Calling all APA and/or ABA breeders!

[Amer]

Ordinarily, I would be tempted to throw in the towel, but I think it's a worthy project. An ambitious one, perhaps, but as long as I have a bit of success I shall continue trying.

You inspire me. I was super upset that my Buckeyes only gave me two pullets and my blue d’Anvers keep dying, but if I keep trying, I think I can get it.

View attachment 2262327View attachment 2262329

Those are so cute, and the buff color is adorable!

 

[BantyChooks]

You inspire me. I was super upset that my Buckeyes only gave me two pullets and my blue d’Anvers keep dying, but if I keep trying, I think I can get it.

Those are so cute, and the buff color is adorable!

I set every single egg my trio laid last year. They aren't poor layers, either. After two months, one of the hens finally started laying fertile eggs. Of that one hen, about 25--50% of the fertile eggs hatched. (I averaged 95--98% hatch rates the year prior on quail and mutt eggs.) Of those chicks, which numbered 10--15, exactly two of them lived to maturity. Thankfully, this year has been far better. The second hen started laying fertile eggs, and while I pulled a dismal ~50--75% hatch rate, I only lost one chick, which was to a freak accident. Swapping around the breeding pairs with some second generation birds helped, I think. I suspect hatchability will be a difficult issue to contend with, as it appears to be genetic and not environmental, unfortunately. I will keep trying out various crosses with the birds I now have and see if I can improve their overall quality in the next few years.

If I look back at my records, I could most likely find exact numbers.

 

[333113]

Wich st. Louis.

St Louis, Missouri

 

[333113]

Thanks for the good news! I keep looking at them, judging them way too harshly for how young they are. They were born end of February!

Oh, yes, they should color up quite a bit more in the next year.

Feathersite.com is a good place to look at photos of d'Uccles of all ages and colors. They are one of his favorite breeds!
http://feathersite.com/Poultry/CGK/Millies/BRKMilleFleur.html

 

[333113]

I set every single egg my trio laid last year. They aren't poor layers, either. After two months, one of the hens finally started laying fertile eggs. Of that one hen, about 25--50% of the fertile eggs hatched. (I averaged 95--98% hatch rates the year prior on quail and mutt eggs.) Of those chicks, which numbered 10--15, exactly two of them lived to maturity. Thankfully, this year has been far better. The second hen started laying fertile eggs, and while I pulled a dismal ~50--75% hatch rate, I only lost one chick, which was to a freak accident. Swapping around the breeding pairs with some second generation birds helped, I think. I suspect hatchability will be a difficult issue to contend with, as it appears to be genetic and not environmental, unfortunately. I will keep trying out various crosses with the birds I now have and see if I can improve their overall quality in the next few years.

If I look back at my records, I could most likely find exact numbers.

Good for you!
Best book on breeding that I ever read was Ralph Sturgeon's, "Start Where You Are With What You Have." Looks like the ABA still has it available in their online store. It's been very helpful, to me.

 

[BantyChooks]

Good for you!
Best book on breeding that I ever read was Ralph Sturgeon's, "Start Where You Are With What You Have." Looks like the ABA still has it available in their online store. It's been very helpful, to me.

Have you read "Creative Poultry Breeding" by W.C. Carefoot? I found that one to be a most enjoyable read. Sturgeon's book is on my list as well.

 

[333113]

Have you read "Creative Poultry Breeding" by W.C. Carefoot? I found that one to be a most enjoyable read. Sturgeon's book is on my list as well.

Always looking for good references. I will read this.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

St Louis, Missouri

Just making sure, there is one in MI and in Kentucky I think lol.

 

[FluffyBottomBantams]

Start where you are with what you have has been on my reading list for awhile. I’ll have to look for the other titles too, if y’all say they are helpful

 

[FluffyBottomBantams]

Here’s a question about exhibiting...I figured it wasn’t worth creating a whole other thread, but I might later if need be.
I’ve seen people use purple dog shampoo or toning shampoo for people to brighten or whiten light colored or white chickens. Does anyone do this and have a recommended brand? Thinking of trying it if we ever have a show again.