Quote:
I would say the two roos that I processed and these two as well, had average to just above average breasts. Their keels are not as prominent as those of Delawares that I had, if I remember correctly. Haven't had Dels in over a year.
There is quite a bit of fluff compared to a Cornish, about as much as a Delaware. When processed the two roos had good size breast and drumsticks both. Nothing to brag about, just not small, or skinny.
There are two main reasons I decided to keep these guys. The first is because they didn't start crowing until about 6 months of age and then didn't crow that much. Perhaps because the dominate roo did the crowing. When I culled the dominate roo (Dark Jersey X) These guys started crowing more. Me living in the city, noise is a big consideration. I've had other breeds start crowing at 5 weeks.
The second reason I kept these for breeding is because the one cooked by my neighbor was very good tasting. The meat wasn't loose like Cornish X's or fast food chickens. Delawares are supposed to be good tasting and on the Ark of Taste. So I am shooting for a Larger breasted Delaware that has a distinct comb so as to not be confused with them.
A third reason I kept them is because the roos, while not "friendly" don't run away, or act aggressive like the Delaware roos that I had. They stay about arms length away, act as if curious, and don't mind much if picked up. But I tend to handle them fairly regularly. I try to reach out and stroke their breasts. They really don't like having a hand coming down at them to try to stroke their backs. They will run away if you try that.
As far as breeding; the original hens are mostly small, disappointing for meat birds. They are somewhat friendly. Their offspring vary widely. I have a nice looking young hen that is almost half the size of another hen the same age. Comb type and overall size then color is what I am culling for now.
Thanks for the advice al6517 I will try to outcross but need to get some breeding stock. I have a few months to work on getting some. I am nearly clueless about good breeding proceedures. I have been muddleing through for years, keeping a roo for only one season. These guys will be the first in line breeding that I will do.
I generally try to keep a closed flock and only buy eggs that I hatch out. I had a bad experience with some healthy birds that ended up being carriers. Thank goodness I put them in with some culls prior to introducing them to the flock. I had to cull all the young culls that had been exposed.
I am starting to ramble so I'm ending it here.
Rick