BlackHackle's Light Sussex

[Amer]

I'm starting to lean towards Nicklas too. More rounded of breast than TJ as well as larger. He looks very "Sussex-like."

 

[BlackHackle]

I'm starting to lean towards Nicklas too. More rounded of breast than TJ as well as larger. He looks very "Sussex-like."

Yea, as much as I liked TJ's character, he is a runt compared to the other two. He also is growing a bent carriage. While Alex is already 2 pounds at a month, he has quite a lack in markings. Niklas is the only true-to-type at the moment

 

[Amer]

Yea, as much as I liked TJ's character, he is a runt compared to the other two. He also is growing a bent carriage. While Alex is already 2 pounds at a month, he has quite a lack in markings. Niklas is the only true-to-type at the moment

Yeah. Alex also has a weird back.

 

[BlackHackle]

Yeah. Alex also has a weird back.

It sure is bizarre...I have no clue what's up with that

 

[3riverschick]

I am taking another look at these cockerels. I was reading Sussex lit tonight. The authors were known poultry experts. I don't think the downward pointing tail on TJ is a problem. Just an indication of a male tail just starting to develop. ( according to author Michael Boyer).
Also, the renowned Sussex man Leo Outram states in his 1920's book that he likes to see a young cockerel a bit high on the leg
(like TJ). Outram says such cockerels usually settle their carcass down properly on their legs at correct height when they mature.
I wouldn't worry about the amount of hackle at this point. It looks good to me for TJ's age. I had cockerels like that with that amount of hackle this age and their hackles were stunning when they were adults. And look how far the hackle is up his neck! Way up the neck. That's a good thing to be desired.
So I am changing my vote to TJ.
Best,
Karen

 

[BlackHackle]

Thanks for the pointers

 

[Amer]

I am taking another look at these cockerels. I was reading Sussex lit tonight. The authors were known poultry experts. I don't think the downward pointing tail on TJ is a problem. Just an indication of a male tail just starting to develop. ( according to author Michael Boyer).
Also, the renowned Sussex man Leo Outram states in his 1920's book that he likes to see a young cockerel a bit high on the leg
(like TJ). Outram says such cockerels usually settle their carcass down properly on their legs at correct height when they mature.
I wouldn't worry about the amount of hackle at this point. It looks good to me for TJ's age. I had cockerels like that with that amount of hackle this age and their hackles were stunning when they were adults. And look how far the hackle is up his neck! Way up the neck. That's a good thing to be desired.
So I am changing my vote to TJ.
Best,
Karen

Good advice! I still wouldn't change my particular advice, considering TJ is smaller and I prefer picking larger birds.

 

[3riverschick]

when were they hatched? The later in the year the bird is hatched, it will grow to be a smaller bird tho it still carries the genes to be larger.
I would not DQ a smaller bird if it was hatched later on in the year. I would breed it to a quality size hen and see how its get look. What size were TJs' parents? I've got eggs in the incubator now that will grow up smaller . Not a problem, will wait to see what next years pullet and cockerel breeding season says. I have a mature large size Light Sussex hen to breed a hoped-for cockerel to next Spring. I sure hope I get a couple of cockerels. This gene pool runs real heavy to females.
Best,
Karen

 

[BlackHackle]

when were they hatched? The later in the year the bird is hatched, it will grow to be a smaller bird tho it still carries the genes to be larger.
I would not DQ a smaller bird if it was hatched later on in the year. I would breed it to a quality size hen and see how its get look. What size were TJs' parents?
Best,
Karen

They were hatched June 1

 

[BlackHackle]

What size were TJs' parents?

TJ's parents were enormous birds. Looked around 10 pounds at least