American serama thread!

[bullets]

Couple of questions about everyone's Seramas for those who wish to answer. Just things I'm curious on as I am very new to the breed. A little bit about mine first. I've got a quad that are about 6 months old. 2 of the 3 pullets have started laying almost two weeks ago. They lay every other day. I have gotten 16 eggs combined in the passed 13 days. Their egg sizes have not increased. I'm sure they might when given more time. One lays a 15-16g the other lays a 18-19g egg. They themselves weigh 11-12oz each. They currently reside in a 4ft x 2ft x 3ft cage i built in my unheated garage as it's winter. They seem to be doing well and am excited to hatch out babies when the time is right.

Onto the questions:
What age did your pullets start to lay?

How much does each egg typically weigh?

ETA Appx how often do yours lay during their peak and what age did it start for you?

How much do your Seramas weigh and what age?

Are yours broody?

What age did they first become broody?

What size eggs do you wait for before incubating?

How many Serama eggs do you let your broody take on? 10? 6? What about LF eggs?

What size nest do yours lay in?

What do you do with your Seramas in winter? Does anyone just let them stay in the coop all winter? What temps?

Do you have cockerels that prefer only one pullet? I ask because out of the two that are laying I have only seen mine mount the the one pullet. Never seen it with the other. Poor girls feathers are thinking on her head from being pulled on from the cockerel hanging on while mounting. I haven't been able to check for a bulls eye in an opened egg because out of the 5 I've opened I punctured the yolks :[

Sorry for all the questions but I've searched for a answers on each but there's not much specifically on Seramas. What I did find was incomplete information.

I'm glad I have you guys!

<3

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Couple of questions about everyone's Seramas for those who wish to answer. Just things I'm curious on as I am very new to the breed. A little bit about mine first. I've got a quad that are about 6 months old. 2 of the 3 pullets have started laying almost two weeks ago. They lay every other day. I have gotten 16 eggs combined in the passed 13 days. Their egg sizes have not increased. I'm sure they might when given more time. One lays a 15-16g the other lays a 18-19g egg. They themselves weigh 11-12oz each. They currently reside in a 4ft x 2ft x 3ft cage i built in my unheated garage as it's winter. They seem to be doing well and am excited to hatch out babies when the time is right.

Onto the questions:
What age did your pullets start to lay?
23 weeks

How much does each egg typically weigh?
I never weighed my eggs

How much do your Seramas weigh and what age?
My smallest hen is 10 oz last I weighed her over the summer

Are yours broody?
3/4 adult hens went broody my smallest never did and my tn one went broody 3 times this year

What age did they first become broody?
25+ weeks

What size eggs do you wait for before incubating?
I wait a month after laying then incubate

How many Serama eggs do you let your broody take on? 10? 6? What about LF eggs?
My one hatched 7 but i gave her 10+ more was summer though

What size nest do yours lay in?
Mine lay either in my goose nest or poison block buckets i made into nest

What do you do with your Seramas in winter? Does anyone just let them stay in the coop all winter? What temps?
Mine live in a coop without heat lamps and 17 degrees was the coldest so far but will get to negitives

Do you have cockerels that prefer only one pullet? I ask because out of the two that are laying I have only seen mine mount the the one pullet. Never seen it with the other. Poor girls feathers are thinking on her head from being pulled on from the cockerel hanging on while mounting. I haven't been able to check for a bulls eye in an opened egg because out of the 5 I've opened I punctured the yolks :[
Ive noticed my smallest roo with my smallest hen and his father hangs with my tan pullets

Sorry for all the questions but I've searched for a answers on each but there isn't much on specifically Seramas and what isn't did find was incomplete information.

I'm glad I have you guys!

<3

 

[froggiesheins]

Couple of questions about everyone's Seramas for those who wish to answer. Just things I'm curious on as I am very new to the breed. A little bit about mine first. I've got a quad that are about 6 months old. 2 of the 3 pullets have started laying almost two weeks ago. They lay every other day. I have gotten 16 eggs combined in the passed 13 days. Their egg sizes have not increased. I'm sure they might when given more time. One lays a 15-16g the other lays a 18-19g egg. They themselves weigh 11-12oz each. They currently reside in a 4ft x 2ft x 3ft cage i built in my unheated garage as it's winter. They seem to be doing well and am excited to hatch out babies when the time is right.

Onto the questions:
What age did your pullets start to lay?
When they are ready to, varies from hen to hen.

How much does each egg typically weigh?
I haven't a clue, just glad they CAN lay that egg.

How much do your Seramas weigh and what age?
Another, I haven't a clue and it is NOT important UNLESS you have a micro serama that is trying to lay an egg, THEN there can be BIG problems.

Are yours broody?
Some are, some are not...

What age did they first become broody?
Whenever they feel like it.

What size eggs do you wait for before incubating?
THATS a strange question

How many Serama eggs do you let your broody take on? 10? 6? What about LF eggs?
Depends on how flat she can pancake to cover them eggs, but 4 to 6 are a about tops. Yes I have let mine hatch LF eggs.

What size nest do yours lay in?
Whatever size I make them

What do you do with your Seramas in winter? Does anyone just let them stay in the coop all winter? What temps?
Depends on where you live, as to how cold it gets. Just make sure they are out of drafts. Me personally, I keep their coop insulated so they have a warm house for overnight


Do you have cockerels that prefer only one pullet? I ask because out of the two that are laying I have only seen mine mount the the one pullet. Never seen it with the other. Poor girls feathers are thinking on her head from being pulled on from the cockerel hanging on while mounting. I haven't been able to check for a bulls eye in an opened egg because out of the 5 I've opened I punctured the yolks :[
All depends on the birds..its really an unanswerable question.

Seramas are CHICKENS and do the same things as all other chickens just smaller.

Sorry for all the questions but I've searched for a answers on each but there isn't much on specifically Seramas and what isn't did find was incomplete information.
DID U check SCNA.com?

I'm glad I have you guys!

<3

 

[bullets]

Yes I am fully aware that things can vary a lot from chicken to chicken. I also know trends are different from breed to breed. I also understand there is a lot of different answers to the same questions. I am a curious creature. I like to know things. I do know things. When I don't know things I want to know them even more. I am very analytical. I weigh my birds. I weigh my eggs. I mark lay dates and sizes on my calendar, along with individual chook weights in specific increments. I like to know what other people do, and what they know, even if it is vastly different from my experience. Answering with "THATS a strange question" with no attempt at an answer is disconcerting. I asked about egg size because I saw it mentioned exactly one time ever. I wanted to see what others know/do (again). Yes have enrolled in the SCNA forums. I've worn out the search bar there, and many other places including here.

I know "Depends on where you live, as to how cold it gets. Just make sure they are out of drafts." in regards to winter chicken keeping. That's why I asked what temp. As in, what temp do you wait to bring them or, or leave them out, or whatever you do. When I say "you" I mean specifically the person answering. Not just a general question. I'm asking for specifics.

I don't feel like any question I asked was unanswerable. Even the one you said that was. If I was asked that about any of my other breeds I would have an exact answer or a suggestion.

Anyway, thanks for answering regardless.

 

[shahtir101]

Couple of questions about everyone's Seramas for those who wish to answer. Just things I'm curious on as I am very new to the breed. A little bit about mine first. I've got a quad that are about 6 months old. 2 of the 3 pullets have started laying almost two weeks ago. They lay every other day. I have gotten 16 eggs combined in the passed 13 days. Their egg sizes have not increased. I'm sure they might when given more time. One lays a 15-16g the other lays a 18-19g egg. They themselves weigh 11-12oz each. They currently reside in a 4ft x 2ft x 3ft cage i built in my unheated garage as it's winter. They seem to be doing well and am excited to hatch out babies when the time is right.

Onto the questions:
What age did your pullets start to lay?
Mine start to lay at about 5-6 months

How much does each egg typically weigh? I don't know how much they weigh exactly, but mine typically vary from a little bit smaller than a normal bantams egg to marble sized

ETA Appx how often do yours lay during their peak and what age did it start for you? So far my hens have layed everyday at their peak, I found that this happened in the spring no matter when they had started laying

How much do your Seramas weigh and what age? The seramas I have vary from the C weight class to Micros
Are yours broody? I have had very few go broody (4 and only 2 good mothers)

What age did they first become broody? 1 year

What size eggs do you wait for before incubating? I would personally wait until they are a size that you think a viable chick could hatch from. I don't use the very small eggs due to the chances of super small chicks and not enough space in the egg.

How many Serama eggs do you let your broody take on? 10? 6? What about LF eggs? I have let a broody take on 12 serama eggs at one time and 6 LF eggs at one time

What size nest do yours lay in? Mine prefer to make their own nests in the shavings and not use the nesting boxes I have provided, their nests are only a little bit smaller than the average chicken.

What do you do with your Seramas in winter? Does anyone just let them stay in the coop all winter? What temps? I live in CA and mine stay in the coop all winter long, it doesn't get very cold here. The lows here are in the 30s. If it gets super cold I put the younger ones (8 months and younger) in my shed where it stays warmer.

Do you have cockerels that prefer only one pullet? I ask because out of the two that are laying I have only seen mine mount the the one pullet. Never seen it with the other. Poor girls feathers are thinking on her head from being pulled on from the cockerel hanging on while mounting. I haven't been able to check for a bulls eye in an opened egg because out of the 5 I've opened I punctured the yolks :[ My cockerels have a "favorite hen." They tend to want to be around her and she has first priority over the other hens, I have not noticed them only wan to mate one hen though. Maybe try putting her with another cockerel.

Sorry for all the questions but I've searched for a answers on each but there isn't much on specifically Seramas and what isn't did find was incomplete information. Don't worry about it! we are here to help! If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.

I'm glad I have you guys!

<3

 

[froggiesheins]

Yes I am fully aware that things can vary a lot from chicken to chicken. I also know trends are different from breed to breed. I also understand there is a lot of different answers to the same questions. I am a curious creature. I like to know things. I do know things. When I don't know things I want to know them even more. I am very analytical. I weigh my birds. I weigh my eggs. I mark lay dates and sizes on my calendar, along with individual chook weights in specific increments. I like to know what other people do, and what they know, even if it is vastly different from my experience. Answering with "THATS a strange question" with no attempt at an answer is disconcerting. I asked about egg size because I saw it mentioned exactly one time ever. I wanted to see what others know/do (again). Yes have enrolled in the SCNA forums. I've worn out the search bar there, and many other places including here.

I know  "[COLOR=333333]Depends on where you live, as to how cold it gets. Just make sure they are out of drafts." in regards to winter chicken keeping. That's why I asked what temp. As in, what temp do you wait to bring them or, or leave them out, or whatever you do. When I say "you" I mean specifically the person answering. Not just a general question. I'm asking for specifics. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=333333]I don't feel like any question I asked was unanswerable. Even the one you said that was. If I was asked that about any of my other breeds I would have an exact answer or a suggestion. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=333333]Anyway, thanks for answering regardless.[/COLOR]

OK to answer these questions: IF there is no answer ANYWHERE on google or SCNA or ASA then that means it is not an answerable question Or people are not worried about it.
AS TO COLD: below freezing is getting up there with cold. I never have to worry about anything colder than that where I live. IF you do, then I suggest making a house in the garage for them.

BROODY: they go broody when ever they feel like it, now if you can get them to talk to you about this subject great because they sure won't tell me. I have had a new layer go broody for a few mins to a few hrs OR they lay one egg and LETS SIT&HATCH. Just like LFs IF you are looking for a "good Broody" get a silkie, they love to sit

ASK Jerry Schex as to egg size / weight / and why everyone that does NOT show TT is worried about Class ABC. I for the life of me cannot understand why this is. Jerry has approx 1,500 birds on his property, SO I do not think he weights them or their eggs.

WEIGHTS: I know of one person that keeps track of weights, but he has 6 hens. I honestly do not think alot of breeders do especially when you have over 200 birds. Its a personal thing. BUT I can ask.

COCKERALS: Because of a whole lot of other factors/flukes of Mother Nature AND/OR their dimmiuative size sometimes a hen or cock is not fertile or shoots blanks. This is much different than LFs. Some boys like a whole bunch in their harem and others are happy with one wife, just like LFs

SIZE OF EGGS: why would that be important? If you have Marans would you wait till it is a certain size before hatching? OR do you weigh those aformentioned eggs to make sure they are the right weight?

NEST BOX: cozy for MAMA HEN. PREFERABLE of plastic so NO BUGS can take up shop in that box

I have a question for you now:
On all your other chickens do you A: weight all their eggs? Weight them? Wait till their eggs are a certain size before incubating? Worry about their well being in the cold? Keep track of when they go broody? Etc etc.
p.s. I am a troublemaker and am the first to say it

 

[bullets]

Listen, this is the last time I will respond to you, as I feel like you have some sort of underlying anger towards me, for no reason I can come up with, and I don't want to continue this sort of dialog. I do, however, feel like I need to respond as you've clearly pt me on some sort of blast. I came in here happy and ready to learn, chat and you replied as if my questions were rediculous. You even went so far as to say they were unanswerable, on and least one. That really put a damper on my mood and this thread, because of the snark remarks. Maybe I have thin skin, or maybe you think some people aren't worth your time. Maybe you don't mean to, but it really did give me that impression.

Now, I don't understand what's wrong with coming to people for specific questions I have been unable to find answers for. Just because no one has asked, doesn't mean no one knows or cares to know. I care to know, I'm somebody.

You said size of eggs doesn't matter for setting. I've read plenty suggesting it does in my quest for more info. Just not a lot about Seramas.

You also said I should ask jer about sizes of Seramas, and basically that size means nothing. Here's what I know about size: the only time size matters with TT is when a judge thinks a chooks weight is questionable. Then they get weighed. It doesn't happen very often. I'm not concerned with ABC class. I never even mentioned it.

And nest box, I asked about it because everyone uses different things and sizes for nest boxes. You responded with asked generality about nesting boxes. You really responded to everything in general terms. Kind of like you were speaking down to me, not sharing your personal experiences. That's okay, no one has to answer, I appreciate those who did, but definitely don't respond in a way that feels deflating for newcomer.

I'm sorry to everyone that had to read this. I could be wrong, but man this really brought me down some notches. I don't think I feel comfortable commenting here anymore. And that sucks.

 

[WVduckchick]

@bullets

My flock is young (7 months, hatched May 27/28), but I'm going to take a shot at your questions, because I have some oddities. Lol

Onto the questions:
What age did your pullets start to lay?
Of 6 pullets, only one laid this past fall, all the others still haven't started yet. I thought another one was laying, but it all stopped when Sara went broody, so i guess the eggs were all hers, or the others totally stopped. Not a single egg since I moved her. Sara started at 4 months old. :/


How much does each egg typically weigh?
I normally only weigh them when I want to incubate, but I also usually weigh a hen's first eggs. Sara's started around 22 grams. Sorry I don't know her own weight, but she's around 13 ounces, I think.

ETA Appx how often do yours lay during their peak and what age did it start for you?
Sara was laying almost daily (skip a day here and there) until she went broody.

How much do your Seramas weigh and what age?
Sorry, I haven't weighed them all at one time. Plan to do that this spring.

Are yours broody?
Only Sara has gone broody, one month after she started laying.

What age did they first become broody?
She was 5 months old. She is being a fantastic momma. I didn't handle her much before, but once she went broody, I was able to touch her, soothe her, check eggs under her, etc. Now she even allows me to pick up the babies without much fuss!


What size eggs do you wait for before incubating?
Her eggs didn't increase too much, like some other breeds do. They started around 22 grams, I incubated ones from 23.5-27 grams.

How many Serama eggs do you let your broody take on? 10? 6? What about LF eggs?
I gave mine 7, pulled a clear, then a quitter, but kept her at 6 by giving one from the incubator. (same day started)

What size nest do yours lay in?
Their nest box is roughly 10x10x10"

What do you do with your Seramas in winter? Does anyone just let them stay in the coop all winter? What temps?
Mine stay out with no added heat or insulation. We haven't been sub-freezing very often this year yet, but down to the teens a few times. Just not prolonged frigid. But so far, they still prefer to sleep on top of their coop. I put them inside the coop most nights when it drops below freezing, but they still haven't learned that they need to go in. Silly chickens. But I don't think they are as fragile as some think. If they can't make it here, I just won't keep them.

Do you have cockerels that prefer only one pullet? I ask because out of the two that are laying I have only seen mine mount the the one pullet. Never seen it with the other. Poor girls feathers are thinking on her head from being pulled on from the cockerel hanging on while mounting. I haven't been able to check for a bulls eye in an opened egg because out of the 5 I've opened I punctured the yolks :[
Sara was an obvious favorite early on, but I think it's because she matured faster and was receptive. They get on the others when they allow, now that Sara is tending to youngens. Lol

Fyi, my birds are not show birds. Just pets, and I love them. I will hatch and sell chicks this summer, to folks who also want them as pets. If I get some show-worthy, I may consider separating some breeding pens, but mainly I want them to be happy chickens and live a chicken life! Cheers!

 

[froggiesheins]

Listen, this is the last time I will respond to you, as I feel like you have some sort of underlying anger towards me, for no reason I can come up with, and I don't want to continue this sort of dialog. I do, however, feel like I need to respond as you've clearly pt me on some sort of blast. I came in here happy and ready to learn, chat and you replied as if my questions were rediculous. You even went so far as to say they were unanswerable, on and least one. That really put a damper on my mood and this thread, because of the snark remarks. Maybe I have thin skin, or maybe you think some people aren't worth your time. Maybe you don't mean to, but it really did give me that impression.

Now, I don't understand what's wrong with coming to people for specific questions I have been unable to find answers for. Just because no one has asked, doesn't mean no one knows or cares to know. I care to know, I'm somebody.

You said size of eggs doesn't matter for setting. I've read plenty suggesting it does in my quest for more info. Just not a lot about Seramas.

You also said I should ask jer about sizes of Seramas, and basically that size means nothing. Here's what I know about size: the only time size matters with TT is when a judge thinks a chooks weight is questionable. Then they get weighed. It doesn't happen very often. I'm not concerned with ABC class. I never even mentioned it.

And nest box, I asked about it because everyone uses different things and sizes for nest boxes. You responded with asked generality about nesting boxes. You really responded to everything in general terms. Kind of like you were speaking down to me, not sharing your personal experiences. That's okay, no one has to answer, I appreciate those who did, but definitely don't respond in a way that feels deflating for newcomer.

I'm sorry to everyone that had to read this. I could be wrong, but man this really brought me down some notches. I don't think I feel comfortable commenting here anymore. And that sucks.

You don't need to feel sorry about anything others read, its not their fault NOR your fault. I have no problems taking the blame. Read back on all these posts from when this thread first started WAAY back in 2010.
OK, here are links to unlimited resources on seramas......

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1452719158295122/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AyamSeramaUS/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/411928922277749/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/235172909830358/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1573349672948472/?ref=br_rs
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1478890689083403/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/584212918366772/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/southeasternseramaclub/?ref=br_rs
https://www.facebook.com/groups/weloveserama/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/southeasternseramaclub/?ref=br_rs
https://www.facebook.com/groups/238907172965924/?ref=br_rs
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1523296257934643/?ref=br_rs

 

[Sseckel]

Couple of questions about everyone's Seramas for those who wish to answer. Just things I'm curious on as I am very new to the breed. A little bit about mine first. I've got a quad that are about 6 months old. 2 of the 3 pullets have started laying almost two weeks ago. They lay every other day. I have gotten 16 eggs combined in the passed 13 days. Their egg sizes have not increased. I'm sure they might when given more time. One lays a 15-16g the other lays a 18-19g egg. They themselves weigh 11-12oz each. They currently reside in a 4ft x 2ft x 3ft cage i built in my unheated garage as it's winter. They seem to be doing well and am excited to hatch out babies when the time is right.

Onto the questions:
What age did your pullets start to lay? 5-6 months

How much does each egg typically weigh? 20-30 grams, occassionally though they will drop something about the size of a robins egg

ETA Appx how often do yours lay during their peak and what age did it start for you? I get 4-6 eggs/wk from 2 hens

How much do your Seramas weigh and what age? my hens are 14 and 16oz (18 months), my cockeral is 19oz ( 5 months)

Are yours broody? never have yet at 18 months

What age did they first become broody? Still waiting...

What size eggs do you wait for before incubating? I just set what I get unless it is too tiny to grow a chick

How many Serama eggs do you let your broody take on? 10? 6? What about LF eggs? Again with the waiting, lol

What size nest do yours lay in? Mine ignore their 10x10inch box and lay right in the middle of the sand floor of the coop, my LF loves the same box

What do you do with your Seramas in winter? Does anyone just let them stay in the coop all winter? What temps? I am in SE Iowa and I move them into my basement for the winter. Mine are spoiled and get cranky when temps fall below about 20 degrees.

Do you have cockerels that prefer only one pullet? I ask because out of the two that are laying I have only seen mine mount the the one pullet. Never seen it with the other. Poor girls feathers are thinking on her head from being pulled on from the cockerel hanging on while mounting. I haven't been able to check for a bulls eye in an opened egg because out of the 5 I've opened I punctured the yolks :[

Sorry for all the questions but I've searched for a answers on each but there's not much specifically on Seramas. What I did find was incomplete information.

I'm glad I have you guys!

<3

Never apologize for having questions. I am a data person, knowing exact information gives me comfort. I grew up on a cattle ranch breeding champion livestock. The difference in breeding chickens vs cattle still astounds me from a data perspective ( and YES I KNOW this is not an apples to apples comparison) That said I document the **** of of my chickens. When I set eggs I record the egg weight, chick weight at hatch, hatch date, and 5 month weights. Patriarchal lines are recorded and I keep notes on their common traitsas well as strengths and weakness'. This recording system is what I have worked with on with my large fowl and am planning to use as I get into Seramas. I am very new to seramas and am just begining to learn what I am looking for in a breeding pair for the breed so the traits I record now are pretty general. However if you ever get into breeding for a recessive gene a good documentation system is essential unless you have a very small flock as a persons memory is not as reliable as good documentation.

So Sorry looking back I totally went off on my own little rant there! LOL not deleting it though!!