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Mechelse koekoek, Malines, Mechels, for all seasons.

8/20/2013

1 Comment

 
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What an amazing new addition to the flock! One word, Malines. Proud to say that we are one of the few blessed with these fat and happy birds.
Just the other day I was in the coops visiting with the birds. I picked up a hen and held her against my chest to reposition my hold on her as I inspected for any fowl play. Surprisingly she nuzzled her face up against me and held it there as if she was listening to my heartbeat. I enjoy moments like that, even amidst all the crowing and birds pecking the hair off my legs. Makes me thankful, even on the worse day of being a chicken farmer.
 
These birds are extremely docile and enjoy getting free on the farm. Even the roosters are quiet and respectful with the odd soft crow from time to time. They are equally content relaxing on the floor of the coop or lower perches given they have plenty of wiggle room to play.
At hatch, they are larger than any breed we have encountered, and they do it with veracity.  Even when upside down breech in the egg they hatch with no assistance. Its a blur of shells flying, swear words and peeps as they finally break free! They are double the size of most breeds due to the XXL egg and the nature of the breed.  They make up for the large volume of food they consume with an egg double the size of any store
bought! The males at 10 weeks under optimal conditions can weigh up to 4 kilogrammmmms.  They  have the wonderful auto sexing feature as you can tell by the picture to the left. Can you guess how many hens are in the photo? Ill give you a hint. They aren't the lighter coloured ones. 

These were used by Dr. Roth in the creation of the equally great (but smaller) Bielefelder chicken. Also rumoured
to play a part in the genetics too that gave way to the creation of the loved favorelle breed.  This is the ultimate free range utility bird and equally suitable for backyarders and children due to their calm demeanor. They breed true, no funky genetics here.  Only rare and heritage chickens need apply here. The feathered legs are a groovy bonus. Being a child of the 70's I keep thinking I've been transported back to a youthful place in time with all of these bellbottom chickens running around.
Spring wait will fill up fast. Reserve your place in the queue. Price is not available at this time. We are currently gearing up for fall environmental testing as well as serology to assure you some of the healthiest free range birds in Canada.
These have been a well kept secret in Canada for many years and what I would consider a local breed due to the strong Belgian influence for birds that are reminiscent of home. To my knowledge there are few breeders in Canada and fewer with a flock large enough for a good genetic program. Our goal is to keep these birds going and find more homes that will enjoy them as we do.
We do not ship to the USA. We ship Canada wide. Mostly eggs. If you would like these birds in the USA please submit a request to Greenfire Farms to import
unrelated lines as they search the world in their travels for some of the greatest chickens on earth.
 
And remember, buy from people that monitor the health status of their flock and meet the minimal equivalent of the US National poultry improvement plan. Its easy and inexpensive to test in Canada. Here is a good link. http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/ahc/
Preserve your investment for future generations!


Sincerely,
Farmer


Check back often for updates on the latest rare and heritage breeds in Canada.
www.gradeehfarms.ca

Delta BC, Canada


For more information please visit feathersite
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGK/Mech/BRKMechels.html

Please do not reproduce without written consent ©

1 Comment
Sunbird Farms link
9/3/2013 08:35:11 am

Farmer,
Great information. Funny you should mention this breed today as we are in the process of acquiring some ourselves. I look forward to reading more on your site. We will soon be sharing our lineup for this fall. Best of luck in BC!
Brice @ SBF

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    Hello There!

    Thanks for dropping by.  I'm Matthew Nelson, farmer of Grade Eh Farms.  I post on where my love and passion for life intersect with family, farming, food, & chicken for the soul.

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    Interesting Finds 

    Below are links to websites that gardeners and chicken owners may find helpful and interesting:
    Unique chicken coop for a small
    backyard:

    http://www.dwell.com/outdoor/article/coop-dreams
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    Best source for backyard henhouses in BC.  Locally-crafted chicken coops made of repurposed BC cedar:

    DailyEggs.com

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    A portion of our ordering policy was stolen from Legbars of Broadway.  Thanks Philip.  :-)
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