Friesian Cockerel - Does anyone own one?

[bantamguy]

Hi guys,

Does anyone own a Friesian Cockerel on the board. If so, does anyone have any information on them e.g. characteristics and behaviour... anything really.

Any information, adive or links would be appreciated ;D.

Thanks,

- bantamguy

[Kickingbird]

Does the friesian have a different name here in the states like the cochin? Just wondering, I'm not familiar with them.

KB

[bantamguy]

Hi KB,

I tried searching the net for information on the breed Friesian and im not having very much luck. I asked someone i knew and she told me that it's a rare breed, so i not quite sure if they have them in the states.

What little information i could find is below:

This ancient breed is from the Dutch province of Friesland. They're supposed to be egg machines, laying early and producing masses of white eggs. They are also supposed to be very nervous and flighty, not an easy bird to keep in a confined space.

Friesians occur in both single and rose comb forms. On the continent the birds are standardized at 5.5 pounds for males and 4.5 for females, although the birds found in the UK under this name are nearly small enough to be considered bantams. Females have an even pattern of barring on body, wings and tail and the birds appear in many different colours, including Yellow Pencilled, White, Black, Red Mottled and Blue Pencilled.

I have the Yellow-White Pencilled breed, just wanted to know if anyone on the board had the same breed.

Thanks,

- bantamguy

[fowlplay]

i would like to see one.....do you have a pic?

[bantamguy]

This isn't my cockerel but he's very similar to this one, he's also far more attractive... lol.



This is a Yellow-White Pencilled Friesian Cockerel.

- bantamguy

[fowlplay]

he is sharp...i like that. i would like to find how that breed was created.

[bantamguy]

I know, they are a lovely breed to look after. Although he's been a little touchy lately, his Tostestrone levels must be high or something because he keeps going after me when i go to feed him and his hens. I have been trying to do some research into the breeds origins but alas im not having any luck so far .

Here's a picture of a Friesian Hen, just thought i'd add for you too see as well... enjoy!



- bantamguy

[fowlplay]

thanks bg....keep us posted on your studies....i would like to have a pair of them someday

[bantamguy]

Hi fowlplay,

I've managed to find some information on their History:

Frisian poultry is one of the oldest breeds in the Dutch environment. Digging of mounts of earlier inhabitants learned us that the Frisian poultry breed already existed in Friesland 2000 years ago. Because the Frisians took good care of their poultry the breed could survive the centuries.

Originally the Frisian poultry was"pencilled".They were largely self supporting and well spread over the country. Other colors appeared later on.

The dwarf form was created round 1930,it is unknown exactly on which way. In earlier days there has also been a Frisian chicken with short legs, probably this one is used for the breeding of the dwarf. The shortlegged animal pity enough is died out.

The first systematic descriptions of the Frisians are dated around 1900. Written sources mention about "pencilled chickens" for the first in 1565 in a prohibition on export of several domestic animals.Short after 1900 the situation of the breed decreased rapidly. Other breeds were imported because their production of bigger eggs and more meat, important properties to the poor inhabits at that time.

During world war one the government arranged the availability of extra forage for so called "beneficial"poultry breeds. Frisian poultry was however not mentioned on this list. In the twenties the breed is on its lowest ebb. Then fortunately already a number of affectionate persons had founded the "Frisian poultry club".They traced and collected the remaining animals.

During world war two there was again an arrangement on extra forage, this time for so called exceptionally domestic animals. Probably for the Germans to save the old "Teutonic"breeds. Things like this helped the animals through these tough times. Now-a-days the breed is well spread. It appears not only in Friesland but also in Holland, Belgium and Germany

In Friesland they call this pencilled color "wheat" because its similarity with the wheat-ear.

Also:

The Frisian Poultry belongs to the so called light weight poultry breeds.It is a vital and more or less rather fussy breed. It seldom broods and it is a first rate egg producer.

- bantamguy

[chicken27]

Hi
I breed Bantam Friesians and as they are laying well you could buy eggs
I have the Gold, Yellow and lemon penciled also cuckcoo's
Best to get in contact with the rare poultry club to get all the details you need