Bob Blosl's Heritage Large Fowl Thread

[Robert Blosl]

Thank you he just emailed me and I think I have a idea where he got these birds from. He told me The strain he has was given to him by a friend sometime in the 70's. Now thats a Heritage line of Large Fowl if there ever was one.

I sure liked them and will keep in touch with him. He is a very good chicken man and has some fantastic poultry pens and methods on how to raise chickens. He would make any one a good mentor.

Ralph, remember the old Roy Brown line from Calif? I wonder it was his old birds or someone who had his strain. I think those where pure Harold Tompkins line from the 1940s.

Thanks again. bob

 

[ultasol]

Yard full o' rocks :

Ok....need some advise.
This cockerel BY FAR has the best type and color, as well as size. Nice tail and tail spread. I still have 3 other cockerels, but none of them measure up to this guy (named Pablo BTW). I need some suggestions....

Do I keep the best cockerel and somehow wok with him on his demeanor? If so, I need suggestions. Perhaps keep him until I can get a few offspring from him?? Then get rid of him??

OR do I punt this one to the curb and work with one of the lesser cockerels, but one that has a better disposition? It took too long to get started with this variety so I want to be very careful about how and what to do.

Looking for some real help here folks.....

THANKS

Scott
(aka Yard full o' rocks)

Scott, I feel your pain. I have a really nice blue silkie cock that, until I had him, was kept in a bachelor pen. He is now two years old. Once he was placed in with the ladies he became very aggressive- grabbing, biting, flogging, etc. Prior to being in with girls he was fine. I took him to a couple shows, and at the first one, which was a double show, he was fine for the judge that got to the Bantams in the AM, but by the time the second judge, who I happened to be clerking for, got to him he had apparently rested up. He grabbed her arm with his beak as she brought him out and didn't let go until she pried him off. I couldn't hint that it was my bird, but I was embarrassed.
After that show, I thought about culling him, but I already had sent in my entry for him in the next show so I waited. He was better the second show and didn't bite the judge. I still have him, but I am watching him carefully. I am planning on using him for breeding and selecting the nicest son without a temperament problem to take his place.

Different breed, but same issue. Perhaps keeping him in a pair or trio where he doesn't feel competition from the other cockerel will turn him around.​

 

[ultasol]

A page or so back there was talk of how to improve leg color. Now, say you have a white or partially white bird such as a SLW or white rock, I know the marigold extract in the purina feed can cause yellowing of the plumage, what about the other suggested ways of intensifying leg and comb colors.

 

[Rock N' Faverolles]

Yard full o' rocks :

I need some suggestions....

Do I keep the best cockerel and somehow wok with him on his demeanor? If so, I need suggestions. Perhaps keep him until I can get a few offspring from him?? Then get rid of him??

OR do I punt this one to the curb and work with one of the lesser cockerels, but one that has a better disposition? It took too long to get started with this variety so I want to be very careful about how and what to do.

Looking for some real help here folks.....

THANKS

Scott
(aka Yard full o' rocks)

In the end, it's up to you. Personally I'd punt him to the curb. I say this because I think the strain you have is actually Tommy Stanleys bloodlines and his columbian males more often then naught were mean. It is hereditary and it needs to be bred out. I don't care if it's the best bird on the planet (this is only my opinion) but his meaness detracts from beauty, so I wouldn't want him on my place. I never have liked mean birds, but I'm cracking down big, since I'm going to be having a baby girl in December. The last thing I want is to have a mean bird flog her when she's older. It would do to things: could possibly hurt her, and for sure, it would make her not like chickens. Okay. Sorry I went off on a tangent.

David​

 

[hcammack]

I have culled good males because they were agressive. I would cull him. I agree its hereditary and they need not to be used for breeding.
Henry

 

[lildinkem]

I have a Buff Orpington cock, who is the daddy of the pullet in my avatar, and I wouldn't turn my back on him. I got him last winter special order from Terry Britt. Terry still has pure Tony Ewert Buff Orpington lines that go back to Bob Coulter stock I believe. So I have to keep this bird.
He tried to get me when I first got him when he was a cockerel. Felt like someone thwacking my leg with a half inch stick about 40 moh. Didn't feel too good. I have him in a small 8' by 8' portable pen with my Eckers Buff hens, and I go in sometimes with a floppy mop and just pin him to the ground when I see it in his eye. Unfortunately he is a critical part of my breeding program. And from the initial indications, his offspring all have the gentle disposition that is characteristic of the breed. I plan on him going no where till he dies of natural circumstances. And I do plan on line breeding to him even though he is a pill. Just cause of what he is genetically to my stock and lines.

 

[OSUman]

The best cure for an agressive cock that you need for breeding is a whack across their head when they come at you. It will show your dominance over them just dont hit them too hard.

 

[cybercat]

Bob I am speachless to have you say Alpha is that nice. Thank you. I hope he improves the girls like I need him too. I sure will be looking to keep back a couple of cockerals from him that correst his slight comb fault.


Scott I would work with your cockeral. Remember he is young and hormones will make some male animals act stupid. There is alot of information here on BYC on how to correct this problem. I can not remember who has a BYC page on it but I know where to look since I have it saved and will post it here for you. First thing to do is get hold of him under your arm and do not let go while taking care of the chickens. He is challanging you for dominace and you need to put him in his place. My 2 cockerals do this all the time between themselves but not too me yet. Then again mine are not crowing either even though they are 6 months old. Just remember it is fixable since he is so young. Do not give up.


Tamara

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

Thanks Tam!!

 

[kathyinmo]

Scott,
I was thinking the same as Tamara .... he is young and the hormones are just kicking it. Maybe give him a little time, instead of making a rush decision. Type is hard to come by, and if you have it ya sure hate to lose it. Good luck with your decision.