Farming and Homesteading Heritage Poultry

[Fred's Hens]

Be careful about blanket statements about breeds. Some Rocks are decent layers and decent winter layers. Some are not that good of layers, and some are awful winter layers. Trust me.

Just my $.02 but different strains, even of the same variety, may vary greatly. Some have been pushed to be good, solid layers, while others? Not so much.

They all bear the breed name Rock. But, their composites are so very, very different in their foundational makeup.

 

[Arielle]

Be careful about blanket statements about breeds. Some Rocks are decent layers and decent winter layers. Some are not that good of layers, and some are awful winter layers. Trust me.

Ummmm. . . we were specifically speaking about Horstmans birds . . . . .

 

[ronott1]

Be careful about blanket statements about breeds. Some Rocks are decent layers and decent winter layers. Some are not that good of layers, and some are awful winter layers. Trust me.

Well yes, The point was that you would be able to find more good winter layers from Rocks.

Averages have been studied by breed to come up with this stuff. It is not a personal observation by an individual. Some lines have been ruined over the years but Rocks would be a good place to start if you wanted to get winter layers. It would not be a good idea to start with leghorn based breeds since nearly none of them will lay eggs in the winter without lights--even if you use the hatch timing trick.

 

[ronott1]

Ummmm. . . we were specifically speaking about Horstmans birds . . . . .

Thanks!

Yes, Horstman's Birds.

 

[Beekissed]

Just my $.02 but different strains, even of the same variety, may vary greatly. Some have been pushed to be good, solid layers, while others? Not so much.

They all bear the breed name Rock. But, their composites are so very, very different in their foundational makeup.

I agree. I've had white, barred and partridge and they all are as different as night and day. Neither the barred or partridge were what I would call winter or even good layers but the whites exceeded all my expectations. That's when they caught my eye and interest and I want to see more of what they can do.

 

[gjensen]

Just my $.02 but different strains, even of the same variety, may vary greatly. Some have been pushed to be good, solid layers, while others? Not so much.

They all bear the breed name Rock. But, their composites are so very, very different in their foundational makeup.

That is what I said Fred. They are not all the same.

I am no stranger to the breed, and know enough about this breed and some others to know that making generalizations is worthless. Absolutely worthless.

I here it all of the time, and I just shake my head.

Even the word good in a description is not telling. Good for one is different for another.

Personally, I like numbers and experience, but too many exaggerate to really rely on anything.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: There was a time when sources where in our own communities and those interested in poultry farming knew who had what stock and how it performed. Now finding reliable information is difficult-- trial and error seems to be the last method to find good birds to verify the talk about them.

When I talked to Mr Rhodes now a couple yrs back-- I was impressed with his laid back accessment of his birds. NO bragging, no blowing his own horn; he simply recognized the strong points and the weaknesses.

Acknowledging weakness is not a put down;it is the basis for a good breeding program.

 

[huntbritto]

Anyone know somebody with show quality silver lace wyandottes or black wyandottes in either standard or bantam? Also anyone have any Barred Hollands?

 

[huntbritto]

Also interested in show quality silver penciled rocks

 

[Arielle]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/newestpost/849075

Here is a second thread in which to ask for sources of good birds, in addition to here.