Answer to the Delaware Dilemma

[Cindiloohoo]

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I have experienced that unfortunately, and I do not understand it either.

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I want one of THOSE!!

Kathy!!!! I have 22 out of 24 eggs on day 7 that have VEINING!!!!!!! 2 more weeks and hopefully lots of

 

[speckledhen]

Thanks, Walt, for your very generous input here. I know, Ike has that one extra pesky half-point, but when I saw him at a very young age and realized what that comb was going to look like, I was very pleased. What I was culling for, as far as combs in addition to extra points, was this "serrated point" comb thing that a couple of his brothers had going on, but only after type was set.

Sometimes, I don't think people understand what we mean when we're talking about the boys being deep chested. I see many roosters who are broad across, but the chest isn't deep-it's sort of "cut in", if you know what I mean. In this pic below, this group was only 13 weeks old; Isaac is on the left and one of the top three is on the right. See the chest differences? Ike's chest is very deep even at that young age. He's not as overall large as Kathy's Oliver (wish I knew if that was Ike's son or from Kathy's other batch), but I've never been displeased with choosing to keep him. Oliver is much like Isaac's slightly larger brother in type.

They are such a challenge, but a great looking Delaware is a sight to behold!

 

[kathyinmo]

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I am soooo glad to hear that! YAY!!!!

 

[fowlman01]

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This picture is a very good example of deep and not so deep as it relates to the body. It takes people a while to get the "eye". Another strange thing that happens is that we don't see faults in our own birds. That includes me. It is called many things, "barn blindness" is one of the terms. I once had a very good breeder ask why his bird (a Sebright) didn't do well in a show. I said "cuz it is knock kneed Bill". Serious fault! Actually a DQ. This man wrote a book on Sebrights!

w.

 

[Serrin]

You're absolutely right Cyn. They are a total joy to behold when they've been bred up right. But such an incredible challenge. And one that maybe some of us aren't up to just yet. Walt, what breed would you recommend as a good breed to get started with? One must learn to walk before they can run after all.

I look forward to the day when I have everything situated such that I can keep and raise Delawares, but I have to question my own ability to pick and choose pairs that will hopefully improve the breed. They are such complex birds, and so many things can go wrong, even for the well initiated.

So, what breed would you pick for a beginner in the breeding world. Keeping in mind of course that these birds would have to sort of pull their own weight around here. Much as I could give myself fully to the endeavor, my husband still thinks chickens are just chickens and don't need the Taj Mahal for a residence, and shouldn't be getting a better breakfast served to them than he does!

I'd be very interested to know which are some of your preferred breeds Walt. Thanks in advance for any advice on that subject.

Sorry for the hijacking of the thread Kids. We now return you to your regularly scheduled Delaware discussion!

 

[speckledhen]

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This picture is a very good example of deep and not so deep as it relates to the body. It takes people a while to get the "eye". Another strange thing that happens is that we don't see faults in our own birds. That includes me. It is called many things, "barn blindness" is one of the terms. I once had a very good breeder ask why his bird (a Sebright) didn't do well in a show. I said "cuz it is knock kneed Bill". Serious fault! Actually a DQ. This man wrote a book on Sebrights!

w.

That is so very true!

Amy, a breed where the males and females are a solid color, like Buff Orpingtons or Rhode Island Reds, would be a tad easier. A good rich, deep-colored, properly shaped RIR is gorgeous. I've had those from a good breeder and they are also larger than their hatchery counterparts, very sweet hens, quiet, minded their own business, etc. I loved having them, but didn't have room to keep a RIR rooster so I sold them for someone else's breeding project. Even Barred Rocks would be easier than Delawares, in my opinion. BUT, all that said, you should do what most interests you, even if it's higher on the scale of difficulty.

 

[fowlman01]

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This may sound strange, but picking a breed is kind of a personal thing. Dels are one of the hardest because not too many breeders have bred them to the SOP. They are difficult because of the color pattern, but they don't have the most difficult color pattern. For beginners I usually recommend black Orps or barred or white Rocks. There are plenty of breeders that have done very well with those breeds, so they are pretty much there. It just takes effort to keep them looking like the illustrations in the SOP. Cecil Moore in TX has very good black and White Orps. He also raises bantam Dels.
Duane Urch in MN raises a lot of the rare/heritage breeds and he is an excellent breeder. 507 451 6782 is his phone #. He will also sell eggs or chicks and some of the good breeders won't. They only sell grown birds.

Walt

 

[jeremy]

Walt, you said Duane has since sold off his Delaware stock, correct?
I wonder if he'd mind a quick phone call to inquire where...

 

[fowlman01]

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Yes, he did sell off the Dels. Give him a call, chickens are his business.

w.

 

[jeremy]

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Yes, he did sell off the Dels. Give him a call, chickens are his business.

w.

Do you mind if I let him know you referred me to him?
I don't want to seem like some crazy who just came out of the blue.

I'll be sure to report back with what Duane has to say!