HERITAGE CHICKEN MANUAL
Chicken Assessment for Improving Productivity
The information for selecting desirable production traits in heritage chickens was developed as part of a Livestock Conservancy pilot project to recover breed production characteristics in endangered poultry. These guidelines were developed using the well-established evaluation parameters developed by “old school” poultrymen and described in early-to-mid-20th century poultry texts. Once commonly known, these practices have been lost as many modern chicken farmers find it easier to purchase chicks from large hatcheries.
The Livestock Conservancy offers this information for free download in an effort to support small-scale poultry keeping.
- Chapter 1. Selecting for Meat Qualities and Rate of Growth (PDF, 470K)
- Chapter 2. Selecting for Egg Production (PDF, 344K)
- Chapter 3. Ongoing Selection of Breeding Stock (PDF, 291K)
Additional useful forms:
- Toe Punch Chart (PDF, 169K)
- Chick Assessment Form (PDF, 15K)
- Breeder Qualification Form (PDF, 20K)
- Satellite Consignment Agreement (PDF, 35K)
- Breeder/Hatchery Agreement (PDF, 32K)
- The Livestock Conservancy Chicken Breed Comparison Sheet (PDF, 40KB)
To purchase a print-out click here.
Additional Resources:
Hatching for Success (PowerPoint slides in .pdf format)