BREEDING FOR PRODUCTION...EGGS AND OR MEAT.

[ejcrist]

Ok now I have to ask........ I am curious why you do not like single combs. For me the issue is frostbite, that is why I want to breed that trait out of my chicken flock.

There are some differences to be sure and not just the comb. The Dom does lay medium sized eggs but will lay them years longer than the BR and they are naturally more resistant to disease...just like the Naked Neck.

I plan to cross the NNs X Doms and a few other crosses for capons. But please don't take offence...I see nothing wrong with the BR, except the straight comb which I have come to loathe in general.

Appreciate the info on the fact they lay longer and have better resistance. Are you talking about compared to hatchery Barred Rocks or a good, large heritage bird. From what I read about a good line of Barred Rocks they'll lay well for several years too.

Also like Canadian Buckeye I'm curious what you don't like about single combs. It gets mighty hot where I'm at so a large comb is a huge asset. I'd be hesitant to go with a bird that doesn't have one. I also know smaller birds have an advantage in hot climates so that was one thing I thought might benefit the Dominique vs. the Barred Rock.

 

[NanaKat]

Oklahoma has many weeks of below freezing temps.

My four Minorca hens have been in the layer flock going on 6 years...still laying 3 to 5 large eggs a week except when in molt. Combs have fallen over but have had no frostbite issues.

The Wyandotte hens lay year round when they aren't broody. Rosecomb suffers no frostbite.

Cochin don't lay as well, but they are great incubators. Their single combs are short...only the cock had points frosted last year.

My Buckeye are not great layers, but again no frostbite on those small combs. The birds are from a friend who got his birds from McCary.

 

[ejcrist]

Oklahoma has many weeks of below freezing temps.

My four Minorca hens have been in the layer flock going on 6 years...still laying 3 to 5 large eggs a week except when in molt. Combs have fallen over but have had no frostbite issues.

The Wyandotte hens lay year round when they aren't broody. Rosecomb suffers no frostbite.

Cochin don't lay as well, but they are great incubators. Their single combs are short...only the cock had points frosted last year.

My Buckeye are not great layers, but again no frostbite on those small combs. The birds are from a friend who got his birds from McCary.

Roger that. I really like those Minorca's too. Yet another breed I'd love to raise. Yeah I wouldn't look to get rose or pea combs unless I had extended temps below 25 or so like in Minnesota, Wyoming, up in Canada, etc. I know you get some nasty winter weather in your neck of the woods even though you ain't up north but I believe I'd be more worried about hot summer temps than cold winter temps. The heat is a real killer. I know a lot of experienced chicken raisers that lost birds this past summer.

 

[Turk Raphael]

Ok now I have to ask........ I am curious why you do not like single combs. For me the issue is frostbite, that is why I want to breed that trait out of my chicken flock.

In truth, it's more aesthetics than anything else. If Barred Rocks had cushion combs, I'd likely have a yard full of 'em!!!

edited to correct spelling.

 

[DesertChic]

In truth, it's more aesthetics than anything else. If Barred Rocks had cushion combs, I'd likely have a yard full of 'em!!!

edited to correct spelling.

This is as close as I could get. She's 1/2 Barred Rock.

 

[Beer can]

@DesertChic what's the other 1/2?!! silkie or polish :-D

 

[ejcrist]

@DesertChic what's the other 1/2?!! silkie or polish :-D

.........or Roadrunner?

 

[Turk Raphael]

This is as close as I could get. She's 1/2 Barred Rock.

Madame Pompadour

 

[Kassaundra]

I










I have some barreds too, nothing pure

 

[Kassaundra]

Madame Pompadour

The "girl in the fireplace"???