Chantecler Thread!

[hellbender]

Here is Walter...

One of the few birds we have that don't mind the cold snow under foot . We think he is a beauty, can't wait to hatch chicks from him!

Very handsome fella.

 

[blkjak]

Here is Walter... One of the few birds we have that don't mind the cold snow under foot . We think he is a beauty, can't wait to hatch chicks from him!

He is a beauty!

 

[blkjak]

I remember somewhere in this thread talking about breeding; choosing size/temperment etc over comb but I cannot find it.
My question is it easier to fix comb profile/imperfections in breeding than size/color?

Not only in Chanteclers but other breeds. I am not ready to make selections in my Chantys but I have 3 EE roosters all with their own distinct colors; all with ugly combs so I am not sure what to do!

 

[malndobe]

I remember somewhere in this thread talking about breeding; choosing size/temperment etc over comb but I cannot find it.
My question is it easier to fix comb profile/imperfections in breeding than size/color?

From my readings, it would be easier to fix comb than many other things, including size, color, etc. The genetics behind the combs are well known and changes can be made in just a couple generations, while it can take many generations to get larger birds, the right color (a certain shade of buff, brown, blue, etc), correct patterns, etc.

I think the one issue would be if you are working on just one thing, for example size, to the exclusion of all else. So while selecting just for your largest birds, you lost ALL your birds with the right comb along the way. You might get to the size you wanted, but if the only birds you have to bring into your program with the right comb are small, you may loose a lot of your advances trying to fix the comb issue.

 

[blkjak]

Thanks maindobe. That's what I thought I read also. Now I have some hard decisions to make with my EE roosters.

 

[Folly's place]

That's what makes breeding so interesting, and frustrating. Choosing one or two traits at a time to choose breeding stock is one approach, and sacrifices all the other things that matter. It's better to select the best families and individuals overall, and move forward on all fronts. I avoid individuals with poor temperament first, then automatic DQs, and then pick the best overall individuals from the rest. For Chanties, that would include larger size. Correct structure and early feathering and good egg production, no health issues, and production into the second and third year if at all possible. Mary

 

[perfect poultry]

These are my buff babies

 

[MelissaZeno]

Beautiful

 

[3riverschick]

I remember somewhere in this thread talking about breeding; choosing size/temperment etc over comb but I cannot find it.
My question is it easier to fix comb profile/imperfections in breeding than size/color?

Not only in Chanteclers but other breeds. I am not ready to make selections in my Chantys but I have 3 EE roosters all with their own distinct colors; all with ugly combs so I am not sure what to do!

Hi,
Here ya go. Tera Lee is very science oriented. This 14 page article is very interesting.
Combs & Wattles in the Chantecler Chicken
By Tara Lee Higgins ~ Higgins Rat Ranch Conservation Farm
http://www.wolven.ca/higgins/ratranch/articles/1 combwatt/1 combwatt.pdf

 

[blkjak]

Thanks 3rivers!