At Possum Creek farm, heritage breeds of chickens and turkeys are raised for eggs and meat. These breeds are something you might have seen on your grandparents or great grandparents farm. Many breed populations are declining as farmers' preferences change. Chicken breeds at the farm include Dorking, Plymouth Rock, Buckeye. and Bantam. MetroParks raises heritage breeds here because they are hardy and well-suited to our local environment.
Most chicken hens lay about one egg a day. Mature turkey hens typically lay an egg every other day. You do not need a rooster to have eggs, only if you wish to raise chicks. It takes 21 days for the eggs to hatch. An egg needs a constant temp of 93-97 degrees, humidity of 58-60 degrees, must be turned daily, and must be fertile in order to hatch.
