CSU - Chicken State University- Large Fowl SOP

[fowlman01]

My daughter's Campines sometimes start out with really nice tails that they hold at the correct level and then as they mature, their tails come almost straight up. Can you talk just a little bit more about how to breed for the correct tail set? I understand the narrow and shallow, and I will direct her to this conversation, as a young breeder, how does she go about selecting for the width and depth out of what stock she already has?

If the tail is to high breed that bird with a bird whose tail is too low. Depending where you are starting it may be better to find birds that have the tails you want. It is not just the height of the tail, it is the width and the amount of tail spread when it comes to tails. Check the SOP to see what it should be and then breed to extreme's to get it where you want it.

Walt

 

[Fred's Hens]

The standard describes the shape of the Rock and describes the continuous full line of the front breast, side view. That continuous full line of a full breast, allowing for healthy organs, nice keel bone, and full breast meat development may be hard to describe, using just words. Some folks often say they need pictures because they are visual orientated. OK.

This old etching is one of my favorites. Look at the breasts of the two females in front. I honestly ask you. Do we see that on our own birds? Or, do we see a flat chested bird, a "notched" front bird, or just a tad bit of a "trying hard" breast on our own birds? What do we see? What should a Rock look like in a front profile?

 

[Fred's Hens]

I find this old plate to be very helpful. I've always liked to view the birds from above, like this. It doesn't take long to see the birds that carry their width all the way through their tails. The skinny bodied birds are obvious, as is the wedge shaped bodies. Hope this plate helps. Click on it to make it easier to see, then zoom.

 

[thatbethchick]

http://openlibrary.org/works/OL7728116W/Plymouth_Rocks

Old book, available as download(s) or to read online. Sorry for interrupting. Great class. Beth

 

[3riverschick]

See figure 40 in the SOP. Squirrel tail is the result of a body that is not correct. Narrow and shallow for it's breed. hatcheries don't breed for proper tails.

Walt

Loving page 17. What I am seeng. Not just lists of traits but cause and effect. Why what is what it is. Hope we can do this with all breeds.
Thank you!
Karen

 

[Wynette]

Okay, professors & others.....hit me. Good & bad, please. Silver Penciled Rock cock bird. Two years in this picture. I know there are faults; I'm committed to making a continuous/longtime effort to improve them:








(and one just for fun....)




ETA: I see "bushy" or "cobby" tail (?) per Plate 11 that Fred posted. (Also of note - he is smaller than he ought to be. I don't have an exact weight, but he's probably 1# lighter than the minimum called for.)

 

[Kalalyn21]

Marking

 

[fowlman01]

I find this old plate to be very helpful. I've always liked to view the birds from above, like this. It doesn't take long to see the birds that carry their width all the way through their tails. The skinny bodied birds are obvious, as is the wedge shaped bodies. Hope this plate helps. Click on it to make it easier to see, then zoom.

Can you see the pinched tails?

w.

 

[aoxa]

Can you see the pinched tails?

w.

Walt,

is it #2?

 

[Fred's Hens]