Euskal Oiloa ( Basque Thread)

[ChestnutRidge]

Thanks, guys.

I definitely do have a good number of happy, healthy little chicks, and I am thrilled to have them.

Of course, since they are already one day old, I am trying to figure out which are male and which are female.

Just kidding. But it is interesting to see how their little wing feathers are growing in already! Some are dark and others are white-ish. Has anyone noticed a correlation with these first feathers and adult coloring?

These EOs are definitely adorable. I've got two EcoGlow 20s in the brooder with about an inch of space between. Sometimes, all of the little yellow EO heads are lined up in the gap looking up at me with their little curious faces. Absolutely adorable. None of the other breeds are really doing this. I have got to try to get a picture tomorrow.

Out of curiosity, is anyone planning any strategic outcrosses? If so, what breeds are you choosing and what are your goals, if they are not top-secret?

 

[1muttsfan]

I had 24 yellow chicks hatch out. 2 may be LCO's and there may be one buckeye - my notes did not correlate well with the shells from hatched chicks. The rest are EO's. Ones going to get himself a bath tomorrow, he is the gunkiest chick I ever had hatch. Looks like he will be Pig Pen.

 

[naturespace]

You might have read on the EO forum that I have a theory that the dark winged chicks are female. It held true for my 6 chicks.

By out crosses do you mean EO crossed with another breed? If so, I'm planning on keeping an EO roo with all my girls. The girls will include EOs, Welsummers, an olive egger and blue Orpington, still not sure if I really have an orp girl. I dont know that those are great mixes but it would give me a diverse gene pool. The most interesting I think would be the Welsummers and EOs. All the Wellies have bright yellow legs and are the next friendliest. I'm hoping the EO personality will transfer to the offspring.

I might also look into other breeds that are great foragers. I'm interested in having dorkings someday and those might cross nice. I bet the swedish flower hens would cross nice too. feels like any single comb, yellow legged breed would be nice.

I like the idea of breeding a bunch of mutts. I want a strong, hearty, meaty, egg layers for homesteading. Is that too much to ask for?

What breeds are you considering?

 

[ChestnutRidge]

I did see that theory over there. Did it apply to those very first feathers? I am going to have to go count... Unfortunately, purple died and cup isn't getting any better. Pretty sure they were female, too, if the dark feathers mean girl.

I am considering outcrossing with German New Hampshires, one of the big reasons I am hatching those next. I'm going to go grab my last night's post from the EO board so we can get some more opinions over here.


Quote:

 

[naturespace]

CR, yes, it's with the very first wing feathers. Boys are mostly white with some light grey. This is still unproven, but I would like others who are keeping track of individual chicks to keep notes on wing colors.

Sorry about purple.

I love the idea of using the GNH to strengthen the gene pool. They are similar. Plus, I think those birds are just gorgeous. I can't wait to see what you get.

 

[naturespace]

I had 24 yellow chicks hatch out. 2 may be LCO's and there may be one buckeye - my notes did not correlate well with the shells from hatched chicks. The rest are EO's. Ones going to get himself a bath tomorrow, he is the gunkiest chick I ever had hatch. Looks like he will be Pig Pen.

Congrats! That's a lot of new EOs for this world. Yay!

 

[ChestnutRidge]

Using your sexing theory, Naturespace, I think I have 2 girls and 4 boys. (We had to put down cup, and purple died.

It's been a rough few days.) I am 95% sure that Sneakers is the Orpington.

Here's everybody. What do you think? The only one I am not sure of is Yellow, but I'm still thinking boy.

 

[naturespace]

Looks like yollow would be a girl. Love that picture of orange. Might be more pronounced in another day or two.

Sorry about cup.

 

[ChestnutRidge]

I hope Yellow is a girl, even though "he" was my favorite for top roo! 3 and 3 would be better than 2 girls and 4 boys.

Orange is pretty sassy. I can't wait to watch them all grow up. They are fun little chicks! I have a box with some sod from the yard in the brooder. Today, 5 of the 6 Basques were standing on top - "King of the Mountain!" One was standing nearby - she didn't fit. Where were the other 13 chicks? Over in the feed. Where are the EOs? Playing in the dirt! What good little chickens.

 

[ronott1]

Looks like yollow would be a girl. Love that picture of orange. Might be more pronounced in another day or two.

Sorry about cup.

When do you know Gender for sure with the Basque Hens. Is it four weeks?

Ron