What are popular types of birds?
Once you decide to start raising fowl, it is important to select the right type of birds to suit your needs, environment, and desires. Below is a quick overview of the main types of birds available to most people.
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Key Takeaways
- Choose the right type of birds for your needs, including chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, and pheasants.
- Chickens fall into three categories: laying breeds, meat breeds, and dual-purpose breeds.
- Laying breeds focus on egg production, while meat breeds are efficient at converting feed to meat.
- Dual-purpose breeds are hardy and suitable for both egg and meat production, making them ideal backyard chickens.
- Consider local resources for guidance on selecting breeds that suit your goals and environment.
Chickens
Many different breeds of chickens have been developed for different purposes. For simplicity, you can place them into three general categories: Laying, meat-producing and dual-purpose breeds.
- Laying Breeds:
- These breeds are known for their egg-laying capacity.
- Popular laying breeds include the White Leghorn, Red Sex Link and Black Sex Link breeds.
- A healthy hen will lay eggs for several years. Hens begin to lay at approximately 16-20 weeks of age and will lay between 20-23 dozen eggs the first year.
- At 14 months, laying hens usually begin to molt, the process by which they drop their old feathers and grow new ones. No eggs are laid during this period.
- After molting, hens will lay larger but fewer eggs per year (about 16-18 dozen).
- Meat Breeds:
- Meat-producing breeds are very efficient at converting feed to meat, producing approximately one pound of bodyweight for every two pounds of feed they eat.
- A popular meat-producing breed is the Cornish breed. The Cornish game hen is a cross between the Cornish and the New Hampshire or Plymouth Rock breeds.
- Meat-producing chickens are broad breasted and larger than the laying breeds.
- They grow and feather rapidly and will weigh five pounds or more at eight weeks.
- Broilers and fryers are butchered at 31/2 to 5 pounds, while a roaster is butchered at 6 to 8 pounds.
- Dual-Purpose Breeds:
- The dual-purpose breed is the classic backyard chicken. These breeds are hardy, self-reliant and fairly large bodied. Most lay large brown-shelled eggs.
- Examples include Rhode Island Red and New Hampshire breeds.
- Some laying and dual-purpose hens tend to get broody, which means they will want to sit on and hatch eggs. Because broody hens don’t lay eggs, egg production will be affected.
- Ornamental Breeds:
- Ornamental breeds are known for their unique and sometimes flashy appearance. Many bantam and miniature breeds fall into this category.
- These breeds can be very rewarding to raise because of their history and exhibition potential.
- They can be very broody and produce a modest egg supply.
Turkeys, Geese, Ducks, Guineas, and Pheasants
Turkeys, geese, ducks and pheasants are often raised as pets or for their egg and meat-producing qualities. They also can make terrific projects for children to learn responsibility and animal husbandry skills. Ducks are fun, messy water lovers. Their tasty eggs make them a popular choice to raise.
