Breeder Profile:
Isaac Walker
Let me introduce Isaac Walker to you. He is only 13, but has been breeding his chicken of choice, the Silkie, for almost 7 years. He has been home schooled for many years, and this has helped build his love of chickens according to him. He has had his photography of chickens published in Jackie French‟s Chook Book, won numerous prizes at shows, and he recently even did a „talk‟ on chickens at „The Center‟, a get-together meeting for the elderly and disabled who wish to „socialise‟ which is held monthly by the Anglican Church of St Clements, Kingston. Isaac is also due to have an entire book of chicken photography by him to be published in the near future.
But none of the above is really what this is about. What counts is that Isaac is a great supporter of fellow juniors, and he has donated several Junior Encouragement Awards to various poultry clubs and societies during his time as a member of the hobby. He is also dedicated to rare breeds, and in fact the selection of birds he breeds consists entirely of rare varieties or breeds, including Red Jungle Fowl, Japanese Bantams and Silkies. Isaac has also recently become „unofficial‟ editor of the Rare Breed Poultry Club Of Tasmania‟s website, and the "What we breed" page on his personal website boasts an impressive selection of rare breeds that he and his family breed, including Aylesbury Ducks, Brahma‟s, Blue Australorps, and rare coloured Muscovy Ducks. Many people may also know Barry, the white Silkie cockerel which Isaac im-ported from the Tisdell family of NSW last year, who has won several Reserve Champion Jun-iors and Reserve Champion Soft-Feather Larges.
The Walker‟s also live the lifestyle they promote. When you visit the Walker families property, Skye Farm, you find an almost classic story-book farm, except the chickens are all weird and wonderful varieties, and the house is reminiscent of a Swedish mountain lodge. The family of chickens includes Adolf, who goose-steps instead of walking normally, Ginger Nut, the strang-est coloured Silkie you will ever meet, who was eventually classed a „Harlequin‟, Bluestein, the Buff Blue Columbian Silkie cockerel who has progeny in every colour from Partridge to Blue, and many other unique characters.
The Walker‟s have many other animals, including a deaf quarter-horse called Misty, the lovable but huge German Shepherd, Duke, the one-eyed tailless long haired moggy Jake, and the ducks who have a liking for lining up from biggest to smallest, meaning the enormous Aylesbury leads the way, while the pair of tiny and petite Call drakes come in last. Stepping in side the house is like changing worlds. The Walker‟s, who include Judi, Isaac‟s mother who loves to crack jokes, Adrian, Isaac‟s father who is an avid collector of antique books, and Peter and Samuel, the twins who are complete opposites, in both personalities and looks, and Isaac himself, are all very friendly and you will almost always be treated to a divine home-made biscuit, cake or scone, with a hot cup of tea when you sit down, and the rustic charm of the cathedral ceilings, 50 foot long lounge, and the Huon Pine benches and Black Wood clad interior will rub off on you for certain and Isaac‟s „Chicken Collection‟ is sure to charm, which includes everything from stuffed chicken toys to ceramics, antique stickers and chicken medallions.