THE WORLD OF PURE-BRED POULTRY

With this we are not trying to sell you a product, we are offering you an opportunity. An opportunity to participate in a relaxing sport with family and friends; an opportunity, whether you are a young person or a senior citizen, to experience an interaction with creatures of our natural world; an opportunity to accomplish something and take pride in that accomplishment, and an opportunity to share with others in the companionship and knowledge of a common interest. This can be an individual sport, a hobby involving the whole family for fun or teaching responsibility, or simply a desire to have a few feathered creatures to share your time with. It can be a few birds in the backyard or a farm with thousands, in the confines of a city lot or the wide open spaces of the country, or anything in between. Fancy poultry can provide a respite from the hectic pace of today’s life, a link back to nature and the joys of simply observing some of Mother Nature’s most colourful and elegant feathered creations.  In a speech in 1855 the Indian Chief Seattle said: “What would a man be without animals? If all animals disappeared, then man would die of spiritual loneliness.”

The idea of keeping and breeding poultry, whether chickens, ducks, geese or turkeys, is a way to maintain contact with our natural world.   The pleasure of daily association with our feathered companions is good for the spirit and soul.

What is breeding pure-bred poultry?  It is the challenge of improving a breed, the companionship of living things, pride in ownership and accomplishment; it is the opportunity, either as an individual or as an entire family, to be part of one of the country’s best kept secrets, the world of Pure-bred Poultry.  The information in this pamphlet has been put together as an introduction and source list to help you get started in this fascinating world of Pure-bred Poultry.

WHAT IS PURE-BRED POULTRY?

When you think of pure-bred poultry, what comes to your mind?  The barnyard rooster that provides the morning wake up call?  The flock of production hens that provide eggs?  The roast turkey on your dinner table?  It is more than this.   Besides providing the useful eggs and meat, we see creatures of beauty to be bred and admired. The large Light Brahma with elegance and class, the sprightly Sebright with beauty and energy, and the stately Toulouse goose, the magnificent Royal Palm turkey, the talkative Call duck, and much, much more. There are literally hundreds of breeds and varieties in chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys, each with their own unique beauty and qualities.

WHAT BREED TO BUY

There is no “best breed” of poultry for everyone. Personal preference for shape, colour, size, temperament etc., go into a decision as to what to choose. Different areas of the country, with their varieties of climates, will have some impact on a decision as to a choice of breed.  Poultry is divided into large chickens (also called large fowl), bantams, true bantams, waterfowl and turkeys. In addition to full size, or large chickens, poultry fanciers have developed a miniature counterpart of each large chicken called a bantam. Bantams are normally a fourth to a fifth as large as their full-size counterparts and in addition there are breeds that exist only as bantams.  There are also breeds of bantam ducks. Bantams produce smaller eggs and have less meat, and are generally not kept for production, but are a prime consideration where space is limited.  A “breed” is identified as having a particular body shape or style. Breeds are further divided into varieties, usually by differences in colour or  pattern of feather markings. In addition, special features determine differences in varieties, such as comb shape or extra feathers such as a “beard” or “tassel.”  Select the breed that appeals to your taste, whether chicken, waterfowl or turkey, taking into consideration locale, space available, climate and/or availability.  The Southern African Show Poultry Organization maintains a Standard of Perfection on every breed.  This Standard describes all the breeds and colours recognised by the organisation and is the standard or guideline by which all pure-bred poultry are judged.  When you decide on a particular breed, locating them is not difficult. Attend a poultry show and look the birds over; breeders will often have birds there to sell. There are many reputable breeders and hatcheries that provide birds in a variety of price ranges, from eggs to chicks to full-grown birds. Many breeders will welcome a visit to look over their birds and facilities and will be more than willing to answer questions and provide you with birds, or give information as to where you can find the breed you are looking for. The most important thing to remember is to buy from a reputable breeder. In general, if the owner takes good care of his or her stock and is proud of them, you will have made a good purchase.

WHAT IS A POULTRY SHOW ?

Owning and breeding these elegant creatures are enough reward for some, but for others the show hall is the focal point – the true measure of the hobby’s rewards and the breeder’s excellence. The competition or show is a chance to meet and talk with people who share the same interest, whether it is a youngster  or an “oldster” in retirement. The best way to learn about showing poultry is to actually attend a show – look at all the birds and talk to exhibitors. To prepare a bird for the show, the bird needs to be healthy, free of broken feathers, clean and presentable. Add up the benefits of family sharing, friendships and the challenge of breeding that perfect bird and I think you will agree it all adds up to a very enjoyable sport.  Give it a try!

Come and meet our feathered friends at any SASPO Show throughout Southern Africa.

NATIONAL ORGANISATION

The Southern African Show Poultry Organisation is a nationally recognised organisation formed in the first decade of the 1900’s for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the poultry fancy. Their contact details are on their website: www.saspo.org.za.

There are also a number of clubs for all types of poultry and specialist clubs for individual breeds or types of poultry.  SASPO can be contacted at info@saspo.org.za.