BREEDING FOR PRODUCTION...EGGS AND OR MEAT.

[PD-Riverman]

I think I need a more powerful Dremel....and I think I need to be the one driving it instead of my husband. He was very tentative.

I just use a good hand limb cutter and clip the ends of the spurs off.

 

[DesertChic]

I just use a good hand limb cutter and clip the ends of the spurs off.

I've been contemplating pipe cutters.

 

[holm25]

How come you guys trim spurs? Do you have issues with hens getting cut? The most I would ever do is take a nail file and 1-2 swipes just to take the edge off of them.

 

[PD-Riverman]

I've been contemplating pipe cutters.

Good/new "curved" hand limb cutters will clip the points off easy. I never cut a lot off---just maybe 1/2" in +/-.

 

[PD-Riverman]

How come you guys trim spurs? Do you have issues with hens getting cut? The most I would ever do is take a nail file and 1-2 swipes just to take the edge off of them.

I do not cut a lot off but more than a couple swipes with a file---yes they tear up the hens when they get some length and points---plus if one decided to jump up and spur me---That can put you on crutches for a couple days if it hits you in the knee to the bone----ask me how I know. Sure he will be gone but I would be Hurting for a few days.

 

[katefollot]

Has anyone ever used a dehorner when the roo was still young? I've seen it mentioned, but I'm not sure if it holds up in practice.


Additional question. I think I was lying to myself about not caring so much when it comes to color. I have a confession to make- I'm not a big fan of chocolate/red/solid white/barred. I think I've mildly sabotaged myself by getting really attached to the idea of a BBS flock. I don't particularly mind breeding it in either.


So can anyone shoot some ideas off the top of their heads as to a bird that would fit these criteria: Quiet, generally friendly, good forager, no known breed health issues trends(yolk peritonitis as in the sex links), dual purpose medium size, large egg 4-5 days/week, able to breed without AI, summer and winter hardy (summers max of 101, usual hot day more in the mid 90's. winters min of -2, usually only in the teens at night and birds will be in a coop of course).


I actually don't eat meat, however my mom does and I have animals that would adore home grown food as well, so the size of the bird really isn't that much of an issue (not bantam though obvs), but it would be nice to be able to market them locally as decent dual purpose birds. I know the Australorps have most of those qualities, however I'm not sure about their egg production? I'm not sure if (slightly less fluffy) more production based lines of Orpingtons would be able meet those egg-spectations?

I'm reading and re-reading breed info, but at a certain point, practical experience is much more useful and mine is limited. I really liked the Orpingtons I took care of, but they were not great layers. How horribly ridiculous would it be to pick out a really nice BBS Ex. Leghorn Roo to put with some BBS Orp hens? I'm genuinely curious what fertility rate he would manage.

 

[DesertChic]

How come you guys trim spurs? Do you have issues with hens getting cut? The most I would ever do is take a nail file and 1-2 swipes just to take the edge off of them.

Well, the spurs I removed yesterday were roughly 4 inches long, and ones I removed from another rooster a while back were even longer than that. The boys were literally having a harder time walking, roosting, etc, because they had to allow for the spurs. And yes, they do cut into the hens when they get too long. I've got three hens in isolation right now because they were torn up so badly by the amorous boys with the big spurs.

I also trim toenails when necessary, especially on my birds with five toes.

 

[holm25]

I see why you guys have to trim. Mine usually naturally blunt them hopping down the cement steps so I never really have issues

 

[holm25]

Kate I am thinking for what you want Australorps would be the best. Amazing layers and are big chunky birds.

 

[Kassaundra]

Has anyone ever used a dehorner when the roo was still young? I've seen it mentioned, but I'm not sure if it holds up in practice.


Additional question. I think I was lying to myself about not caring so much when it comes to color. I have a confession to make- I'm not a big fan of chocolate/red/solid white/barred. I think I've mildly sabotaged myself by getting really attached to the idea of a BBS flock. I don't particularly mind breeding it in either.


So can anyone shoot some ideas off the top of their heads as to a bird that would fit these criteria: Quiet, generally friendly, good forager, no known breed health issues trends(yolk peritonitis as in the sex links), dual purpose medium size, large egg 4-5 days/week, able to breed without AI, summer and winter hardy (summers max of 101, usual hot day more in the mid 90's. winters min of -2, usually only in the teens at night and birds will be in a coop of course).


I actually don't eat meat, however my mom does and I have animals that would adore home grown food as well, so the size of the bird really isn't that much of an issue (not bantam though obvs), but it would be nice to be able to market them locally as decent dual purpose birds. I know the Australorps have most of those qualities, however I'm not sure about their egg production? I'm not sure if (slightly less fluffy) more production based lines of Orpingtons would be able meet those egg-spectations?

I'm reading and re-reading breed info, but at a certain point, practical experience is much more useful and mine is limited. I really liked the Orpingtons I took care of, but they were not great layers. How horribly ridiculous would it be to pick out a really nice BBS Ex. Leghorn Roo to put with some BBS Orp hens? I'm genuinely curious what fertility rate he would manage.

Well .......................................... since you asked ................................. and this is going to come as a shock to all of you I'm sure, but my suggestion would be ....................................... naked necks. I'm sure you guys are shocked and going

that is shocked that I said it before desertchick!!! lol