Bob Blosl's Heritage Large Fowl Thread

[el pollo rey]

Was your young Delaware covering well ? I have seen young Roos bullied by older hens

 

[capayvalleychick]

Was your young Delaware covering well ? I have seen young Roos bullied by older hens

I can never get close enough fast enough to see how well any of the males are making contact.

The older, 15 month old, Delaware cock was the one who was not fertilizing the hens. The younger, 8 month old cockerel (his son), is the one who is getting results.

I have not seen bullying. I have noticed that the hens like to peck the male's combs. The males both stand still for this, don't look threatened.

 

[Gallusfarm]

Pasture & sunshine, they are not lacking. I don't even use the netting any more. They only go into pens briefly, so I can gather their eggs. Why sprouted oats?





They were treated for lice last year. I'm checking them regularly and have not seen any parasites or worms. I did give the cock birds wormer but did not get around to worming the hens. If I worm them now, how long before their eggs can be used for hatching?

One of the lines in my Dorkings is the same as Dick Horstman's. He is now having the same issues as I am. So, I'm wondering if it could be genetic?

Nice place, nice view and nice birds!

 

[el pollo rey]

That is interesting capay , the older guy is having the problem have you tryed some closed penned breeding with your 15 month old to confirm he is the issue ? Updates pls I find interest in this issue

 

[fowlman01]

I can never get close enough fast enough to see how well any of the males are making contact.

The older, 15 month old, Delaware cock was the one who was not fertilizing the hens. The younger, 8 month old cockerel (his son), is the one who is getting results.

I have not seen bullying. I have noticed that the hens like to peck the male's combs. The males both stand still for this, don't look threatened.

Kim,

you may want to seperate the male you want to breed for a week or so and then introduce females into a breeding pen. Generally absence makes the heart fonder as they say. I used this method to get a male to mate while I video taped him for a film I was doing. It took about two seconds for him to get busy after he hadn't been with a female for a while. It is very effective if he can see the females, but can't get to them.

Walt

 

[el pollo rey]

That's good advice never thought about that method ,

 

[capayvalleychick]

you may want to seperate the male you want to breed for a week or so and then introduce females into a breeding pen.

I remembered you saying this, after I posted. I will try it with the Dorkings.

That might also explain why the younger Delaware cockerel was more fertile. I locked him up as soon as I saw he was getting mature enough to breed, and he got to watch the adult male with the hens. Now the adult has been alone for a couple months, I gave him a couple hens. I have to wait a while, since the hens have been with the cockerel, but I will let you know how it goes, el pollo rey

I'll also submit a sample to the lab, to be tested for worms.

Thanks!

 

[ronott1]

Quote:
X2!

 

[LittleEscambia]

Yes Mr Blosl we feel it is very important to preserve the old breeds. If we lose them we lose a vital link to food security. Anyway we are actively breeding some ancient breeds, Langshan chickens and Indian Runner ducks.

 

[desertmarcy]

I just put an ad up on the 1-8 week old chick category for heritage chicks. I've got enough hatched out for myself now, can ship if anybody is interested. Mohawk RIRs, Good Shepard Barred Rocks, and German New Hampshires. Got a pair of my NHs and 2 Barred Rocks at the County Fair Open Poultry Show right now---will see how they do but there is a guy there with killer White Rocks so I don't think my Barred have a chance