In 2011, we brought chickens back to the Rodale Institute farm. In addition to Sexlink production birds, we have several Chanteclers, Buckeyes, and Delawares. These birds are on critical and threatened lists of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
From the French ‘chanter,’ “to sing,” and ‘clair,’ “bright,” the Chantecler is the first Canadian breed of chicken. Buckeyes were developed in Warren, Ohio, and appropriately named after the “Buckeye State.” Delawares make an excellent dual purpose production bird as they have strong egg production and good meat qualities.
As more and more families are taking an interest in raising chickens in their backyard, we are beginning to raise our own chicks, doing our part to maintain and sustain these endangered breeds. Additionally, we are conducting a variety of classes for community members to teach best practices for raising backyard chickens.
When you sponsor a chicken, you're supporting this important research and education...and helping us to save this threatened population.
