Developing my own breed

[peepdaddy]

I originally posted this under another thread but felt it was more appropriate to start a new thread. I've been developing my own dual purpose breed for several years.
This first picture is a rooster several generations into the project. He became the foundation sire.

 

[peepdaddy]

These are his descendants, several generations down the line. This rooster and 4 hens are what I'm currently breeding. My first hatch this year was 13 babies. All barred feather pattern.

 

[peepdaddy]

cool! what breeds are in the mix?

Buckeye, buff orpington and barred rock are the primary ones with a bit of a few others.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

That is a big thing for me, I don't know why but I like having a bird who can do all of it herself. The whole package kinda thing.

 

[peepdaddy]

I call them "Spangled Sardonyx"

 

[peepdaddy]

Do you have any more pics?

I just took these about an hour ago. As you can probably tell It's very overcast in these pictures and the rain drove me back inside. I'll take more on the first pretty, sunny day.

 

[peepdaddy]

Do you have any more pics?

I remembered that I have babies. This one is 9 days old. The other 12 look about the same.

 

[Winter Creek Coop]

Cool. I had plans for a high volume light blue egg layer before we got Mareks. That put the brakes on things for a while. We are all recovered now but I am not taking in any outside birds right now because if bird flu. Maybe someday. Good luck with your breed.

 

[peepdaddy]

My goal is a bird that is table ready at 20 weeks, but unlike most "heritage breeds" is well muscled despite spending most of its life on pasture will little to no supplemental feed.

Best of luck. If you don't mind a little advice? I would encourage you to be persistent. It's an effort intensive process. Keep your goal in mind and try not to get sidetracked. Don't add too much new blood unless you see that your original genetics are falling short of what you want to accomplish then be very choosey with any additions.
Another pic.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Maternal instinct.