Ayam Cemanis Trial & Error

[Blue Eager]

Will do...

 

[Blue Eager]

A little young for this type photo but here you go...

(Most probably know this but for those who don't; click on the photo to expand the image.)

 

[Blue Eager]

Here's an example of what all the chicks look like underneath the wings. I'm quite pleased with the fibro expression at this stage.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Not much you could do on the early stage. I usually keep till week 16 (4months) to see the progress before deciding whether or not to cull them.
Please take pics inside the mouth, im curious

I also raise all my birds out unless there is an issue like bent toe, splay leg, or cross beak type stuff. I sell my non conforming ladies as layers and eat the cockerels... regardless of breed, even bantams.

I'm not sure about Cemani specifically since I have NEVER worked with them... but I think when breeding the MOST important thing to breed for is vigor. Apparently some things in the SOP are actually indicators of vigor. And I wouldn't cull the non black mouths as chicks due to that maybe not being the worse thing that pops up as they grow...

GFF... is just the original importer of many breeds. They are still a hatchery... and face all the same issues that we do.

But... still working with a breed after that many years... shows a true enjoyment and passion for the breed!

 

[Blue Eager]

EggSighted4Life, I appreciate your post & I agree 100% with regards to vigor & other breeders not being immune from all the same challenges. Vigor is something I have closely been monitoring as well & I'm happy to report at least for now they all look great. I have sold a few & will hang onto the rest from this first hatch to further monitor their development.

All of my incubators, although few, are filled with Blue Ameraucana eggs, my other passion. However, 3 of my Cemani hens have gone broody so their eggs should be hatching soon. This will give me a few more chicks to through into the mix.

Thanks for your last comment as well.

 

[Blue Eager]

Another pic of fibro expression after 7 wks.

 

[ConDioFarms]

A fascinating thread of valuable information for all breeders. Thank you to each one of you for sharing pictures, insight, encouragement and experience!
I'm searching for a Rare Breed to add to my backyard flock that I can raise to keep the breed pure and progressing. I've never raised Ayam Cemanis, and am not sure if they are for me. I'll always keep FBCM and Ameracaunas(because I like the extreme egg colors).

 

[Blue Eager]

Here are 4 pullets from this year's first hatch back in February. These 4 pullets are out of 28 that hatched & only 1 needed to be culled. A pretty good percentage I think? All the rest exhibited all the traits I'd been hoping for & all 23 sold within 1 week. I am now into my 2nd hatch & most of those have sold with two broody hens taking care of another 40 or so eggs.

The 2nd pic shows the fibro expression found in all my hatchlings & the 3rd, my breeding stock. It's been a long 5 years of trial & error but this is the first time I feel it has all been worth the effort.

 

[Blue Eager]

I am located in New Mexico. Please PM me if you are interested in purchasing AC chicks. Local pick-up only.

Thank you.

 

[ConDioFarms]

Very good work!! They look spectacular.