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It is frustrating that after so many failed attempts I still don't have good genes to breed with and so I am considering not breeding Favs at all.
I am interested why Faverolles are not line bred as I have learned with my other breeds.
It sounds like the unrelated hen shouldn't be considered at all, so she'll stay in the egglaying flock.
Almost all the cockerels have tails that look like that.. There is one that is wider in the tail, he's the one who had an injured eyelid when he was a chick and it's stayed that way. He can close his eyes but it looks weird. He's easy to pick out of the crowd at least. They are still in the skitish phase, they keep their distance from me, but I'll try to get them banded and get better photos of them sometime soon.
My choice now boils down to eliminating the Favs or the Javas... I enjoy the Favs a LOT more, but I think my Javas have less faults overall.
Sounds like you have a lot of knowledge to work with, but - as the other moms here have stated, you might not want to start something with a new one on the way, Take my word for it - spare time will be a fond memory for a long time yet, even though it's for a great reason!
Cloverleaf is going to start her flock up again this spring, and I know she can put you in touch with other breeders near her who took her birds when she had to get rid of them. Contact her again.
I agree with Keesmom on the inbreeding/linebreeding issue - do it only if you have no other choice. I don't care what breed it is.
Favs ARE hard to get, and hard to get right, but they are worth the work, and the patience of waiting for good ones. We could use another breeder who is knowledgable and conscientious about preserving and improving the breed. You are way ahead of a lot of people who are just starting. The knowledge and experience you've already earned with the other patterned birds will help you a lot towards understanding the pattern - it's the type knowledge you need to work on now. My suggestion to you, as an expectant first-time mom, is to find some good local birds or eggs, and hang with them awhile, regularly taking pics and getting opinions as they grow. I can't tell you how much I've learned by simply observing! The pictures help a lot, too, when I go back to look at them and see each bird at the different stages. When you've got the baby thing down, (well, as much as possible - my girls are grown and I'm still second-guessing myself!) THEN start your breeding program. I know it's hard to wait - patience is the hardest lesson I've had to learn with these chickens, but, you'll be way ahead of the game knowledge-wise, and make smarter decisions which will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
