RBST: Vulnerable and at Risk

AGAIN from the, “RBST. VULNERABLE and AT RISK category”, are the following:

SCOTS DUMPIES

Up here in Scotland, before they became nearly extinct, they have been called, crawlers, creepies and bakies  a reflection of their “waddly style of walking”. The bird has got built in character, individuality and a sense of humour. Dr. Joseph Batty, describes the Scot Dumpy….as a striking breed and a funny sight, when one encounters a flock of dumpies hurrying to the feeding trough. Their eggs are white in colour and when they, as a breed, were more readily available, they were rated highly as a table bird of exceptional quality.

DORKINGS

silver dorking cockerel

Described by Dr. Batty as Fine and stately. “The Aristocrat of the poultry yard”. Essentially a table bred of fine quality. Wonderful, length of breast. It also makes a useful cross with the light Sussex as a grand table bird.

It is the only British pure breed, which in it’s self might be a good reason to maintain it’s popularity. It lays reasonably well, around 140 eggs per year.

indian cornish hens

INDIAN GAME

As the name does not suggest, this breed of bird was developed in Cornwall for the quantity and quality of breast meat.  A heavy, hard- feathered, breed that lays tinted eggs, although relatively few in number, around 80 eggs per year. Like the Dorking, having a particularly wide breast it was traditionally used for crossing with the Sussex .The Dorking crossed with the Indian Game, has been an established cross for those seeking an exceptional large and succulent bird for the table.

BUFF ORPINGTON

A large well rounded bird. The colouring is a soft shade of golden buff. It is very docile in temperament. It is a dual purpose bird and described as an excellent table bird. Our Buff Orpington produces in excess of 180 eggs per year.The eggs are of good size and tinted to brown in colour. A real bonnie bird that will add that wee bit extra to your flock of poultry.

This concludes section of rare breeds (R.B.S.T).

The, “vulnerable and at risk category”, may also fall under, “the difficult to obtain” banner, depending on demand of course and the mood of our poultry. By definition of their rarity there can be many reasons why we will not be able to meet demand…..it may be a year where, the hens are not laying the number of eggs expected. Poor  fertility, or poor hatchability. Or some other reason, not yet covered. We certainly don’t want to put any one off from enquiring and we would do all we can to meet your needs. We are trying to be honest. If necessary, be patient and bear with us.

(Note.  Following, from the time of writing above, I regret to say we have had a visit from a determined fox and possibly other predators, resulting in a loss of some stock.
We must take full responsibility for this, although this is the first year this has been a problem. This knowledge doesn’t make acceptance any easier, but other farmers in the local area, have had persistent day-time attacks from foxes causing complete stock loss).

We are replacing our stock of Marsh Daisies and Ixworths, although this probably will have to be Hatching Eggs. We have also been left with one adult cockerel, Derbyshire Redcap and one Orloff Hen and no Indian Game birds. These will also be replaced.

Ideally we would hope to replace the rare breed stock mentioned above with quality adult stock, but the scarcity, especially in the area, may mean we will have to rely on, Hatching Eggs from Quality Specialists Breeders. (If you can help, please do get in touch.)

Next stop on our Breeds Tour: Traditional Large Fowl >