Answer to the Delaware Dilemma

[Inkheart]

Quote:
Regarding the barred tail feathers in the hens, seems like it would be a common problem if you had a Roo with a properly barred tail? I thought that was why you had male lines and female lines.

Also why I'm planning on keeping my roo with the very dark tail--to see if that gets hens with the correct white laced black tail feathers.

I also have three cockerels to choose with very barred feathers that I suspect will throw hens with little tail black, or barred tails.

Ok sorry - newbie question - when you say white laced black tail feathers - meaning? White with the black tips or ends?
And if someone could explain the concept of keeping "male lines and female lines"
Again i apologize - jsut trying to gain knowledge here
Thanks!

 

[joletabey]

Inkheart- the feathers in the female main tail are to be black, with the entire feather edged in white. The coverts should show indications of irregular black and white barring, with the quill being predominantly white, and the shaft white.

Because the male and female markings are so different in the tail, some breeders believe you need a "too dark" roo to breed in order to get correctly marked females. You would breed for hens in one pen and for roos in another. I personally have still not figured out if you can ever eventually put correctly marked hens and roos together and get correctly marked offspring, but I am hoping.

 

[aveca]

A very good explanation.. I talked to an APA judge last week, he said the colors must be correct for the breed.. They do notice every little thing .. It is the toughest job bringing back these heritage breeds so hats off to you guys for working at this...

 

[joletabey]

Sometimes it feels like it's going to take forever, and some days I look forward to the challenge, and the monitoring, and the charting. Whew!

What I DO want to do is get the Delaware Club functioning, useful, up and running, full of lists of breeders, pictures, and helpful information - anyone else interested besides me, Inkheart and Kathyinmo?

 

[Inkheart]

Another off handed question - and please if you are all tired of my questions - you can certainly "vote me off the island" - BUT what happens if you take a Del hen back to a Plymouth Rock - cause from my reading that is how they got this breed? Realize this makes mutt chickens but would this bring the proper barring back in? Thanks!

 

[Tinkspirit70]

I have heard that the del's are a very docile and calm breed? is that true? Also are there any breeders in central fla? I am not a show person so they dont have to be of that standard, I have just heard they are very friendly and good layers ?

 

[joletabey]

Tinkspirit- VERY friendly- take some time and read the Del threads here, there are pages and pages, and pictures testifying to the splendid personality of the Delaware. Especially if you get them from a breeder. Someone just asked about FL Del breeders, and I cannot remember what was answered - scroll around the threads, you may find it. It may be Highspringschix or something like that.
And yes, they are excellent layers of a good size egg.

Inkheart, that question got asked somewhere here, too, but no one has a definite answer. I think Walt said it was a possibility, but my poor little brain may have that wrong. I know I keep apologizing for my memory, I need to start taking notes! I think if you did that, it would take some time to breed the smuttiness out, but that is just my opinion. I do think it is going to take a lot of experimentation with this breed.

 

[jeremy]

Quote:
I am absolutely interested! I'd love to see something up, running and functionable.

 

[Inkheart]

Quote:
I have to say as a newer person to chickens period - but also at the same point have been around various breeds of chickens - my girls are really calm and docile - dont mind being held - great foragers - as speak they are ridding 2 acres of every grasshopper there- - a joy to have around

 

[joletabey]

Well, that's 5 counting me and Marty! Let me see what it will take!