Lee Zook - Interview; 01/31/2013
Glad folks are interested in preserving the rare breeds. And I am happy to share with you what I know but frankly I am probably not the person you really want to get information from in regards to specific details regarding the bird. I looked at the survey you attached and did not think I could answer most of those questions with great detail or accuracy. However, here is what I can tell you.
While there was some variation with the bird, I clearly remember that the rooster had a very silvery "mane" which often extended to the back possibly to the midpoint of the body or more. And tail feathers that seemed to extend farther than usual for the size of the bird, often completely black, almost iridescent in hue. Hens seemed to have less of this mane though they typically had a silvery neck and shoulders so to speak. Eggs were light brown, not dark brown, typically small to medium, rarely if ever large. The bird generally was not all that meaty in my view though I never pushed grain and had most of my chickens foraging which may have decreased weight and size. But the breed seemed to have a smallish body though I know some saw it as a "meat and egg" bird.
I was never into breeding for purity and just can't give you any detailed information about much more than the above. I have in some sense lost interest in the rare breeds generally though wish to be supportive of folks who are working on these issues.
I would like to give you information that you may find useful. Clues in a detective case may or may not be important so I just pass them on!
[Information withheld to protect personal privacy of individuals named as possible sources for further information.]
Sincerely,
Lee
While there was some variation with the bird, I clearly remember that the rooster had a very silvery "mane" which often extended to the back possibly to the midpoint of the body or more. And tail feathers that seemed to extend farther than usual for the size of the bird, often completely black, almost iridescent in hue. Hens seemed to have less of this mane though they typically had a silvery neck and shoulders so to speak. Eggs were light brown, not dark brown, typically small to medium, rarely if ever large. The bird generally was not all that meaty in my view though I never pushed grain and had most of my chickens foraging which may have decreased weight and size. But the breed seemed to have a smallish body though I know some saw it as a "meat and egg" bird.
I was never into breeding for purity and just can't give you any detailed information about much more than the above. I have in some sense lost interest in the rare breeds generally though wish to be supportive of folks who are working on these issues.
I would like to give you information that you may find useful. Clues in a detective case may or may not be important so I just pass them on!
[Information withheld to protect personal privacy of individuals named as possible sources for further information.]
Sincerely,
Lee
