it was only the dedication of German breeders in the 1950s that ensured its survival. It is a good, hardy breed, well adapted to living in mountainous regions. The birds require little attention if they have a good foraging area and virtually look after themselves. The Appenzeller does not like to be confined and is at its best when given the freedom to roam; the birds are superb climbers and will happily roost in trees. It will lay in the region of 150 eggs a year so is possibly not the best of layers, but is “a good companion.”

Originally found only in Switzerland, the breed is now seen throughout the British Isles and Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Araucana

Characteristics

Lavender

Color: Blue-gray, with a small pea comb.

Also Blue, Black/Red, Silver Duckwing, Golden Duckwing, Blue/Red, Pile, Crele, Spangled, Cuckoo, Black and White varieties.

The Araucana is an ancient breed and was named after the Araucano tribe of Native South Americans who lived on the high plains of the Andes Mountains in Chile. In the early sixteenth century, the Portuguese explorer Magellan recorded seeing blue-egg-laying poultry resembling the Araucana, and later in the same century the breed arrived in countries around the Mediterranean. The British type of Araucana was developed in Scotland by George Malcolm from birds carried on a Chilean ship that was wrecked in the Hebrides in the 1930s.

The Araucana does not lay many eggs, but the eggs are spectacular: mainly blue or green but ranging from greenish-blue to violet-blue to grayish. The shell is unique in that it is the same color both inside and out. The Araucana are hardy, grow quickly, and mature fast. They are content to be housed in a pen as long as there is a regular supply of fresh grass.

It is believed that in 2006 the Spangled variety became extinct, but hopefully in some remote corner of the world there are still Spangled Araucana to be found. The breed originated in the Andes, but varieties are now found worldwide.

Australorp

Characteristics

Black

Color: Black with green sheen.

Also Blue and White varieties.

The Australorp was developed from the Black Orpington. William Cook’s Orpingtons were imported into Australia from the British Isles in the nineteenth century. Australian breeders wanted a quality dual-purpose breed, and this was achieved by crossing the Black Orpington with the Langshan, Minorca, the White Leghorn, and a touch of Rhode Island Red. The Australorp was born. Several people wanted to take the credit for choosing the name “Australian Laying Orpington,” but it didn’t exactly trip off the tongue! In 1919, Arthur Harwood suggested “Austral” with an added “orp” to honor the bird’s ancestors, and the name was accepted. In 1921, the breed was imported into the British Isles.

It is a beautiful bird and a good all-round breed, laying around 250 light brown eggs a year. A group of six Australorps hold the world record (1922–1923) for laying 1,857 eggs, an average of 309.5 eggs per hen, over 365 consecutive days. They make good pets, being docile and friendly, and are happy in a run or free range: a good choice for a beginner. From its origins in Australia, the breed is now found throughout the British Isles and most major continents.

Barnevelder

Characteristics

Double Laced

Color: Double-laced mahogany/black feathers; the male’s have iridescent shades of green.

Also Black, Partridge and Silver varieties.

Developed during the nineteenth century in Barneveld, Holland, the breed was originally created to produce beautiful dark brown eggs. The breeds used were chosen with great care. A Dutch hen was crossed with a Langshan, producing dark-colored eggs; further crosses with the Buff Orpington, Brahma, and Cochin were introduced to improve the quality and color of the eggs. From 1910, steps were taken to introduce uniformity to the Barnevelder. In 1921, the Dutch Association of Barnevelder Breeders was formed and the breed standard fixed. In the same year, the breed was imported into the British Isles, and the British Barnevelder Club formed.

The breed became famous, leading to worldwide exports. This good, hardy, dual-purpose hen is capable of laying an average of 200 dark brown, good-flavored eggs each year. The Barnevelder is a lazy chicken and must be kept free range to ensure it receives plenty of exercise; overweight Barnevelder do not lay eggs. The chicks are born yellow, and the brown feathers develop as the bird matures.

From its origins in Holland the breed is now found worldwide.

Belgian d’Uccle

Characteristics

Mille Fleur

Color: Rich red/brown; in the middle of each feather is a black iridescent crescent band; each feather is tipped with a white “half moon.”

Also Black, Blue, Lavender Quail, Silver Quail, Blue Quail, Cuckoo, Lavender Mottled, and Black Mottled varieties.

Developed in Uccle on the southeastern border of Belgium by Michel Van Gelder, a rich Dutch businessman in the late nineteenth century, the Mille Fleur (“a thousand flowers”) was one of the first d’Uccle breeds. It is understood to be a cross of the Dutch Sabelpoot bantam and the Barbu d’Anvers bantam, but Michel was a frequent visitor to British and German poultry shows, so it is possible that breeds from these countries were used to “improve” the d’Uccle.

It is frequently confused with the Booted Bantam, but that only has boots, and the d’Uccle has a beard, muffs, and boots. When seen together, the difference is obvious. It is a docile, friendly, and talkative breed that will happily sit in your hand or on your shoulder.

Originally from Belgium, the breed is now found throughout the British Isles and Europe, Australia, and the United States.

Black Rock

Characteristics

Color: Beautiful blue/black plumage that glows in the sunshine, with a collar of gold-colored feathers extending down to the stomach. The gold patterning on front and neck differs on each bird.

The Black Rock is a hybrid, resulting from crossing a Rhode Island Red male with a Plymouth Rock female. The gold color comes from the Rhode Island Red, and the silver from the Plymouth Rock. The sex of the Black Rock can be determined at a day old, and as a result the male Black Rock is rarely seen. Peter and Margaret Siddons looked after and improved the breeding stock in Scotland for forty years; following their retirement, Eddie Lovett and his son Calum took on the task.

This attractive, hardy breed, with its thick plumage, is more than capable of coping with the vagaries of weather. Even though the chicks are vaccinated at a day old, the breed has a natural, highly developed immune system. This busy and inquisitive bird is easy to handle, but given half a chance would roost in a tree. An ideal pet for older children, it will lay up to 300 medium to dark brown eggs a year. The Black Rock enjoys freedom, and becomes bored if confined.

Originally from the United States, the breed is now found throughout the British Isles and on most major continents.

Brahma

Characteristics

Gold

Color: Head and neck rich gold; feathers have central black stripe; body dull red-black; tail shiny black. Back gold, underbody glossy black.

Also Dark, Light, White, Blue Partridge, and Buff Columbian varieties.

For many years the true origin of the Brahma—said to have been named after the Brahmaputra River in India—has been debated. Most breeders now agree that the breed developed in the United States from breeds imported from Shanghai, China, in the 1840s. A group of nine “Brahmas” arrived in the British Isles in the mid-nineteenth century as a gift for Queen Victoria, where their appearance caused quite a stir.

The dual-purpose Brahma will lay around 150 brown-tinted eggs a year. Today they are mainly bred for ornamental use. The feathered legs and feet must be kept clean and dry to avoid serious damage. Described as large, stately, docile, and trusting, they will roam happily in a garden with a low fence, and they make great pets.

Originally from the United States, the breed is now found throughout the British Isles and on most major continents.

Cochin

Characteristics

Buff

Color: Rich blending shades of cinnamon, gold, and lemon.

Also Black, Blue, Cuckoo, Partridge and Grouse, and White varieties.

The Cochin (or Chinese Shanghai Fowl as it was originally known) originated in China more than 150 years ago and was imported into the United States and the British Isles in the 1800s. The first arrivals in the British Isles—large, friendly “balls of fluff and feather”—were hugely popular when they were presented to Queen Victoria. The bird stood out from other breeds on account of the large number of feathers covering the feet and legs, and bore no resemblance to any known breed at the time; it became an overnight success and a “must-have” breed. In 1853, Punch magazine recorded one being sold for £2,587 (roughly £86,000 [or about $113,000] in today’s currency) during what became known as the “Cochin Craze.” More Cochin were imported to the British Isles, and the breed was improved and developed thereafter, continuing the work that had already been started in the United States.

The Cochin is cold hardy. In summer its thick feather coat can lead to overheating, but a gentle water spray will keep them cool, happy, and healthy. It lays around 150 to 180 brown eggs a year.

The Cochin originated in China and is now found throughout the British Isles and most major continents.

Croad Langshan

Characteristics

Black

Color: Black with beetle-green luster.

Also White and Blue varieties.

The Langshan was imported into the British Isles in 1872 by Major F. T. Croad. The “Croad” part of the name was added in tribute to Miss A. C. Croad, the major’s niece, who gave unstinting support during the development and improvement of the Croad Langshan. It was developed from an ancient breed from the Langshan district of northern China, where the original breed can still be found. The Maran, Barnevelder, and Black Orpington were developed using the Croad Langshan. In the early 1900s, it was a popular dual-purpose breed—the breed club opening in 1904—and remained so until after World War II when, as with many other breeds, numbers went into serious decline. It was only the intervention of The Rare Poultry Society that prevented extinction.

This graceful, intelligent, inquisitive, and docile bird prefers dry, sheltered conditions and is adaptable from free range to small, open enclosures. The Croad Langshan lays up to 200 eggs a year. Eggs are brown with a plum-colored bloom.

Originating in Asia, the breed is now found throughout the British Isles, Europe, the United States, and Australia.

Dorking

Characteristics

Silver Gray

Color: Male black with silver white hackle and saddle. Hen gentle shades of slate-gray with black-striped hackle and salmon breast.

Also Red, Dark, Cuckoo, and White varieties.

Bred in Italy during the reign of Julius Caesar (100 to 44 BC), the Dorking is one of the oldest breeds of domesticated poultry. It also has five toes, four being more usual, which is a further indication of its ancient origins. “When you look at Dorkings, you are looking at history!” This superb dual-purpose breed was brought to the British Isles by the Romans, and it is here that most of the development and improvement has taken place. The Dorking has also been used to develop many of the modern breeds. It had its debut in 1845 at a British poultry show, many hundreds of years after its introduction.

The Dorking is one of the few breeds with red earlobes to lay white eggs (around 140 eggs a year). Fewer than 500 breeding pairs are known to exist. It is a large, docile bird, and to grow and remain healthy must have a large area in which to exercise and forage. It produces excellent meat and eggs.

The Dorking is found throughout the British Isles, Europe, the United States, and Australia.

Dutch Bantam

Characteristics

Gold Partridge

Color: Male hackle shaded dark to light orange; dark green central stripe on feathers. Breast black with green sheen; shoulders deep reddish-brown; wing bar iridescent green. Main tail feathers iridescent green-black.

Also Silver Partridge, Yellow Partridge, Blue Silver Partridge, plus at least another twelve varieties.

There is written evidence that the breed was introduced into Holland in the seventeenth century by the sailors of the Dutch East India Company who had collected the birds from the Bantam Islands in the Dutch East Indies. The name bantam has no connection with the island; it was common practice to call small fowl bantams. Old Dutch paintings show chickens similar to the Dutch Bantam, as do British paintings from the 1860s. Its early popularity can be explained by a law in existence at the time that stipulated that all large eggs must be given to the Lord of the Manor. The bantam, producing small eggs, removed the problem.

The birds are active and, if handled regularly, become very friendly. Because of their diminutive size, they are ideal for small spaces, but a good aviary or a high fence is a necessity as they are good flyers. The Dutch Bantam is a true bantam; it has no large fowl equivalent.

Originally only in the Netherlands, the breed is now found throughout the British Isles and worldwide.

Faverolles

Characteristics

Salmon

Color: Male iridescent black, bronze back, black wings, straw-colored hackle. Hen brown and creamy-white, as are beard and muffs.

Also Black, Blue Laced, Buff, Cuckoo, Ermine, and White varieties.

The breed comes from the village of Faverolles in northern France and was developed from a cross of the Houdan, Cochin and Dorking (this ancestry giving the Faverolles five toes). There are three different types of Faverolles: the original French, the German, and the British. The latter was imported into the British Isles in 1886 and consequently crossed with the Orpington, the Sussex, and the Indian Game to produce the dual-purpose breed we know today. A French writer once said, “As farmyard fowls they stand unrivalled, their superiority being uncontestable.”

This genteel, sweet-natured bird, an ideal breed for children, has been described as the peacock or French poodle of the chicken world. Whatever its description, it certainly stands out in a crowd with its creamy white beard and muffs. It lays around 160 light brown or creamy eggs throughout the year.

The Faverolles originated in France but is now found in the British Isles, Europe, and most major continents.

Golden Phoenix

Characteristics

Color: Male head and neck amber, shading to golden buff at shoulder. Chest and wings green; downy white fluff on saddle. Tail black, glowing purple-green in sunlight.