Quebec breed of chicken on the verge of extinction
Anne Caroline Desplanques, QMI Agency First posted: Sunday, April 05, 2015 05:04 PM EDT | Updated: Sunday, April 05, 2015 05:11 PM EDT
MONTREAL - According to farmers, if something isn't done soon, Quebec's Chantecler chicken could be cooked.
The breed, which in 1999 was recognized as native to Quebec, is proving to be not as cost-effective as other chickens.
"It's a miracle that the Chantecler is still found anywhere," said agronomist Pierre Ferron, who has studied the history of the breed.
While this type of chicken has historically been a favourite of Quebec farmers because it can breed without heating or artificial light, it has largely been abandoned except by some die-hard farmers, about 20 in the province.
In 2009, three poultry associations in Quebec created a plan to ensure the continuation of the Chantecler, but six years later, it's hard to find it in grocery stores.
"There's no problem with the taste," said Ferron. "The only problem is cost-effectiveness and the ability of producers to meet demand."
Andre Auclair, head of Quebecs federation of heritage breeders said the slow development of the hens keeps it from competing with other breeds."‹
MONTREAL - According to farmers, if something isn't done soon, Quebec's Chantecler chicken could be cooked.
The breed, which in 1999 was recognized as native to Quebec, is proving to be not as cost-effective as other chickens.
"It's a miracle that the Chantecler is still found anywhere," said agronomist Pierre Ferron, who has studied the history of the breed.
While this type of chicken has historically been a favourite of Quebec farmers because it can breed without heating or artificial light, it has largely been abandoned except by some die-hard farmers, about 20 in the province.
In 2009, three poultry associations in Quebec created a plan to ensure the continuation of the Chantecler, but six years later, it's hard to find it in grocery stores.
"There's no problem with the taste," said Ferron. "The only problem is cost-effectiveness and the ability of producers to meet demand."
Andre Auclair, head of Quebecs federation of heritage breeders said the slow development of the hens keeps it from competing with other breeds."‹
Carl Brantley holds a chantecler chicken, the only breed developed in Canada, at the Sarnia Poultry and Pigeon Show Saturday Feb. 9, 2013 at DeGroot's Nurseries in Sarnia, Ont. TYLER KULA/ THE OBSERVER/ QMI AGENCY
Quebec breed of chicken on the verge of extinction | Canada | News | Toronto Sun
Anne Caroline Desplanques, QMI Agency First posted: Sunday, April 05, 2015 05:04 PM EDT | Updated: Sunday, April 05, 2015 05:11 PM EDT
MONTREAL - According to farmers, if something isn't done soon, Quebec's Chantecler chicken could be cooked.
The breed, which in 1999 was recognized as native to Quebec, is proving to be not as cost-effective as other chickens.
"It's a miracle that the Chantecler is still found anywhere," said agronomist Pierre Ferron, who has studied the history of the breed.
While this type of chicken has historically been a favourite of Quebec farmers because it can breed without heating or artificial light, it has largely been abandoned except by some die-hard farmers, about 20 in the province.
In 2009, three poultry associations in Quebec created a plan to ensure the continuation of the Chantecler, but six years later, it's hard to find it in grocery stores.
"There's no problem with the taste," said Ferron. "The only problem is cost-effectiveness and the ability of producers to meet demand."
Andre Auclair, head of Quebecs federation of heritage breeders said the slow development of the hens keeps it from competing with other breeds."‹
MONTREAL - According to farmers, if something isn't done soon, Quebec's Chantecler chicken could be cooked.
The breed, which in 1999 was recognized as native to Quebec, is proving to be not as cost-effective as other chickens.
"It's a miracle that the Chantecler is still found anywhere," said agronomist Pierre Ferron, who has studied the history of the breed.
While this type of chicken has historically been a favourite of Quebec farmers because it can breed without heating or artificial light, it has largely been abandoned except by some die-hard farmers, about 20 in the province.
In 2009, three poultry associations in Quebec created a plan to ensure the continuation of the Chantecler, but six years later, it's hard to find it in grocery stores.
"There's no problem with the taste," said Ferron. "The only problem is cost-effectiveness and the ability of producers to meet demand."
Andre Auclair, head of Quebecs federation of heritage breeders said the slow development of the hens keeps it from competing with other breeds."‹
Carl Brantley holds a chantecler chicken, the only breed developed in Canada, at the Sarnia Poultry and Pigeon Show Saturday Feb. 9, 2013 at DeGroot's Nurseries in Sarnia, Ont. TYLER KULA/ THE OBSERVER/ QMI AGENCY
Quebec breed of chicken on the verge of extinction | Canada | News | Toronto Sun
