Bob Blosl's Heritage Large Fowl Thread

[Yellow House Farm]

That black leghorn pullet is pretty good! Her leg color is really clear. It's hard to get that intense, clean yellow on a black birds legs.

 

[fowlman01]

Now for you who don't know what is involved to get a trio of breeders from the East Coast to the West Coast this is what has to happen. You purchase the trio for say $100. from the master breeder. Then you have to purchase a box to ship them to you and have them shipped to the breeder unless he has one. Cost $60. Then ship the trio of adult large fowl birds to your house maybe $100 or more. When you are done you may have $250. in the trio.

So when you get ten adult started chicks for a total of $160 that not a bad investment in rare old time chickens. Remember you can maybe get some birds that are want a be Buff Rocks but you will spend so much for feed and maybe 10 to 15 years to reach the level that all ready is in this trio.

If I have the passion to bring back this old breed I would do it. Tom can help you in the selection of the color to breed. We have a good article written by him in the Archives of the Plymouth Rock
Club on how to breed the buff color.

Like I told you there is a breed a good dual purpose buff breed in Calif the Buff Wyandotte's. It is just as rare maybe only 100 alive in the USA today. This would be a good breed to help out as I only know a hand full who breeds them. But if you want Buff Rocks I would contact Tom as to have a breeding trio and then pay him for the birds and the expense to ship them. Thanks for having the interest in a old rare breed. Sound like you have the right stuff to be a successful breeder .

This is one of Dave Andersons buff Wyandottes. The combs need a little work, but most birds with rosecombs do. These are big birds!

Walt

 

[fowlman01]

Yes, ultimately, it doesn't matter to anyone but myself. I don't like to sell things, it stresses me out, so that's not a factor. The only reason popularity matters, is because I'm finding it virtually impossible to learn about them, aside from the SOP and a few articles. There is nobody to talk to about them to compare things with, virtually nothing has been written about them. Old pictures are contrary to the SOP and it's just frustrating. But I really like the bird, and if it could be made to be a good duel purpose bird again, I would be quite happy with it.


Beautiful. Leghorns are such an elegant breed.

But you will very seldom see a male without white in it's tail feathers.....usually at the base of the main sickle feathers.

Walt

 

[cluck-cluck]

Do you mean the Black Leghorn? Or the Crevecoeur?

 

[OSUman]

Im guessing its on the Leghorn, but it could be on both.

Do you mean the Black Leghorn? Or the Crevecoeur?

 

[fowlman01]

Do you mean the Black Leghorn? Or the Crevecoeur?

Black Legorn males. The better the yellow color of the legs the more apt it will have white in the sickle feathers.

Walt

 

[cbnovick]

Walt, Bob and everyone....thanks for your input and guidance on the infamous Buff Rock subject....I am mulling it all over and will get back to you

Meanwhile, I have a more pressing question for those of you experienced breeders:

"To Brood or Not to Brood"

I have a lovely GSBR hen (14 months) that's just went broody this morning...she's still settin' at 8:15pm while everyone else is on the roost...I just so happen to have 2 dozen ($$$) eggs being shipped in which should arrive tues. or weds this week. it's starting to get pretty darn hot here in AZ...right around 100 high and 70 low...should heat up a bit more over the next month even. I would love to 'prove' this gal as a decent setter/brooder as I feel all H birds should be...BUT I do not want to risk her or the fertile eggs' welfare in the process...I was thinking of putting about 6 eggs under her and incubate the rest. thus far, these hardy GSBR's have done well in the heat...very little panting and laying almost daily too...of course I have them in deep shade, open air coop/runs and have not even had to use the fan or mister yet. they free range about 4 hours...2 in the morn and 2 in the evening.

What are your opinons??

 

[Lacy Blues]

Walt, Bob and everyone....thanks for your input and guidance on the infamous Buff Rock subject....I am mulling it all over and will get back to you

Meanwhile, I have a more pressing question for those of you experienced breeders:

"To Brood or Not to Brood"

I have a lovely GSBR hen (14 months) that's just went broody this morning...she's still settin' at 8:15pm while everyone else is on the roost...I just so happen to have 2 dozen ($$$) eggs being shipped in which should arrive tues. or weds this week. it's starting to get pretty darn hot here in AZ...right around 100 high and 70 low...should heat up a bit more over the next month even. I would love to 'prove' this gal as a decent setter/brooder as I feel all H birds should be...BUT I do not want to risk her or the fertile eggs' welfare in the process...I was thinking of putting about 6 eggs under her and incubate the rest. thus far, these hardy GSBR's have done well in the heat...very little panting and laying almost daily too...of course I have them in deep shade, open air coop/runs and have not even had to use the fan or mister yet. they free range about 4 hours...2 in the morn and 2 in the evening.

What are your opinons??

I'd give her a chance, just make sure that air can move through the nest so she doesn't overheat. During the last 3 days I usually pour about a tablespoon of water into the nesting material below the eggs so that the mama's body heat will make it nice and humid. I do this only once, not each of the 3 days. When I forget to do this, I have several that get shrink wrapped in their eggs as it is so incredibly dry here and I know it is where you live too. If she hatches them out and is a good mama, I'd give her the rest of the babies to take care of too.

Now you have to tell me what a GSBR is. I get so confused over all these initials on this thread to describe a particular breed. I'd love to know what does not pant in Scottsdale's heat.

 

[cbnovick]

I'd give her a chance, just make sure that air can move through the nest so she doesn't overheat. During the last 3 days I usually pour about a tablespoon of water into the nesting material below the eggs so that the mama's body heat will make it nice and humid. I do this only once, not each of the 3 days. When I forget to do this, I have several that get shrink wrapped in their eggs as it is so incredibly dry here and I know it is where you live too. If she hatches them out and is a good mama, I'd give her the rest of the babies to take care of too.

Now you have to tell me what a GSBR is. I get so confused over all these initials on this thread to describe a particular breed. I'd love to know what does not pant in Scottsdale's heat.

Thanks for your input...I've had broody hens set etc. in Northern California without any problems...had a jersey giant gal that was my 'go to' even for ducks. However, AZ is a whole 'nother ball game.
GSBR is "Good Shepherd Barred Rock"...Frank Reese got Ralph Sturgeons 'Ringlet' strain who reportedly got them from EB Thompson (early 1900's)
These birds are HUGE...love their whole grains,greens and lots of animal protein (gamebird ration/meal worms/unseasoned meat scraps) Excellent vigor despite the heat we've already had the past month. I suspect their condition may suffer a tad by August but no worries...should have their first year molt this Fall...I won't be showing them until winter anyhow.
I may put dummy eggs under her until the hatch is done and slip chicks under her...win-win that way...we shall see.

 

[cbnovick]

NEVERMIND

.......She can't commit.

Apparently, early this morning she got off the nest and has been off including free ranging...I could 'encourage' her of course by loading the nest etc etc...but perhaps when she matures a bit more...I've had good broody hens before...ain't nothin' getting them off the nest, once they commit. No worries, I will use the good old incubator and brooder.

Cindy