Hi folks,
thanks for your comments. Pleased to hear that you think I'm doing the right thing, Ross. Considered chasing a Norman boy or even taking up your kind offer, but decided that seeing I'd started with Newell/Bragg crosses, I'd keep going that way. Also got a pullet from Brian that I'm going to put with my original boy so I'll get the cross both ways and see what happens. Got home late and dropped the Newell pullet in with mine, thinking I'd band it in the morning. Had a little trouble i.d.ing it next morning, so that was pleasing. Thank you for your consideration of my complaint and I'm now a paid up member of the Australian Club.
For our Greek-American friend, from memory, Melbourne has the third highest Greek origin population of any city in the world, including Greece. Bet lots more wished they were here at the moment! I've now got Greek relatives. Greek bbq - yummy salads, lamb on the spit. Joy! American friends tell me you don't find lamb in supermarkets over there. How do Greek-Americans survive!!!!???? Not sure I'd want a Greek momma though. Scary! Anyway, back to chooks. I can't think of a Greek breed of chook and I'm sure the early immigrants would have smuggled in eggs from 'home'. They did with everything else! As it would be hard to source Greek chooks in America, I reckon it's appropriate that you adopt Australia's national breed as so many of your countrymen have adopted our country. If you're serious though, you must get a copy of Ray Connor's Australorp 'bible'. Perhaps Aveca could detail how she acquired hers again for the Newbies. I wouldn't reject your 'best' cockerel over slight twist in the outer toe. Probably an incubation rather than inherited problem. Remember that you're trying to breed good birds rather than show at the moment. If you post some pics, including head shots, you'll get good advice on here.
Gramma chick, you may get away with higher perches if your birds are smaller, utility type, but exhibition strains struggle to achieve any serious level of elevation - too big and heavy!
Rose Marie 1, cockerels have longer, pointier hackle (neck) feathers. Notice how 'round' the feathers on my girls are. Double click on the pic to get a better image, then compare it with the feathering on my cockerel. My latest boy has more comb development to come. See the pics of my original boy and you'll not be confused again.
Regards Geoff
We will be replacing our bedroom window this year, and are saving it, to put in with the chickies. I will start out with a foot of space per bird, and if we need to add more, so be it. I like the 2x4 idea. Never would have thought of that! I've got the 18" high, because they're larger birds. Thank you, thank you! I cannot wait to get my girls! A friend has chickens and I believe she is getting babies as well, so I will see what she has. I watched my friend's 5 ladies when she and her family went on vacation a few weeks ago and loved taking care of the chickies. Made a few friends in the process. 
