WITH the media coverage in poultry welfare over the last few months there has been an extraordinary amount of interest from the public with regards to the keeping and rearing of chickens - for their own use and also supplying products to the public on a small scale. This is an excellent idea but there are rules and regulations that have to be considered plus the breeds to use and equipment you will require.

The situation today regarding poultry and farming in general means that there is serious need for an increase in the rearing and keeping of our own pure-breed chickens. There is a important conservation issue here as the numbers have decreased over the years due to the ever-increasing numbers of hybrids that are now available. There is nothing wrong with the hybrid type of bird but we need to protect and preserve the true pure-breeds, many of which are still a good commercial-quality bird that produces good table birds and can supply as many eggs its hybrid cousins.

Turkeys and waterfowl are also a good investment for eggs and meat. The turkey is mainly seasonal but is still a good project to rear throughout the year. Ducks are always in demand for both eggs and meat, both of which can fetch a fair price. Hens and ducks are always much better if kept separated as this helps to keep control of both cleanliness and, more importantly, helps prevent disease.

There are many pure-bred flocks still in existence that produce good quality commercial birds. The Light Sussex, Rhode Island Red, Wellsummer, Leghorn are just a few of the suitable breeds. There is also a recent increase in the number of very rare breeds that are becoming available for the backyard keeper. These, although scarce, are superb producers and include the Ixworth, Derbyshire Red Cap and the even the rare American Buck Eye. There are limited numbers of these birds for sale around the UK but they are definitely worth the effort of trying to trace and purchase good quality examples and then using them for your production flock.

A large number breeds are only suitable for egg production, but there are many which come under the category of dual purpose birds. This description means that they are good layers but will also make good table birds.

The Rhode Island Red
This is probably one of the best known of all poultry breeds. In the past they were in many backyard flocks across the country. The breed has become popular as an exhibition bird but there are some good commercial strains that are perfect for the production of eggs and meat. The bird was created in the USA as a commercial breed. It is classed as a large heavy sort feather and lays a brown egg. One word of warning is that the ones bred for exhibition are not as prolific layers as the commercial variety. The reason is that they are closely bred to be a certain standard for colour, shape and type with their production qualities not being an important issue. (This applies to most breeds of pure exhibition quality birds). The skin and leg colour is yellow, which can sometimes be a problem when the bird is being sold for the table. The breed is an excellent table bird and can weigh in at up to 8.5lbs for the male and 6.5 lbs for the hen.

The Light Sussex
This breed is basically the same size as the Rhode but a slightly different shape and, as the name suggests, the bird is mostly white in feather with black marking around the neck and tail feathers. This is another well-proven breed that over the years has won many egg laying competitions. The eggs are white and normally a large size and the cocks can be easily fattened for the table if required. This has to be the best table bird available in a pure breed weighing in at about 9lbs for the cock and 7lbs for the female.

There are also other colours found in the Sussex - brown, buff, red, speckled, silver and white.

There is a need for the buyer to try to ensure that they buy a good strain that will fit both requirements.

The Wellsummer
This is a very attractive breed. It originated in Holland and was created by crossing Rhode Island Reds, Barnevelder, Partridge Leghorns, Cochin and Wyandotte. This was done for the commercial egg trade and was an instant success. They are very docile and lay a good brown egg. Suitable as an egg layer.

The Wyandotte
This breed has been a popular breed for many years but is not as common today. Records show that they are quite a good winter layer but the egg size can be lost if not managed correctly. The birds seem to have a prolonged laying life and will produce well in both their second and third year.

The Leghorn
One of the top of all layers, used for many years solely for egg production. This is another breed that is not as easy to find and needs to be returned to its former glory. A white egg layer, it tends to lay longer than most breeds but does lose its production during the winter months. It is also a bird that does not seem to waste time going broody.

The French Maran
This a breed that has become more and more popular. They are praised for the darkest brown eggs that are produced. The breed has a variation of colours most of which lay the dark egg, but beware not all birds that are classed as French Maran lay that exceptional egg. If you intend to purchase this breed, try to see the colour of the eggs they are producing.

The bird is really only suitable for egg production but will be a very attractive addition to the flock. The breed also has the characteristic of being feathered legged.

The Buckeye
This is a dual-purpose breed that originated in the USA. It is a large heavy rare breed and has been considered to be the forerunner of the Rhode Island Red. There is a cross section in this breed, which was how it was created. Indian game, Brahma were used and this has produced a superb egg layer with a broad heavy body, which is a perfect table bird.

It lays brown eggs and seems to be a fair all-year-round layer and is better if free-ranged with a good area of space; they do not do well if kept confined.

The Ixworth
This is a very rare breed which, thankfully, is making a small comeback. It makes an excellent table and egg-producing bird. The main colour is white with skin and flesh also being white in colour. The bird was created for commercial purposes in 1932 by Reginald Appleyard in the Suffolk village of Ixworth. There are several breeders in the UK who specialise in this breed and its survival.

There are so many breeds available that may suit different individuals that it is not possible to cover them all, but if you are not sure what you need just ask questions from smallholders and people who keep the breeds to find the one most suited to your own needs.

With the increase in feed prices, you have to take into account what it is going to cost to start a small production unit. There is also, as I have mentioned earlier, the rules and regulations which are imposed by the government. Defra have information sheets on the exact controls that may affect the sale of both eggs and meat. Although these may seem a little complicated, they are not quite as bad as they seem. Eggs have to stamped and identified, meat production is based on hygiene, all of which are sensible requirements.

Part two of this article will cover some of the basic rules and regulations and also the equipment that is required to carry out the various processes to sell you products.

If you are intending to produce for your own use and not to sell into an open market then the rules may not apply, as most of regulations relate to the reselling of products.

There is a growing market for home-grown produce and this is a world-wide fact. Fresh food that can be seen to be reared in a proper manner and in a more natural environment has to be better for the future. If you do decide to take on the challenge of becoming a small-time producer the rewards will be hard to achieve but well worth the effort.