Developing my own breed

[Bigtom Turkey]

Nice, I am working on a breed myself. I am using CX, golden comet (red sex-link) and plan on adding wyandotte.

 

[peepdaddy]

Nice, I am working on a breed myself. I am using CX, golden comet (red sex-link) and plan on adding wyandotte.

Sounds interesting. What is your ultimate goal? How far along are you in the process?

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

My goal is a bird that is table ready at 20 weeks, but unlike most "heritage breeds" is well muscled despite spending most of its life on pasture will little to no supplemental feed.

 

[Winter Creek Coop]

Cool. I had plans for a high volume light blue egg layer before we got Mareks. That put the brakes on things for a while. We are all recovered now but I am not taking in any outside birds right now because if bird flu. Maybe someday. Good luck with your breed.

 

[peepdaddy]

My goal is a bird that is table ready at 20 weeks, but unlike most "heritage breeds" is well muscled despite spending most of its life on pasture will little to no supplemental feed.

Best of luck. If you don't mind a little advice? I would encourage you to be persistent. It's an effort intensive process. Keep your goal in mind and try not to get sidetracked. Don't add too much new blood unless you see that your original genetics are falling short of what you want to accomplish then be very choosey with any additions.
Another pic.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

 

[peepdaddy]

I have a question and I would like to hear opinions from all interested BYCer's. In reference to the chickens I'm developing.
My last years hatch resulted in chickens with a barred feather pattern ranging from a "lemon" to orange color. They all have yellow legs, no straight combs, lay brown eggs and have a decent size body. I did cull heavily for various minor undesirable traits and processed these. They were a good table bird.
And maybe from the Buckeye influence? are excellent foragers. I'm hoping they breed true and I do believe they will. My question is what other traits do you feel a good dual purpose bird needs?

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Maternal instinct.

 

[peepdaddy]

Maternal instinct.

Thanks,
I haven't really bred for that as I'm using an incubator. I'll watch them this summer and if one goes broody I'll let her cary on and see what develops.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

That is a big thing for me, I don't know why but I like having a bird who can do all of it herself. The whole package kinda thing.