Wednesday, January 30, 2008

SPPA Breeders Directory


This morning an enthusiast called me, looking for Norwegian Jaerhons. This is a wonderful breed that lays well through winter. It's been around for many years but was standardized in the 1920s in Europe. It is not recognized by the American Poultry Association, www.amerpoultryassn.com/.

I was able to refer him to several breeders by consulting my copy of the SPPA Breeders Directory. The next one will be compiled over the summer.

Many breeds, such as the Jaerhon, remain unrecognized for exhibition purposes but have their advocates. This rooster, Tage, belongs to Barry Koffler, and his photo is part of the Jaerhon entry on www.feathersite.com. Birds of unrecognized breeds can be exhibited but cannot win top prizes. To become recognized, at least two hens, two pullets, two cocks and two cockerels of the breed must be shown at least twice each year for two years at APA shows. Judges then submit their opinions of the breed and a qualifiying meet is held. No fewer than 50 birds must be shown at that meet. The judges then decide whether the breed will receive recognition or whether more work needs to be done.

By definition, there aren't many flocks of breeds that have become rare. Enthusiasts may have difficulty finding flocks of the breeds they have or want to acquire. Exchanging birds to acquire new stock is important for keeping a flock vigorous and avoiding inbreeding.

The Breeders Directory is a crucial document in supporting rare breed owners. By having their contact information available to others, the community of rare breed owners becomes a network of support. You hold in your hand all the information you need to find other Jaerhon or Fayoumi breeders. Even relatively popular recognized breeds that have their own breed clubs, such as the Dominique Club of America, http://dominiqueclub.org/, find new breed enthusiasts in its pages. Not all fanciers belong to any organization.

Current members will receive a form to fill out and return to SPPA Second Vice President Mary Ann Harley in the Spring issue of the SPPA Bulletin. New members are welcome to join and submit their information before June 30. The 2008-2009 edition of the Bulletin will be available by Fall 2008.

Join through this site or by sending a check for $15 to SPPA Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Charles Everett, 1057 Nick Watts Rd., Lugoff, SC 29078.

4 comments:

reanna esposito burgess said...

HI, I HAVE SENT YOU A CHECK FROM JAMES BURGESS, IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA 33805. THIS IS SO I CAN JOIN THE SPPA, ACTUALLY MY WIFE WANTS TO JOIN, I SENT IN THE CHECK FOR MEMBERSHIP FOR HER, RENNEA BURGESS. HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE CHECK YET? I NEED TO KNOW PLEASE. SHE WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE HER MEMBERSHIP CARD, AND HER SPPA BREEDERS BOOK. THANK YOU, JAMES AND RENNEA BURGESS.

Christine Heinrichs said...

When did you send it? Did you send it to me, or to SPPA secretary Dr. Charles Everett? I haven't received it. Let me know and we will trace it down.

reanna esposito burgess said...

hi, i have sent off the check to you on oct. 23rd. 2009. in the amount of 15.00 dollars. made out to sppa/ charles everett. this was made out on my husband's checking account, james burgess. check number is 2545. please email me back for information. i rennea burgess, would like to receive my club membership information, breeders list, and my membership card. thank you, rennea burgess, and james burgess.

Christine Heinrichs said...

I shall look for your check. Please give me your email address so that we can communicate that way. Thanks.