Chicken species

More than 200 species of laying hens

In total, in the world, there could be more than 2000 species of hens. Among these, some are bred for meat and others for eggs.

It is important to distinguish between the two main families of laying hens. Those that have been crossed for many years of breeding to make modern hybrid hens that have higher laying capacities than pure breed hens. The pure and ancient species, make us discover beautiful hens of fantasy, ornaments, having attractions and characteristics quite spectacular. Modern laying hens are more efficient and more vigorous, but live on average less time than the old hens. Most of our hatcheries produce modern hybrid hens from long years of selection and crossbreeding.

Older broiler chickens are also less fleshy, but the flesh is very tasty, because the maturation is slower. Older chickens are more expensive to buy, but you contribute to the preservation of species and biodiversity. However, take the time to read about the characteristics of the species, because some hens lay very few eggs, others spend their time trying to brood, etc. Some are not adapted to Quebec’s climate and the layout of henhouses is very different from urban henhouses that can accommodate cold-resistant species.

It is important to know the right breeding techniques if you ever plan to breed them in order to keep the purity of the line.

Among the best breeds of laying hens for our Quebec climate, the red hen is excellent and can also be raised for its meat. This species is the New Hampshire Hen. Native to the state of New Hampshire in the United States. Imported to Europe in 1950. It was developed from Rhode Island mahogany around 1915.

The chantecler is a protected Canadian domestic chicken breed. In order to protect the breed, it cannot be sold to just anyone.  The chantecler is a two-purpose poultry (meat and laying), rustic, selected to withstand the very harsh winters of Quebec, with a small crest and rudimentary barbels, limiting to the maximum the frost grip. It has been threatened with extinction. It had almost disappeared from the landscape. This breed was created in Quebec, at Notre-Dame-du-Lac Abbey, by Brother Wilfrid1 from the Indian Fighter, the Leghorn, the Rhode-Island, the Wyandotte and the Plymouth. She was admitted to the standard in 1921. Ref: Wikipedia. For a few years now, breeders from Quebec have brought it back to us, but it is very protected in order to preserve the purity of the breed.

http://www.lapresse.ca/le-nouvelliste/actualites/200911/23/01-924099-la-poule-chantecler-resurgit-du-passe.php

http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Especially-Cold-Hardy-c68.aspx

It is resistant to Quebec’s cold northern climate in winter. Black hens are also a good choice as well as Plymouth and Wyandotte. You will find abundant sources of information on the websites and pictures of the different breeds.

example:

http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Chickens

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_des_races_de_poules#Canada

https://poultrykeeper.com/chicken-breeds/

http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Especially-Cold-Hardy-c68.aspx

It is resistant to Quebec’s cold northern climate in winter. Black hens are also a good choice as well as Plymouth and Wyandotte. You will find abundant sources of information on the websites and pictures of the different breeds.

example:

http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog/Chickens

There are various types of crests and barbels in hens.

Generally, we hear that short peaks are better suited to the cold! That said, you should know that some hens with small crests can’t stand the intense cold at all!

Therefore, one should not generalize about species, but rather consult the reference books, regarding species-specific characteristics. For example, New Hamshipre and Rhode Island, which are often at the base of the genetics of our beautiful hybrid hens sold by our hatcheries, have beautiful large crests and yet are very resistant to cold. The ridge is not the only factor, or indicator of cold resistance!