Endangered Species Alert: The Chicken

Everyone has heard of "endangered species". But did you know that there are breeds of domesticated animals that are in danger of extinction? There are sheep, rabbits, goats, donkeys, turkeys, geese, swine and yes, even chickens.

These threatened breeds are often no longer actively bred due to modern commercialization or industrial applications of the animal. For example, endangered breeds of chickens are often pushed aside in favor of poultry that matures faster, gains more weight in specific areas (plump, juicy breast and thighs, meatier wings, etc.) or has a higher egg production rate.

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy lists a conservation priority list regarding poultry:

Poultry breeds on the ALBC priority list generally conform to certain population parameters. These involve both genetic and numerical aspects.

The breed is from one of the four traditional North American poultry species (chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys). A bantam breed may be listed if there is no large fowl counterpart. The breed census satisfies numerical guidelines:
Critical: Fewer than 500 breeding birds in the United States, with five or fewer primary breeding flocks (50 birds or more), and globally endangered.
Threatened: Fewer than 1,000 breeding birds in the United States, with seven or fewer primary breeding flocks, and globally endangered.
Watch: Fewer than 5,000 breeding birds in the United States, with ten or fewer primary breeding flocks, and globally endangered. Also included are breeds with genetic or numerical concerns or limited geographic distribution.
Recovering: Breeds which were once listed another category and have exceeded Watch category numbers but are still in need of monitoring.
Study: Breeds which are of interest but either lack definition or lack genetic or historical documentation.

At this time, there are 20 breeds on the Critical list.

There are 6 breeds on the Threatened list.

There are 10 breeds on the Watch list.

There are 6 breeds on the Recovering list.

The Study list is currently comprised of 13 breeds.