Cochin breeding, genetics, and showing

[thecochincoop]

Can you tell split wing on a baby?

I mean, is that what this is, or is it just baby feathers?

i've seen a couple like this in my BLR's that I thought were split wing and turned out to be only weak wings. If you're asking whether to cull I would wait unless you have an abundance of chicks

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Can you tell split wing on a baby?

I mean, is that what this is, or is it just baby feathers?

I asked just about the exact same question on the Cochin forum last week - you can see the response I got from Matt Lhamon:

http://showbirdbid.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=cif&action=display&thread=3907

 

[Fancy Feathers]

Thank you Mandy and Gail

I have 34 young chicks right now, Cochins and Silkies. That's quite a lot for me.. The Cochins are all going through feather development at different rates, this is the only chick who's wings look like that, so I wondered.
I love watching the babies grow up and mature, it's one of the best things about raising chickens!

 

[lilcrow]

Can you tell split wing on a baby?

I mean, is that what this is, or is it just baby feathers?

I would be a little concerned about it, but don't do anything rash yet. I'd like to hear from Gail, Craig, Mandy or some others.

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

Can you tell split wing on a baby?

I mean, is that what this is, or is it just baby feathers?

Everyone has given you good advice if you have enough space to grow it out more. If space is an issue either cull or rehome it.

 

[tiki244]

I have a couple of questions I am wonderring if anyone can enlighten me on. Been reading the SOP and looking at my younger birds and trying to figure out which ones to keep. (some of them) The term medium back has me a bit confused. Some of the 4 month olds have a cushion and/tail that seems to start right at the end of the neck. Others seem to have a longer back.

Some of mine almost look like they are chopped off (but also seem to have the widest body/cushion)/ but they are supposed to look like balls right?

And is the cushion where? I think I know it is right at base of tail but havent seen a diagram of it.

And there was something else about an upward keel ? (not desirable) . Most of my cochins, when they are at attention or scared, raise up there necks and kind of whole front of body. But when relaxed they stand more normal. One 4 month old doesnt seen to have any rise at all to his tail but otherwise he looks good I am wonderring if I should let him go? Or if he will groew out.

I will try for some pictures but if anyone can shed some light on these I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[joanie_maine]

I have a couple of questions I am wonderring if anyone can enlighten me on. Been reading the SOP and looking at my younger birds and trying to figure out which ones to keep. (some of them) The term medium back has me a bit confused. Some of the 4 month olds have a cushion and/tail that seems to start right at the end of the neck. Others seem to have a longer back.

Some of mine almost look like they are chopped off (but also seem to have the widest body/cushion)/ but they are supposed to look like balls right?

And is the cushion where? I think I know it is right at base of tail but havent seen a diagram of it.

And there was something else about an upward keel ? (not desirable) . Most of my cochins, when they are at attention or scared, raise up there necks and kind of whole front of body. But when relaxed they stand more normal. One 4 month old doesnt seen to have any rise at all to his tail but otherwise he looks good I am wonderring if I should let him go? Or if he will groew out.

I will try for some pictures but if anyone can shed some light on these I would greatly appreciate it.

I do look for the "Bowling Ball" look

I mean, I look at pictures of winning birds. They are round, have short backs and the cushion contributes to the roundness.

I wait until 4 months to start looking - foot feathering, feather color, size, eye color, is a cushion developing?

Then I send some off as pets....and I'm no expert...I just feel my way

 

[Fancy Feathers]

Everyone has given you good advice if you have enough space to grow it out more. If space is an issue either cull or rehome it.

Thanks Craig, I'll keep an eye on it.

 

[Fancy Feathers]

I think this is a good example of "cushion", isn't it? The poofy feathers on the back, above the tail..

 

[lilcrow]

I think this is a good example of "cushion", isn't it? The poofy feathers on the back, above the tail..

Cushion refers to the entire "tail" of the bird, cochins of course are not supposed to have a tail that sticks up. The profile should look like a ball which means you should not be able to see a line of separation between the back or saddle area and the tail or cuchion.