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Any idea what the quality of their Chanteclers are in general?? I've heard that Ideal has some decent birds to start with, but that related more to cochins.
They need some work on feather quality and size, but type is fair and the color is excellent. I have 3 pullets. Have added a Partridge x Buff cross from Mike Gilbert of WI. Lost our only cockerel, so we are looking for a Buff Plymouth rock to use.
As far as crossing a white and Buff. You really should not. Takes years to get the silver gene out. Even after several generations white feathers can pop up in the tails and wings. There are several that are using the Buff Plymouth Rock to improve the feather quality and size. We are considering suing a Buckeye male this season. It has been suggested that would increase the size and help on type. It may take 2 generations to get the buff back. What we will do is mate the pullets back to a full Buff Chantecler cockerel in the fall. We did a test run on what color we would get by crossing a Buff Orpington with the Buckeye. We have what could be called a dark buff or light red.
The Chantecler Fanciers International has several members that are working hard to improve the Buff.
Seems all the hatcheries got their Buff Chanteclers from Ideal. I am very happy with the quality. Even those who have worked with them for years is trying to get size up. Seems the barn was painted good and well built. Just not quite large enough.