In this engaging discussion, master breeder Frank Reese Jr. shares his expertise in heritage poultry, focusing on breeds like Barred Rocks and New Hampshire. He explains the importance of maintaining genetic diversity and the ideal flock sizes for robust breeding. Frank contrasts traditional strains with modern hybrids, emphasizing the pitfalls of extreme selection. He also offers insights into cooking heritage birds for the best flavor and tenderness. Plus, he advises on sourcing stock and the value of engaging with breed clubs to promote genetic integrity.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Maintain Genetic Diversity
Determine your breeding population size and share bloodlines if you can’t maintain large numbers yourself.
Share roosters or chicks with trusted partners to preserve genetic diversity when flocks are small.
insights INSIGHT
Sexes Drive Different Traits
Hens and roosters influence different traits; hens shape body size and health while roosters shape egg production and plumage.
Selecting the wrong sex for a trait chase undermines intended improvements, especially in turkeys.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Scaling To Multiple Farms
Frank expanded his breeding program to farms in Pennsylvania and Nebraska after decades of effort.
He now finally gets research opportunities and wider attention for heritage strains.
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In Part 2 of our Heritage Poultry Flock Breeding & Management series, master breeder Frank Reese, Jr. dives into the practical realities of keeping true utility strains going—how many hens you need to maintain genetic diversity, when to share bloodlines with trusted partners, and how hens vs. roosters influence different traits (hens driving body size and skeletal/health; roosters shaping egg production and plumage pattern). We also talk through the business side: define your market before you build, know your state/federal rules, budget for testing and processing, and price realistically.
Frank contrasts heritage strains with modern industrial hybrids (and why extreme selection for only meat or only eggs harms longevity and fertility), then gets delightfully hands-on about how to cook heritage birds—why older cookbooks (pre-1950) and pressure-frying/low-and-slow methods matter for flavor and tenderness. If you’re sourcing stock, he highlights Good Shepherd partners (NJ/PA, NE) and offers timeless advice: pick a breed you love, study the APA Standard, and learn from dedicated breed clubs so you can breed forward without “chasing crosses.”
You can listen to this episode at www.thepoultrykeeperspodcast.com
Poultry Keepers Podcast