Any Sweetgrass aficionados out there? -help w Tom selection request

[HeritageFan]

I know that the Sweetgrass is not a variety accepted by the APA at this time, but I’d like to do my best to make pairings most in line with what the “standards” may be in the future. I love this variety and plan to do my best to promote, show if possible, and help these beautiful birds gain the recognition they deserve

We have 5 Toms and 7 hens. One of my hens is a blue SG.... I plan to set up two breeding groups- but that’s not going to happen before I get the “extra” boys into the bachelor pen while I build out another coop and run.

We have a variety of subtle variations in color with out Toms. And hens, but I didn’t take photos of the girls.
I know which Tom I’d like to put w my main group of hens, but I’m curious
- if anyone has a “breed standard” for the SG, or
- if anyone has an opinion as to which Tom they might choose to put w their hens (and I’d love to also know why, so I can continue to learn)
The Toms are pretty consistent in weight. The hens have more variation in weight than the Toms.

Also. Please forgive the gross tails... I realized that my roost was too close to a wall that was protected w wire and they were catching tail feathers while turning around on the roost- it’s been corrected but the feathers will surely look better soon
It doesn’t help that we live in the pacific NorthWet, either. But. Construction continues

Also. Please forgive me if I’m using “penciling” incorrectly- I’ve only had BR and Holland Whites for the last several years. I do a lot of homework, but not everyone who writes articles or posts here is an expert so - please correct me if appropriate !

 

[Huntmaster]

A few young hens, you see the darker hen in middle. These are the two shades I get in my sweetgrass from Porters. I kept mostly the lighter hens in that pic, I like the lighter look better.

 

[Huntmaster]

Some Toms showing both color variations some darker in back.

 

[Huntmaster]

Sorry not very good pics, but all I have of them that I can find right now.

 

[Huntmaster]

@R2elk Has posted some clear recent photos on A century of turkey talk 2000-2100 of some of his Sweetgrass.

 

[R2elk]

Sweetgrass will likely never be recognized by the APA because they are so varied in color. I personally prefer the ones with more white on their breasts.

I am trying to select for ones whose tail feathers do not carry the speckling. I am having better luck finding that in the hens than in the toms.

Choose for the color variation that you prefer best. Body conformation and temperament are more important than which color variant you prefer.

 

[R2elk]

@R2elk Has posted some clear recent photos on A century of turkey talk 2000-2100 of some of his Sweetgrass.

Others can be seen in my R2elk album.

 

[HeritageFan]

your photos are better than mine!
#tailFeatherEnvy
(Although...again. I am pretty sure I’ll have fabulous photos after they molt for the first time!) lol

Is it just a preference thing then?
Is there a rough standard out there?

My lightest Tom is the lowest in the Toms’ dominance hierarchy, and the girls tend to scoot away from him... leaving him to
Well
Be late to the party and leave his
Self
On the ground.

But I imagine that would change if he was the only guy w access to the girls, as they are nice to him....

There are many upsides to keeping a bachelor pen.
Knowing who is on the dispatch list, and having a backup (or a few) among the top of the list!
....although the fact that the boys tend to stop fighting as soon as they are away from the hens/ can’t see the breeding group - and in a sufficiently sized coop and run - is the #1 reason to put in the extra effort IMO

 

[Huntmaster]

#tailFeatherEnvy

Not too impressive all jakes still . If I were to choose, I like your dominate tom in 1st pic for lighter and last pic #5 for darker. But it would totally be what you like.

 

[HeritageFan]

Not too impressive all jakes still . If I were to choose, I like your dominate tom in 1st pic for lighter and last pic #5 for darker. But it would totally be what you like.

Awwww
Come on, man
At least three of them have beards that are at least an inch or so
(My youngest sons are just past being teenagers so - yes, I’m just being cheeky )
They hatched 8/1/2023, I waited almost a year to get them from Porters after ordering

We have other, older Toms. I was just trying to figure out if the SG had any shot w the APA or a breed standard to consider.

And. Thank you for your feedback