A February morning, Cambridge Ontario, Canada | Murray’s Farm: Heritage breeds of chickens.
On a cold wintry day I took these photos while collecting farm fresh eggs in the hen house.
Heritage breeds are some of the breeds of chicken that have neared extinction due to commercial farming which does not favour their characteristics. Commercial chickens are very far away from natural. These Heritage chickens are wonderfully natural and interesting to look at. Lack of demand has led to dangerously low numbers due to lack of breeding. Over the years, North Americans have moved from family flocks to commercial poultry. The convenience factor has resulted in many chicken breeds nearing extinction.
Extinction of a breed would mean the irrevocable loss of the genetic resources and options it embodies.
Click on a thumbnail below to access and scroll through the photo gallery.
There is a need to ensure the future of agriculture through the genetic conservation and promotion of endangered breeds of livestock and poultry. – John Zeus
Additional photos of breeds taken late summer. 
JOHNZEUS.COM 
April 10, 2014 at 5:46 am
Wonderful photos! The chickens are looking beautiful. Thumbs up!
April 10, 2014 at 8:21 am
Thank you Tanmay!
April 30, 2013 at 9:15 am
Great photos.
April 30, 2013 at 9:20 am
Thank you Rex! Glad you like them. Heritage birds are just so beautiful to photograph.
October 7, 2012 at 6:47 pm
I see (by their eggs!) you have Marans! I love mine. I have an especially beautiful Copper Blue cockerel. I also keep heritage breeds, for the conservation reasons you mention and because they are cold-hardy (which is also, obviously, important for you, too!). I have Ameraucanas, Delawares, Cochins and am looking to bring in Dorkings. I’m interested in Chantacleers, which you have in Canada. Fun photos!