Buff cornish

[Chickanmanfromarkansas]

Thanks for the links, SteveH. Joined the group. I think I continue with the stock that I have right now and see what I can do to improve them. It's a money thing right now.

 

[SteveH]

Quote:
Your welcome , and I certainly identify with the money thing . I hope you can find a low priced Cornish roo from a breeder to improove the type on your hatchery stock . My WLRC pullets from Schlecht sure aren't the quality I see from breeders , but they're looking better as they mature . My best cockeral hasn't filled in as much as the same age pullets , but waiting to see how much he changes before making a decission about culling .

 

[HaikuHeritageFarm]

Just for reference since it was being discussed, that's my Buff Chantecler cockerel at 16-18 weeks. (Second-hand cockerel, not exactly sure on the age.) He's from Sandhill stock. A massive bird compared to my Delawares of the same age, the WIDEST bird I have, hands down, but nowhere near filled out. (Also molting like crazy, which makes his neck look ridiculous.)

I think he is rather Cornish looking, but his feathers are much more fluffy and loose which seems to be a common problem in the variety.

 

[SteveH]

Quote:
I like him , and would think that the " faulty " feather type along with his correct comb type would be a great asset in your climate .

 

[HaikuHeritageFarm]

Steve, yes, he's destined to be the foundation roo for my Alaskan super chicken.

Chanteclers are, ideally, almost the perfect Alaskan chicken (if you have good stock, this guy isn't the best but he's a good start) but I just like more variety! He's in with a pen of spangled orloff and buff brahma pullets for next spring's hatches. May breed the best of those two crosses together and go from there, or may work with only the OrloffxChantecler crosses and blend in some other traits I would like to see.

I'm also thinking of adding Ameraucana to the mix to ensure I keep the beards and muffs, so I may end up with some colored egg layers, as well!

 

[SteveH]

Since the pics I've seen of the original Chanteclers showed fluffy birds , I looked up the description for them which is tight feathers with a lot of fluff . I realized I must be confusing " tight feathered " with " hard feathered " . What is meant by loose feathered ? Is it feathers which don't form a good protective outer covering ?

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

very cool looking guy, lovin' the name Alaskan Super Chicken! Have you looked into using Barnvelders? Just curious as I have heard they are great cold weather birds that lay in winter - I have no experience with them but a Skandanvian guy in my area has them.
What are the girls?

 

[HaikuHeritageFarm]

Quote:
Hmm, good questions. The old style Chanteclers did look to have feathers much like this guy, but it seems like breeders have tried to move away from that. The good breeder quality whites, especially, seem "hard feathered" like I guess a Cornish would be. Personally, it does SEEM like this fluff would keep them warmer in cold climates. I guess I just don't understand how different types of feathers 'work'. I feel like Cheeto here is kind of like a mix between a Buff Orpington and a Buff Cornish, except with a cushion comb. It's a good blend, wish I had some hens so I could see how they lay!

 

[SteveH]

whoopsie