d'uccles- which rooster to keep for breeding

[NateinFL]

About that website, I've been there, done that. There's a guy named Carl who gave me helpful information to join their club. All the links are outdated or no longer exist, I was a little disappointed I almost want to offer my help to get it back current and up to date. We need good clubs like that to promote interest in the breed and bring about good networking and therefore an overall improvement of the breed. And half the sellers I contacted just dont respond. I had to look elsewhere. BTW is there anyone else on here in FL that is working on the breed? it would be great to get to know somebody local to share experiences with. Please speak up if you do, thanks Nathan

 

[Pine Grove]

I agree, I was once a member of the D'uccle club, surprised i'ts still going. CystalChik on here has D'uccles she is in Fl, She has the Booth bloodlines..Anyone that is anyone knows about the Booth bloodlines..

 

[NateinFL]

thanks for the tip im looking them up now -Nathan

 

[NateinFL]

Here's the pic of my mille fleur hatch from Julie Gabbard. What's up with all that black? Is that normal? Will that go away? They are 3 months old.

 

[lilcrow]

Nathan, I had the same thought about the web site. It has been updated since I was on there back in the spring, but that's not saying much. I looked at the "meet results" and it looks to me like there are just a few of the same people showing around the US, doing the same thing, in the same areas, showing against the same folks. How boring is that? I will admit that I haven't contacted anyone, so I really can't cast stone about not written back to, but the web site is glaring in it's lack of graphics, so I can't say that I've been particularly attracted to anyone! When I go looking for a breeder or for birds, I want to see someone has or is producing and what I'm going to get. That's how I make my choices and discriminate about who I'll get in touch with. If I can't see their stock or what they have, I'm going to pass them over. Granted, I'm new in the breed, and I'm sure they're thinking that they have a long standing reputation and possibly they feel like they shouldn't have to cater to the public, but how else will they attract new fanciers and exhibitors. This is how a breed dies out or gets stuck in a rut.

 

[NateinFL]

EXACTLY my point. I sent out personal emails to several of the breeders on there. Didnt get a SINGLE reply except for one guy who said hes not raising them anymore because of his deteriorating health

I'm having better luck running into members on here who have them. I guess if I want show quality I'll have to develop some myself. I will be going to the Florida State Fair though. I am really hoping to get some good solid contacts there so we'll see.

 

[lilcrow]

Quote:
Oh gosh, at 3 months old I think I'd just close my eyes for a while. She's not that far off, and I don't think she's got THAT much black on her. My pullets changed SO much as they matured. When they were that age I don't even think I was sure they were Mille Fleurs, and one of the hens now is drop dead gorgeous; not to sure I'm crazy about her personality, but she's beautiful. They also ran around all stretched out like that and looked kind of like roadrunners, but as they've matured, they've developed their carriage and posture. They routinely stand as if they're "striking a pose," of course some of that comes from attitude. Give her more time, you really can't tell anything yet.

 

[Megs]

a few more photos, just because i got inspired with the camera tonight

the Rooster, front view

the Cockeral, front view

first batch of chicks out of the Rooster, 4 months old now.

the Porcelane D'uccles i raised this spring now 7 months old, from a hatchery (ideal i beleave). They will be in the mille fleur breeding pen until (and IF) i can find a porcelane rooster, no luck so far. please excuse the muddy feet, its been raining like crazy here on and off for months and these guys have a 10X20 run thats dirt.

pullet #1

pullet #2

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

I'll stand by my original post and still say you should go with the cockerel after seeing those pics. His color will get better with age, they always do, but for type, he just looks a lot better than the roo.
As for the club site, I didnt mean it was going to be loaded with pics, it is a weak site , I agree there, but the contact for the 2 breeders I listed are there, and they have always replied to me. They are not in the breeders section, they are all in the Members Section, it has the breeders, their breeds/colors, location and contact info.(e-mail and phone #'s) call them...

Just ask Brian or Ron to e-mail you some pics, a little time in contacting them will be well worth it if any of you want to improve upon your lines... I'm not a member and no longer carry the breed other than a few mottleds, moved on to d'anvers, So cant help you on the quality of the site, just passing it along for the benifit of any who may want to contact any of them. If they dont reply, that often means they no longer are in the business, but who knows...
Anyway, all their info is in the members section, not the breeders section,

Good luck

 

[wwmicasa1]

I live in CA & raise MF, Black Mottled & Blue Mottled D'uccle. I ship both birds & hatching eggs. Here are pics of some of my breeders.

Lemondrop

Cinnamon & Fiona

King Arthur

Also pics of two of my Black Mottled Hens

Polka Dot

Domino

Merlin

Blue Girl

I have 4 six week old Mille Fleur cockerels & 2 Mille Fleur Pullets for sale. All my girls will start producing hatching eggs in about 6 weeks & I will have those available, as well.