Best English Orpington cockerel for breeding?

[GermanKennhuhn]

Let them finish maturing before you make that call.
Three times now I have sold the wrong cockerel thinking they were mature enough to make that judgment call. I keep in contact with my purchasers, so when they sent me updated pictures I could have kicked myself... THREE times!

Ok thanks, I’ll do that!

 

[Amer]

I would pick three. He has the best color and seems to have the best build. Poor feather quality... most lavenders have that.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

I agree with Trish. Orpingtons are slow to mature and wait longer before making a decision.
Lavender to Lavender will produce 100% Lavender.
What is your goal for breeding?
Idk agree with any of the English Orp talk. There's really no "Pure English" an Orp is an Orp but the English have a different SOP then the US so its just a matter of which SOP theyre breed to. Those look more English type. But not great quality English type. Or at least 1 and 3. 2 doesn't look real good for either standard. Looks off for an Orp. Barring is not very good and Idk what color he even is. Looks lavender but lavender should be an even shade throughout. He's darker on the top like a blue cockerel would be. What color is he supposed to be?
1 or 3 are both gonna be issue birds. 1 has some poor quality feathering and that color bleed will breed forward. Worse thing will be that the pullets won't show it but will pass it on so it is a bit of a pain to breed out.
3 has real feather quality issues and that can also be a pain to breed out.
Ive work with both issues and id take the poor feather quality over the color bleed. It will be a lot of work though.

Ok, thanks. I’ll do that.
Ok, thanks.
Just to get as close to the English SOP as I can. It’s just a hobby, and if I can improve my stock I’ll sell the offspring.
I hatched him from eggs I bought, so I don’t know what color.
Thanks for your advice. I’ll see, perhaps I can find another English Orp cockerel for sale. If not, I’ll try to fix the feather issue of 3.
Thank you all!

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

I would pick three. He has the best color and seems to have the best build. Poor feather quality... most lavenders have that.

Ok, thank you.

 

[DKFarms]

Is #1 an Isabel by chance?

 

[DKFarms]

My Isabels at 3 weeks.

 

[The Moonshiner]

Is #1 an Isabel by chance?

He'd have a lot more color by now if he was.
Could be extended black/partridge.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Is #1 an Isabel by chance?

I’d go with what @The Moonshiner said. He’s much more knowledgeable than I.