Cubalaya Thread For Sharing Pics and Discussing Our Birds

[saladin]

I think you are misunderstanding the article:

First, the world of chickens is divided into two: Bankivoid and Malayoid (the old words). Thus, in the old works you'll run across such terms as 'pheasant malay' or 'shrimp tail malay.'
You must remember that the 'idea' of breeds as we know them today (or think we do) is a relatively new thought. There were: Bankivoid Games, Malayoid Games, Egg layers, Meat breeds and Dual purpose breeds. Or to put it another way, there were Games (two types) and Dunghills.

A 'shrimp-tailed' Malay would be what we simply call Malay (tail pointed down).

A 'pheasant' Malay would be either a Sumatra or a Cubalaya-like bird.

 

[gallorojo]

I'm glad to see Saladin stepped in to address this!! I have been a little busy here myself..

A few things I wanted to add- "Malay" in the old poultry literature wasn't necessarily the breed as we think of it today, often, it just meant a roughly oriental type bird that originated in Southern Asia. Some of the birds used to create the Cubalaya did resemble a modern ' Malay" in some respects, but, the article is clear that they were pea combed, Malay as a "breed" have cushion/strawberry combs.

As to why Malay aren't the first choice as an outcross for the Cubalayas- Well, first, you have the wrong comb. It can be bred out, but, you have Shamo and Thai and Asil with pea combs. Second, you have the short, and often somewhat higher tail of the Malay. A Shamo, Thai, or Asil have longer and often lower tails. Third, the wing carriage of a Malay is different than a Cubalaya, the other 3 breeds have more similar wing carriage. Fourth, Shamo are sometimes larger than Malay, and Thai can sometimes approach the same size , and are overall more similar to the Cubalaya. Aside from all that, good Malay are very hard to find, typically very expensive, and hard to raise. The other 3 breeds aren't exactly common or cheap, but, are easier to find, afford, and keep than Malay are. If a super Malay fell into my lap, I might be tempted to try one out, but, I can get Shamo or Thai cheaper and easier so I've never bothered...

 

[Jungleexplorer]

I can find all kinds of info about Bankiva, but not one single article about[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Malayoid. Why is this?[/FONT]

 

[cubakid]

I've always considered raising Malay but have no room. I think by looking at the whelp birds, it is possible they were crossed, most probably long ago, to Malay. If you look at the wings you'll see they are, i dont know how to describe it, but large and round. If it were separated from the body it would be wider and covers more of the side, and is held higher on the sides of the birds... But that is just what I see. Also notice shorter tails.

 

[Jungleexplorer]

That may be, but remember you are looking at a very young bird and not a mature adult bird that is fully developed. Take for example this Grey at the same age.




Here he is at 8 months, just three months later.



All I know is that my Welp cockerels are improving day by day. Some have longer tail then others. I have never raised cubas from chicks before so I don't know, but I think when they are about a year old, will be when it will be time to get really picky with them don't you think?

 

[saladin]

This is true; Cubalayas change alot in one year. What I can tell you is that my males at 14 weeks look very different, but then I've been breeding mine a long time and making certain choices in selection that I like based upon my interpretation of the Standard and my own taste.

The end result is really all that matters with chickens anyway.

 

[Jungleexplorer]

Well, I guess it depends on what your are looking for. As a first year owner of Cubalayas (I have not produced anything of my own to show so I can't call myself a breeder), I am very pleased with the quality of these Welp (Privett) birds. That is not to say that they are SOP, but that they have better quality then I expected, considering my horrible experience with the BBRed Cubas I got from Ideal, which turned out to be NOT BBReds, tiny and genetically defective (all but one died for no reason in spite of receiving the best of care).

The qualities I like in them are, 1. Great Cubalaya Attidude, 2. Larger size. None of the breeder birds that I paid good money for have the attitude these Welp birds have and these Welp birds are on track to be as heavy or heavier then the heaviest of the breeder birds I bought. My thoughts are that I may be able to use these Welp bird to improve certain aspects of my birds. I think I am many years away from an SOP line of BBRed Cubalayas. I would be glad to just have some birds that have the right weight and do not attack me or go flying around like nuts when I go to collect eggs everyday.

 

[saladin]

I would think they would be excellent for such an endeavor. As I stated, all that really matter is how they turn out anyway. Besides, judging based on pictures is a deceptive practice anyway.

 

[saladin]

A one year old cockerel; note* his coloration is incorrect per the Standard.

 

[saladin]

another picture; same bird