Answer to the Delaware Dilemma

[joletabey]

If you can get a copy of the Schilling illustrations of Delawares, you will have wonderful models for the ideal Dels. I have been told, and after seeing several different illustrations I can see why, that these are probably the best.

 

[FarmerJohn3285]

This is my Dela. She is approx 1.5 yrs old. She was my reason for getting into Delawares and starting a breeding program for them.

 

[math ace]

Dominicker3285 - - - PLEASE forgive me - - But I would like to ask a question about your hen. I DO NOT want to OFFEND. I just want to gain some knowledge so that I can pick / buy the best stock possible. . .

So here it is - - -I have been shopping around and have noticed on many auction / web pages that people are selling delawares with the pale pinkish color legs like Dominiker3285 hen has. IMO, The leg color reminds me of a sussex - - not a delaware. Am I wrong? Does this indicate the mix way back when of a light sussex?

These hens that I see - - have good wing set (like this one) and good markings, BUT I am concerned about the legs. Can I make the chicks legs more yellow by breeding back to a roo with yellow legs? If so, have many generations do you think it will take to fix this? OR . . . is this ok (the light pinkish legs) and I am worring about nothing?

Thank you Dominicker3285 for letting me use you hen as an example of what I have been seeing and wondering about. I think she has many good qualities and am glad to see her. I almost ordered some online, but didn't know what to think about the legs

 

[speckledhen]

When they have been laying awhile, Lisa, all hen's legs fade in color. I think that's part of what you're seeing in that picture, though Delaware leg color is a challenge at times.

 

[math ace]

Quote:
So, I have spent the last 2 hours reading the showing off your delawares thread - - from PAGE 1- - -and am no where near done!

However, around page 5 on that thread you answered the exact same question from another BYC member.

So, my pullets have the greenish yellow legs that you refer to as "dusky yellow" and I would like to get some eggs from hens that had the nice "golden yellow" legs when they were pullets. . . . How do I do this if the legs fade to pale yellow / white once they start laying?

 

[FarmerJohn3285]

Quote:

None taken Mathace....

 

[math ace]

GREENISH yellow legs on DELAWARES - - -

A while back I posted a question about this - about the end of Nov 2010

I had two people respond to me - - - Lotsapiants and ? ? ?

Since then, I accidently deleted the second person's pm. . . . .

This person was in a NORTHERN state if that helps any. . . .

PLEASE pm me again if you remember discussing delaware leg color AND your flock with me.

THANKS

 

[math ace]

Let me try to rephase the request

If you live in the North USA AND your delawares are from an old time breeder stock - - - - Not hatchery, Not Paul HArter, Not Bill Braden, Not speckledhen, etc. . .

PLEASE PM me . . .

Thank you

 

[Stevenson]

I just ran across this thread today.....I have read 20 pages so far and have learned a lot! I hope the discussion continues.

 

[catdaddyfro]

Quote:
Kathyinmo has the info you need on the green/willow leg problem on the Dells pm her or dig back through the post on here or the other Delaware thread its posted on here and there it is caused by a melanistic gene passed on by a sire or in other words its sexed linked


catdaddy