Surviving Minnesota!

ejb3810 said:

Holm, as relates to the Sumatras I think it is more important with this breed what your source of stock is than it is with many breeds. Cold tolerance I think is an issue of concern, so if you can find birds from a breeder in a climate similar to yours it would probably work out best.
Some people have found the birds do not do well in cold winter conditions? The large tail although good looking to many presents problems for showing, as the long feathers are more likely to be damaged?

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That was one of my concerns when I ordered Yokohama's. I am hoping after a couple years ( or before I die to get a cold hardy line) I plan to just breed the ones that do the best over winters (plural)....

I know I will never get a 20 ft tail, but it would be so cool to have....

ejb3810 said:

Holm, as relates to the Sumatras I think it is more important with this breed what your source of stock is than it is with many breeds. Cold tolerance I think is an issue of concern, so if you can find birds from a breeder in a climate similar to yours it would probably work out best.
Some people have found the birds do not do well in cold winter conditions? The large tail although good looking to many presents problems for showing, as the long feathers are more likely to be damaged?

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I am 100% with Ed on this. Consider your weather conditions. That is what I like most about the Buckeyes, they are so hardy.
You should look at the Chanteclers, they always need more people breeding them. Any pea comb large breed, even some rosecombs (Wyandottes) are good for up in our cold climate. I like Sumatras. Have you ever see Cubalayas? They are more of a gamey type bird, but I live how their tails set.
Jersey Giants are pretty cool too, but they take forever to grow out all the way.
See, with me, I like so many, I just have a hard time with making a list without going hog wild. lol

duluthralphie said:

That was one of my concerns when I ordered Yokohama's. I am hoping after a couple years ( or before I die to get a cold hardy line) I plan to just breed the ones that do the best over winters (plural)....

I know I will never get a 20 ft tail, but it would be so cool to have....

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I love the Red Shouldered Yokohamas, but I would never attempt one of those long-tailed breeds. I love the gypsy face of the Sumatras as much as their tails.

Salmon Faverolles are a really nice breed too @holm25 I just have the bantams though. I can give you a breeder to check with though. You need to bring a little black book of breeders to the show in Hutch when you go.

I was gonna try find some Chanteclers. I found a breeder in Wisconsin that I have not contacted yet. His name is Michael Gilberts. He breeds his own line so idk the quality. I might try get pics of his birds.

EJB do u sell any Chanteclers?

holm25 said:

I was gonna try find some Chanteclers. I found a breeder in Wisconsin that I have not contacted yet. His name is Michael Gilberts. He breeds his own line so idk the quality. I might try get pics of his birds.

EJB do u sell any Chanteclers?

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Holm, I have partridge Chanticler, BUT I did not get a great hatch this year, being an optimist I hope for thousands next year. I did not realize I had to trim them to get fertile eggs. Then once I did the hens decided to be broody instead of laying eggs. I got mine originally from EJB, they are some nice birds. That's why he gets a rooster back, I owe him 6 pullets but I did not get them, so next year he gets them, hopefully.

It was one of those deals like you and I made where we swapped stuff...

Just got done visiting my Grandparents. My grandpa is having 2 heart valves replaced on Wednesday, we are going to get there during the surgery but not before. so we went to see him just in case the inevitable....
We left in a rush though since there's a storm heading our way.

Just thought I would share some pics.


My Guineas are growing like weeds!




And a pied Guinea.


Our Purple ribbon birdy.


And tracks from the Timberwolf who is lurking around. We have giant hands so its a really big track! I will have to take a tape measure out later.


And my pen of Buckeyes started laying today!!

I got a NH egg this morning and another one this afternoon, so the LF are starting to lay here too. I have gotten some bantam pullet eggs too, so I guess it is that time! WoooHooo!
I am glad the tail set on your cockerels came out good. I was worried since the sire carries his a little low. I figured the hens would make up for it though.

Minniechickmama said:

I got a NH egg this morning and another one this afternoon, so the LF are starting to lay here too. I have gotten some bantam pullet eggs too, so I guess it is that time! WoooHooo!
I am glad the tail set on your cockerels came out good. I was worried since the sire carries his a little low. I figured the hens would make up for it though.

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My cockerels tail is a little lower set but I think he still looks good. Here is a pic of him.

holm25 said:

Also I am trying to find another breed to get into. Any ideas? I really like the Sumatras but havent made my final decision.

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Bantam Cochins!