Ideal Township author and poultry expert Loyl Strombeg had a visit from another distinguished man in the poultry world, Hans Schippers.
Schippers from Holland in the Netherlands, is author of 33 books and known internationally for his poultry expertise. He is a member of 40-some poultry organizations, has judged in England's International Poultry Show, and travels extensively.
The pair initially became in touch through Stromberg's mail-order poultry catalog more than 30 years ago.
Now their shared love of poultry has brought them together for a visit again.
Schippers, 65, is fourth-generation in the poultry business. He started a hobbyist and then began working with the animals. His first book was published in 1985.
In the 1970s Holland would import poultry from the United States and worldwide. However, in the 1990s regulations made it too difficult to continue the practice so Holland does not import poultry anymore, Schippers said.
The United States is important in the history of poultry, Schippers said. Most of the utility breeds - for meat production and egg production - were developed in the U.S.
Poultry breeders worldwide are broken into three main categories: show breeders, commercial breeders and cock fight purveyors. Although cockfighting is almost seen as taboo in the U.S., countries like Mexico and the Philippines have cockfighting prominently. France has seen growth in illegal cockfights, Schippers added.
Over the years his research in poultry genetics has exposed him to many varieties of birds. His favorites are the Bonneville hens - known for their brown eggs; and the Sebrights Bantum - distinguished by its black, white and silver feathers.
In 1989 Holland opened the first poultry museum in the world; The Dutch Poultry Museum in Bonneville, Netherlands.
The museum there sports new, decorated cages. The dˇcor is meant to "make it a thing of beauty and an experience to come there," Schippers said.
"The genetic and historical value of poultry is appreciated in Holland," Schippers added.
And, locally, arguably, no one appreciates poultry more than Stromberg.
Stromberg, now 93, is founder of the National Poultry Museum in Bonners Springs, Kansas, and has secured adequate donations to open a second building there in 2008. Stromberg has a large personal collection of chicken memorabilia from all over the world.
"Mr. Stromberg is the godfather for poultry internationally; he's very well known," Schippers said. "He's an expert in breeds and history."
