Barnevelder breeders lets work together and improve the breed - Page 196

Hi Royce,

You never know RC Barnevelders may be popular with people that live in the colder climates where single combs freeze.  They have RC varieties of other breeds, why not Barnevelders....I always wondered why there wasn't any double-laced wyandottes too...there's just about all the other colors of dottes:) Anyway you'll have something different and people will want them:)

In my climate, the mid summer hatched birds turn out the smallest and the best time to hatch for me is early fall and late winter through late spring. The summer heat is the biggest stress here:(

I do keep finding myself wanting to hatch more and more in the quest to hatch "THE ONE" perfect bird. 

I also have about 6 dozen eating eggs in my fridge and everyday when gathering eggs I find myself thinking, "OOOhhh, what a pretty egg...I need to hatch it!"  But, I think the batch in my bator now is going to be my last until fall. Now I have to start figuring out which adult hens to keep and which to get rid of to make room for the new pullets.

Trisha

Hi Trisha, thanks.  We'll see what happens with the RC.  I just did it on a whim because I had this one bird that my mind told me I could maybe make it happen.  It was more of an experiment for me in genetics so I could learn a bit and have some fun.

I can see what your saying about the timing of your hatch down there.  That makes sense.  Whereas up here it's the constant cold wet weather that would be the major stessor, down there it would be the heat. 

As for the hatching, growing, and culling - I'm right there with you.  The quest for the perfect bird is always an added excitement.  And there is always one more thing to work on.  As you know, leg color is my primary focus now with the Barnies (and my Wellies) but I'm also going to raise up a bunch more males and see if I can't start getting more lacing to move into the breast.

God Bless,

Hey guys, I was wondering if some of you breeders could give me some opinions on my Bantam Barnevelder quad. They are 16 weeks old, so they may be a bit young, but any pointers on what I can look for in their future offspring would be awesome.

The cockerel

Pullet #1 and #3

Pullet #1

Pullet #2

Pullet #3

Royce~ I would love to see some of your RC project Barnies when you have the chance. I think Trisha is spot on about the RC catching on with some folks in the cold cold northern climates. Good on you for taking on such a project and many well wishes for continued success on them.

Take a look at the cool egg my Stephanie gave me yesterday. I love speckles! Reminds me of some Wellies eggs...only a lighter in color.

Hey there guys. Sorry I haven't been on. So busy with work, kids, and all the other things life throws our way.

I have a concern...I  have never had broody chickens before the barnevelders. I was gathering eggs to incubate and after 3 rounds of "duds" I finally got 2 out of 60 that are growing.  Well, at the same time my hen starting setting.  (I told my husband they know when the are fertile. He didn't believe me.)  So what to do?

A) Take the eggs from her after she has set this whole time, and incubate these last 3 days. 

B) Give her the 2 eggs I do have in the incubator.

C) Let her incubate then put all the eggs together with her.

D) Let her incubate then take all chicks and put in brooder.

E) None of the above. lol

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MORE CONCERNS:

She is setting in a nest about 3-4 feet off of floor. What do I do about that if I let her keep them?

There are other hens and roos in there with her. I have 2 female guineas that run with them also. Do I seperate them while she has lil ones?

PLEASE HELP!!! 

Hi Jen!

If she is setting tight and determined, I would give her the eggs and let her hatch them out and raise them. Less work for you and if she doesn't do a very good job (which I don't think will be the case) you can always remove them.

Good luck! Hope to hear good news and see some cute little chickies very soon!

Another problem... I noticed that 1 egg's air sac is on the side. Will this definitely be a problem or could it be ok? 

I guess I'm not very trust worthy. I want to go and get them so BAD! What will happen if I put all the eggs with her and they hatch 3-5 days different??

I'm sorry  for being so crazy about this,but I only have 2 hens and every egg counts. I really need all to hatch 

Thanks

PS yes she is very determined!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tls_ranch 

Just letting everyone know that I will have some pure hatching Barnevelder eggs available starting in about a week. So if anyone wants some please let me know and I'll see if I can fill some orders before it gets too hot:)

 

Trisha

Do you still have any? PLEASE SAY YES I only have 2 hens and am in desperate need of some more Barnies.

Thanks so much. Just let me know.

The air cell on the side could be an issue but I have had air cells on the side from time to time and they hatch just fine. Is it a really big air cell?