Three Different Approaches...

Grant Brereton quite engaging weighs up the benefits of three methods of breeding

- Grant Brereton

This year many breeders of pure varieties of poultry are having a 'year than usual; just a small number to keep the precious bloodlines going. It is a very sad situation, as the bird flu continues to loom over us. As a result, many people [involved in the showing side of the hobby] fear that demand for surplus stock will be much lower, and don't relish the idea of being overstocked in the coming months.

I am one such breeder, who is also affording the family garden an opportunity to have a rest - as the weather really did for the grass last year. However, in order that it's not a wasted year, I have offered hatching eggs from all my pens to prospective keepers. This has proved popular, and when I realized that many people can hatch more than I could personally, it feels good to think that these precious old lines are spread about a bit. Maybe that's a little chink of positivity in these times.

An overlooked hinderance to breeders nowadays is undoubtedly their available facilities, which, in many cases, have been utilised to comply with the government bird flu regulations, making space now a premium on their property. Through enforced measures, rearing sheds or indoor breeding pens might now be where the main flock resides.

COST OF LIVING CRISIS AND POULTRY BREEDING

Of course, bird flu isn't the only consideration these days. The cost of living crisis has made many people think about future short-term breeding plans. Poultry feed has increased exponentially in price in recent times, particularly breeders pellets, which in some instances are pushing £20 per 20 kilo bag. This has 'priced many of us out,' unfortunately, despite empathising that the feed companies and retailers have no other option.