Double Laced Barnevelder

[mandelyn]

What do I need to know when selecting a cockerel in terms of this specific breed? Namely in the feather pattern.

I have just 1 pullet, but there are 6 boys to choose from. I separated out 2 that I like for size/growth/type. Between the two, what are some key points to consider for this breed? They're Silver based.

Hopefully everything works out with the pullet and that she finishes out as a good layer. It all hinges on her! They're about 15 weeks old now. Looking to start a line of them so I'm hanging onto the best 2-3 boys.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Between the two, what are some key points to consider for this breed?

Key points for any breed... demeanor will be first and foremost at my place.

You said you've already selected for growth, size, and type... so some other key things to look for...

Eye color, skin color, shank color, split wing, comb sprigs.

Honestly... it's early enough to make some culls but too early to choose the keeper... in my opinion and experience... keep them both in a stag pen and have a back up in case of predator loss, illness, or human aggression that comes AFTER hormones kick in. Allow them some maturity so they can gain manners towards the ladie(s). With hormones just barely kicking in (and not usually at the exact same timing), good idea to see what develops! Even feather pattern or color can change with mini molts.

Get or find yourself a copy of the Standard of Perfection... study it and look at as many birds as you can... it will train your eye to automatically pick things out. Maybe even join some breeders clubs... while I love BYC for the great community and information it provides... folks who have been working with certain breeds for a long period of time will have and share a greater and deeper knowledge of that breed and it's ins and outs.

Best wishes on your line! It's a worthy cause in a breed you love.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

It does hinge on the lone pullet. It's what she is lacking that you want to choose the cockerel for. With only one layer, find her faults then pick the K that complements that.

As in she may have too low a tail then you'd pick a K with higher lift than standard. If she only has three points to comb then you pick a K with 5 points. Needs better yellow legs then use the K with best safety yellow legs. And so on. Birds near standard are good to mate but when single mating you use what will best match up for desired effect on offspring. Complementary mating.

 

[mandelyn]

It does hinge on the lone pullet. It's what she is lacking that you want to choose the cockerel for. With only one layer, find her faults then pick the K that complements that.

As in she may have too low a tail then you'd pick a K with higher lift than standard. If she only has three points to comb then you pick a K with 5 points. Needs better yellow legs then use the K with best safety yellow legs. And so on. Birds near standard are good to mate but when single mating you use what will best match up for desired effect on offspring. Complementary mating.

Exactly! That's why I still have all 6 boys. The two I pulled as possibilities are starting to fill out better, one shot up in height and the other leveled off. The taller one has a wing that doesn't want to tuck in that well, hoping it's feather growth and that it'll fall back into shape. They're into the mid-juvenile molt now. She has gotten more lacing but not much... I'm assuming if her lacing is week than I'll need the male with the loudest silver.


She's been growing similar to my Marans, getting that depth and width, overall they seem to have pretty nice type. So I'm watching the boys for the fullness and weight. 3 of them have pretty nice combs so far.

I need to get some pictures of them, now that they're coming out of the wonky teenager phase.