Steve,I am hoping to get some advice from people who breed Buff Orpingtons about which rooster they would keep. My roos are now 14 weeks old.
1. Brutus
Brutus started out with what looked like a split comb and was the second biggest cockerel. I immediately wrote off saving him, but he is now the the largest, most mature, and first to crow. He has always been a voracious eater, shoving himself to the front of any food set out. He's a pig. I went through a period of disliking Brutus, because I felt that he was kind of rough with the other birds, but he seems now to have toned down a bit as he's coming into the confidence of being the alpha roo. He also really loves eating weeds from my garden that I toss over. He just loves to eat. Recently, I've kind of taken to admiring him a bit, because I think he looks pretty handsome.
2. Buddy
Buddy was the largest cockerel to start with and had very long tail feathers in the brooder. He is now the smallest of the three roos. I was sure he was a hen until his comb formed. He has a pleasant disposition, and frequently runs with the hens, as opposed to my other two roos who kind of hang out by themselves. I had planned on keeping him, but I have noticed that his comb has a defect, and he has dark tail feathers. I have read that you don't want to eliminate birds like this from your flock so the color doesn't wash out. He definitely has more of the darker gold color than the other two roos, but the color is uneven and mottled. I have also noticed that his comb is significantly paler than the other two roos, and I don't know if this is possibly an indicator of less vigor?
3. Lance
Lance started out as the smallest cockerel, and now is the second largest. He had a very tall upright carriage as a chick, almost comical. I never really liked him because he was the flightiest of all of my BO. I never considered keeping him and he's still the last on my list, but I'm willing to listen to more experienced folks. Maybe having a flighty BO roo is good because he will be more watchful?
Here's a pic of Brutus (rear) and Buddy (front) together to get an idea of contrast.
I would appreciate any advice.
Steve
All these boys are missing their tails. Somebody is plucking feathers ! Brutus is by far your best cockerel. The other 2 have leghorn combs and very shallow bodies, though Lance has the best fore chest. All have loose wings at the moment , which is not unusual in young males in the heat.. My advice would be to keep them until 20 weeks old, and then take another look. I think Brutus will still be your top bird then.
