Cornish - Page 4

I'm assuming that like other hatchery-type birds, they are bred for an increase in egg production and to look somewhat similar to the breed standard.

Think of it this way...hatcheries make money off of the chicks that hatch.  If a breed is known to not lay very many eggs, they're not going to make much money off that breed since they won't have the supply to meet the demand.  BUT, if they breed for an increase in egg production, they can increase their profit margin...even if it's to the detriment of the overall product.

I'm with you Krys - and I think I know the name .
Pics would be great- lots of people that post when a cornish thread come up will quote the standard and never follow up with pics of their flock or don't even have Cornish. I would love the see some sombody post pics of their SQ dark cornish for all to see.

Steve

Ok here we go, I think I have this figured out.

What I consider to be a Heritage Type rooster:



What I consider a Ex-Wide Exhibition Roo (he was hot so I couldn't get him to keep his winds up today):



Another Exhibition type Rooster not as wide:



Big E (Heritage roo) being goofy:

The Heritage roo is in a molt right now so right now it looks like he sleeps in a blender.  Anyway...

In my opinion, when the leg stance widens, the chest starts to come down.  I am not happy with the leg length on any of these birds, way too short.  The eye color is off too, pale yellow instead of pearl.

The exhibition roos have problems with their fluff color, the Heritage roos color is nearly perfect, although his hackle and saddle feathering are too long, and overall fathering too loose.

The Heritage roo does not have the correct heartshaped back, you can see on the front shot that his shoulders/chest are not prominent enough to give the effect.  His back is too level, and his tail too high.

An shot of one of the middle sized Roos back:


The Heritage roo does have a nice depth of keel bone and nice hip angle, where the largest Exhibition roo is a little flat in the breast and the hip angle is closing so he can balance his weight.

Enjoy the photos.

I have truly enjoyed this thread as I have recently aquired some standard White Cornish, I have learned a bunch from RYU who is very knowledgable and has a nice flock. If any of you cornish folks know of anyone with whites please post if possible.

                                                AL

Well worth the wait, Ryu. Nice looking birds you have there. Standard-bred LF Dark Cornish are rare as hen's teeth (if you'll pardon the pun). And it's always refreshing to hear a breeder give an honest and studied appraisal of his/her own stock (as opposed to false modesty). Thanks for that, too.

By chance do you have any close-up shots of your females? Would love to better see the ground color and lacing on those beauties...

Thanks again,
The Chookster

I love the Cornish bantams. Just won champion bantam in juniors, reserve aoccl in adults and best game bird out of all the juniors. The judges loved him. He is solid as a rock ad even though he is a little chunky the judge did not care. They are very friendly and relative east to hatch and raise. The short legged males make great showbords but not so good of breeders due to there legs.

I can do that tomorrow.  They are molting as well so that will be a treat. 

I am not real happy with my lacing yet.  I want the two smooth 'U' shaped arcs of black on every feather.  The arcs are occasionally interrupted and sometimes 'v' shaped on my birds.  I do like the ground color on my hens, but the lacing pattern needs work.  I look at the chicks and the fluff on my roos and smell Wheaton.

Which is part of the reason why the goofy little heritage roo with the correct coloring is hanging around.  You can't really appreciate how intricate the coloring is on the roos until you hold one.  The Blood red shafts on the hackle, the deep red centers on the body feathering, the green ebony sheen--I can look at their feathers for hours. 

I think it's going to take 3-4 generations to get them where I feel like I'm producing my vision of what a Standard Cornish is.  They are worth it though, love my big guys.

Does anyone have a pic of what the hens are supposed to look like?  All the pics I see are of roos.

Will I have to alter my roost and nest box levels?? because of their size and flight disposition. for standard Cornish adults.

                                                   AL