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What do Andre “the Hawk” Dawson, Phil Collins (with his band Genesis), and Tony Albritton all have in common?  All three gentlemen were inducted into their respective industry’s Hall of Fame in 2010.  Eight-time All-Star Player, Andre “The Hawk” Dawson earned his place in the American Baseball’s Hall of Fame for his excellence in his sport. Phil Collins and his former band Genesis was a natural pick to join the illustrious ranks of the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with three decades worth of hits in the music world.  Tony Albritton became the 53rd member of the American Poultry Association’s Hall of Fame after demonstrating for more many years superior skills in chicken breeding, raising and showing.  

Rhode Island Red – photo courtesy of Tony Albritton

What you probably did not know is that there are fewer members in the A.P.A.’s Hall of Fame than the Baseball or Rock and Roll Halls of Fame  — fewer by far. To be precise, there are only 60 individuals who have, to date, earned their induction onto the A.P.A.’s coveted Hall of Fame list.  More remarkable is that Tony Albritton is one of only three A.P.A. Hall of Famers who live in the Northwest!  The majority of members are located in the eastern or mid-western parts of the United States.

White Wyandotte – photo courtesy of Tony Albritton

Tony has been breeding, raising, selling and showing chickens since he was in the fifth grade.  Much of his success in poultry, Tony attributes to some key relationships he had as a young man.  Tony was blessed to have had in his youth a couple mentors who taught him well about poultry husbandry and showing.  He speaks particularly fondly of one of his mentors who was a 73 year old gentleman when he took Tony under his wing and shared his vast knowledge about chickens.  As a young man, Tony transitioned from exhibition poultry to owning a share in a successful poultry farm that raised chickens in batches of 30,000 birds at a time.  Consequently, he has a varied background in the world of chickens and brings insight and perspective to chicken issues that others might not have.

In a “pay it forward” sort of manner, Tony is very dedicated to the development of the next generation of chicken enthusiasts. Through his small-scale, high-quality hatchery, Feather Hills Farm, Tony generously strives to make sure that superior quality chicken stock is available to student poultry showman who are involved in such organizations as 4-H and the Future Farmers of America (F.F.A.). He regularly helps judge the junior division breed quality at chicken shows and also the more stressful youth showmanship competitions.  Young people must be able to deftly handle and control their birds while answering challenging quiz style questions about their chicken as well as other breeds of fowl in showmanship competitions.  Tony shared with the Urban Chicken Podcast that one of the things he admires most about organizations such as 4-H and F.F.A. is that they instill leadership qualities in their members.  Tony noted that leadership is a character trait that is, in his estimation, rarely taught to youth today.

White Leghorn Bantam – photo courtesy of Tony Albritton

Recently retired from a later career in construction, Tony has returned to his first love — showing high-quality, beautiful chickens.  He has several breeds that he raises, sells and shows, but he is particularly fond of his Rhode Island Reds, Speckled Sussex and White Wyandottes. Tony is quite emphatic about the significant disparity between the quality of chicken being mass produced by the some large-scale hatcheries and the actual A.P.A. breeds’ standards.  For example, he noted that a true, well-bred Rhode Island Red should be a dark, mahogany red/brown color with a brick styled body.  However, the average R.I.R. being sold at the local feed store is often 10 shades too light and sporting a different body shape.  Tony notes that the exhibition world and smaller hatcheries like his, should make better efforts to get backyard hobbyists chicken keepers interested in buying and raising birds truer to their A.P.A.standards.

Tony discusses his background in chickens, becoming a member of the A.P.A.’s Hall of Fame, the dangers of poultry vaccinations and much more on today’s episode!

Pilgrim Geese – photo courtesy of Tony Albritton

MAIN SEGMENT: 

• Tony Albritton (Feather Hills Farm) – phone number: (509) 995-7284
• Tony Albritton (Feather Hills Farm) – email: tsjealbrit@netscape.com
• APA – List of all Hall of Fame Members LINK
• Idaho Bird Breeders Assn. – Recent show win for Tony RESULTS
• Resource Tony suggested for finding good breeders – Poultry Press
• Magazine which Tony & other chicken breeders advertise – Backyard Poultry
• BYC Forum Thread – about Tony Albritton & Feather Hills Farm LINK
• Forum – mention of Tony as best Speckled Sussex Breeder LINK

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