While the terms ‘heritage breeds’ and ‘heritage meat’ may seem like buzzwords, they actually refer to a specific type of livestock that’s gaining popularity. For those who are new to the concept, let’s start with the basics: not all chickens (or pigs, goats, or cows for that matter) are created equal. In fact, there’s a significant difference between heritage and commercial breeds.
What Makes It a Heritage Breed Chicken?
History
For centuries, heritage breeds have been developed to exhibit specific characteristics and traits. Prior to the widespread adoption of commercial farming practices, many small-scale farms played a significant role in our food system. In fact, just over a century ago, local agriculture was the norm rather than the exception.
Heritage chickens, for instance, are believed to be the very birds that once roamed the yards of your great-great-grandparents’ farms, providing sustenance and self-sufficiency for their families and communities.
Dual Purpose
Heritage breeds are often dual-purpose, meaning they can serve both as egg producers and eventually become a source of meat. This characteristic was highly valued in the past, when families relied heavily on their farm animals for sustenance. The notion that a single bird could provide both eggs and food was seen as a valuable asset, rather than a mere coincidence.
Hardiness
In contrast to modern breeding practices, our ancestors prioritized the well-being and robustness of their chicken flocks. They selectively bred birds that could withstand parasites and illnesses, resulting in strong and resilient strains. This emphasis on health has largely given way to a focus on aesthetics or productivity, with many modern breeds being bred for characteristics like unusual feathering or exceptional egg-laying abilities.
However, the heritage chickens that were developed with health and hardiness as top priorities remain some of the healthiest and most robust birds you can raise.
APA Standard Breed
Heritage chickens are bred from eggs laid by pure-bred birds that meet the standards of the American Poultry Association (APA), specifically those recognized before the mid-20th century. These hens are known for their slow growth rate and ability to thrive in a natural outdoor environment, where they can live productively for an extended period.
Why You Should Choose Heritage Breeds?
Sustainable
Unlike commercial breeds, heritage chickens are naturals when it comes to being, well, chickens. Their innate abilities include foraging for sustenance and evading predators, habits that are essential to their survival. As a result of these instincts, heritage chickens will spend their days scouring for food and avoiding threats, making them a more sustainable option for backyard raisers.
Richer Meat Quality
While modern supermarket chickens may be adequate, there’s a world of difference in terms of flavor and quality when it comes to heritage chicken meat. These older breeds may not produce the massive 6-pound carcasses we’re used to seeing, but they more than make up for it with their exceptional taste.
By researching different breeds and selecting a heritage chicken that suits your needs, you can experience the unique characteristics and mouthwatering flavor profiles of these time-tested varieties.
Mothering Capabilities
Commercial chicken breeds have largely been bred to lose their natural maternal instincts, making them less suitable for sustainable farming practices. When chickens enter a broody state, they cease laying eggs, rendering them less valuable to large-scale egg producers seeking maximum annual output. For farmers committed to allowing nature to take its course, heritage breeds are an essential consideration.
Even modern breeds that do exhibit broodiness may lack the nurturing instincts of their heritage counterparts, underscoring the importance of preserving these unique characteristics.
Heritage VS Modern Breeds
Breeding Practices
While heritage breeders strive for perfection across multiple aspects of their chickens, including health, production, meat quality, and behavior, modern breeders often prioritize a single quality, resulting in birds excelling in one area at the expense of others. For instance, they might produce excellent egg layers but sacrifice overall health and temperament.
In contrast, passionate heritage breeders continue to emphasize well-rounded characteristics, whereas commercial breeders tend to be less meticulous.
Production
One undeniable advantage of commercial breeds over heritage chickens lies in their impressive productivity. While heritage breed carcasses may not yield as much meat as a robust Cornish X, they fall short in terms of egg production compared to a prolific White Leghorn. Despite this disparity, many people are willing to accept the trade-off for the benefits that come with raising more sustainable birds.
Ethical
The ethics of breeding modern chicken strains like the White Leghorn have sparked debate among many. While these birds can produce an astonishing number of eggs over two years, their health often suffers as a direct result of this intense egg-laying. In contrast, heritage breeds tend to thrive for longer due to their more relaxed approach to production, avoiding the physical toll that high-stress laying can impose on their bodies.
Top Five Heritage Breeds
As I embarked on my chicken-keeping journey, I was captivated by the allure of heritage breeds. Their unique characteristics and storied histories made them all the more appealing. You too might be charmed by these incredible, historic birds, which is why I’ve curated a selection of top heritage chickens that would make perfect additions to your farm.
Wyandotte
Wyandotte chickens have a special place in my heart, and it’s no surprise why. These stunning birds exude elegance and functionality, making them an excellent addition to any farm. Not only do they lay eggs with steady regularity, but their extra roosters and spent hens also provide a convenient source of meat for the kitchen.
Brahma
Brahmas bring an air of sophistication to any farm, standing tall above the other fowl with their elegant, plumage-adorned physiques. As a heritage meat breed, these birds are particularly renowned for their impressive size. One of the defining characteristics of Brahmas is their exceptional maternal qualities, making them well-suited for raising large broods of chicks.
Orpington
The Orpington breed is well-known for its impressive characteristics, boasting exceptional qualities in meat production, egg laying, and mothering abilities. While some modernized breeds have been developed to prioritize egg output over meat quality, the Orpington remains a popular heritage choice. For those seeking an authentic heritage experience, it’s recommended to source birds from dedicated breeders rather than mainstream hatcheries.
Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock, a beloved breed among backyard flock enthusiasts, boasts impressive egg-laying capabilities, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable source of fresh eggs. While their primary purpose is not for meat production, the addition of extra roosters can be beneficial in the processing department.
Australorp
What draws my attention to Australorp chickens is their exceptional temperament. These birds are renowned for their amiable nature, making them an absolute pleasure to be around. In addition, they possess remarkable egg-laying abilities, with one notable hen setting the record for laying the most eggs in a single calendar year, a testament to their impressive productivity.
A Final Word
The enduring appeal of heritage breeds lies in their unique characteristics, which modern birds often lack. While more productive varieties have emerged, they don’t quite match the well-rounded nature of these classics. As a result, small-scale and sustainable farmers overwhelmingly choose heritage over modern breeds, valuing the numerous qualities that set them apart.
It is my genuine hope that you will consider introducing one of these timeless heritage chickens to your farm, not only for their practical benefits but also to help preserve such an incredible resource for future generations.
