Barnevelder breeders lets work together and improve the breed

[redbudchix]

Ok...I'll try tomorrow. They keep moving, every time I try to get close. I didn't handle them as babies, so... I'll try and get a better shot.,they are not doubled barred..I guess that is something to set a goal towards. Thanks again for this help...I just want to do right by them. I'll try for better pics tomorrow.

 

[bonnylass79]

I don't handle mine a lot, but it is easier to get pictures of them when they're being held. The only thing is that if none of them show double lacing, then the gene may not be present. You may need to get birds from another breeder to cross with these birds to fix the lacing. TLS Ranch has excellent lacing on her birds and ships eggs in the spring.

 

[redbudchix]

Ok... I need everyone's honest opinion. I had trouble just getting these. From my understanding...I probably shouldn't breed these...no double barring, too blue, etc. so I can handle it...what do,I have, and should I even breed at
all?

 

[tls_ranch]

Ok... I need everyone's honest opinion. I had trouble just getting these. From my understanding...I probably shouldn't breed these...no double barring, too blue, etc. so I can handle it...what do,I have, and should I even breed at
all?

The blue pullets are showing some double lacing. They are just not perfectly laced which is hard to get in blue birds. The black cockerel looks correct in pattern, but it is hard to tell from just one picture. The blue cockerel has too much " red" in his breast.

I would recomend trying to breed the black cockerel to the blue pullets and see what quality his offspring are. You could also try the blue x blue cross and see if you can " force" the blue to behave through selection for the best individuals. Though you might get more " culls" to start off that way. The blue cockerel may not produce the best pattern due to the lacing in his chest, but if his type is good he still may be useful.

This is general advice. I can't really tell by a few pictures how best to pair up/ breed birds.

Trisha

 

[redbudchix]

Thank you. I really appreciate your advice. I didn't know where to start. I will take your advice, and see what happens. So, what should I be looking for in the offspring? Do you have any more recommendations? I am open for as much help as I can get! Thanks again!

 

[redbudchix]

What should the lacing look like in the chest? What makes the blue's incorrect?

 

[bonnylass79]

What should the lacing look like in the chest? What makes the blue's incorrect?

You really want a solid or near solid chest in the cockerels. Too much red in the breast will muddle the lacing on the pullets.

But these guys are still young. I've had cockerels' chests turn more solid as they get older. It's really difficult to see what you have until they turn 1 year old.

 

[bonnylass79]

What should the lacing look like in the chest? What makes the blue's incorrect?

Also, pullets should still be laced on the breast. They should show the lacing over their entire bodies with almost solid necks.

This isn't a great picture, but here are two of my hens. They're a little over a year old.

This is the rooster I use for breeding. His tail got picked on and I'm still waiting for it to grow back.

 

[redbudchix]

Wow! My boy doesn't look anything like that. He's gorgeous! I've got such a long way to go. It makes me realize how weak my stock is. Guess I've got a higher goal to shoot for. I'd like to work on the blues..just personally, I like them. It seems I need to get some better stock this spring. Hope you all have some ideas...people I can contact...but, I gotta start somewhere ! Thanks everyone..I'm gonna do my best here!

 

[bonnylass79]

You'll be surprised how much your birds change in the first year. Yours may be better than you realize. I wouldn't chose your breeders until they're a year old so you know your breeding the best quality birds out of your stock.