Hector's World: Adventures and Mayhem at Mountain View Poultry (or Sequel to The Evolution of Atlas

[getaclue]

Maybe you need to put in a "plank" for him to walk down. I did that in my old coop, to keep my rooster from jumping down. Yes, when I first put it in it was a monster that would eat them. They avoided it. I would put each of them on it, and help walk them down the ramp for a few days. About a week later, they used it just fine.

 

[getaclue]

oldhens, you are correct, however, combs only count 5 points. A bird that is overall perfect in everything except the comb, can easily win big at the shows.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

oldhens, you are correct, however, combs only count 5 points. A bird that is overall perfect in everything except the comb, can easily win big at the shows.

Well than they are perfect.

 

[speckledhen]

I don't know the standard for barred rocks, so all just my opinions, but to me yours look correct and balanced. Perhaps the comb on the one isn't correct though? Maddie? Aren't the points supposed to be more even like they are with Jane? Beautiful hens either way.

Maddie's comb is very much like her mother's comb. Jane's has a larger base and the points are very pronounced like Hector's. So daddy got one and mama got one, LOL. I'm not really sure about the base of Jane's being so large, but I do like the points on hers.

Maybe you need to put in a "plank" for him to walk down. I did that in my old coop, to keep my rooster from jumping down. Yes, when I first put it in it was a monster that would eat them. They avoided it. I would put each of them on it, and help walk them down the ramp for a few days. About a week later, they used it just fine.

Ha, he would never go down a ramp. He has steps already and he literally falls down them like a doofus. He hates being picked up so he'd struggle and fall if I tried to guide him down a ramp, I bet. Such a goober, always.

oldhens, you are correct, however, combs only count 5 points. A bird that is overall perfect in everything except the comb, can easily win big at the shows.

Yes, a comb, aside from side sprigs, is not a huge issue. Proper body shape and size, conformation, is the most important thing. So, Cheryl, which one do you like better of the two pullets?

 

[getaclue]

If I were going to show, I'd enter both of them. Jane is a bit larger, and that is in her favor. Maddie is slightly smaller, but it appears she's within the normal weight range, and her shape appears slightly better, because of her back being straighter, and at the correct angle, but that could simply be the way she's standing for the photos.

 

[speckledhen]

If I were going to show, I'd enter both of them. Jane is a bit larger, and that is in her favor. Maddie is slightly smaller, but it appears she's within the normal weight range, and her shape appears slightly better, because of her back being straighter, and at the correct angle, but that could simply be the way she's standing for the photos.

I was having a hard time getting good side shots because they are so curious, especially Maddie, so she's always slightly turned. Camera hog. Jane is larger, yes. I think their topline is pretty much the same, but I would have to really look again specifically to that trait before I could say for certain. Of course, I don't show, but you know I like quality birds, even in my own backyard. A quality BR is a handsome bird.

 

[getaclue]

Even if you don't show, there is nothing wrong with keeping your birds up to standard. Plenty of people do. I know how hard it can be to get good pictures of them. They move just as the shutter clicks, or they see a bug, or hear a sound, or have to look to see what a flockmate is doing. That's why it's hard to judge from a photo, but they both look good. It's only from this set of photos that Maddie's top line looks a bit better. In the next set of photos, Jane may cooperate more, and her top line look better. That's how it is with photos. You are with them, and get to observe them, so if you say their top line is about the same, I have no doubts. Both are very good looking birds, and if I were going to show them, I'd enter them both.

 

[1muttsfan]

They are both really nice, but that Jane is a real looker. Have you had any of the show folks look at them? I'd be curious what they think.

Cheryl I love your Avatar

 

[getaclue]

Thank you, 1 mutt. I admired a Peanuts one that NFC has, so she sent me a few. I'm trying them out. I love Woodstock.

 

[speckledhen]

They are both really nice, but that Jane is a real looker. Have you had any of the show folks look at them? I'd be curious what they think.

I had a friend who shows look at them, same photos; he has Atlas's daughter and Hector's sister, both of whom have won at shows. He said they're both very nice, even asked if the Stukels were their mothers, which to me, is a huge compliment. Those girls are stupendous, just very old now. His only comment is that it, again, might have been the photo/standing position, but they may have a little too much cushion. I said I'd take a gander at that when I remember.

Cheryl, we were talking about feed. This is the company write up on my normal feed

______________________________________________________________________
Tucker Milling Layer Rations are specifically designed to support egg laying, and are formulated to support healthy, vigorous birds.

We include non-ruminant meat and bone meal to fulfill the omnivorous needs of your poultry. Poultry naturally consume insects and worms when they are free range, but in captivity they need supplements of this in their diet. This gives them the proper protein sources they need and can help curb pecking eggs and each other.

Available in Mini Pellet - Ideal for bantam chickens (I use the mini pellets for everyone)

Formulated for maximum egg production and bird health:

• Added calcium for strong egg shells.
• Quality nutrients for nutritious eggs and birds that thrive
• Vitamins A, D3, E, & B12 for healthy immune system.
• Contains yeast culture to promote digestive health

Nutrition Content
Crude Protein Min 22.0 %

Crude Fat Min 2.5 %

Crude Fiber Max 4.00 %

* http://tuckermilling.com/super-lay-22/
_____________________________________________________________________

I did get a bag of the Purina Leyena, but at over $16 as opposed to $12, and only 16% protein, plus it is the larger pellets, I'm not getting it again. It smells like it's coated in molasses to me, not as chemical-like smell like I remember, just very sweet. I think the Brahmas just eat too much, especially the scratch grain mix when they get it, and I'll have to watch them having grains when they're going into molts so their crops don't mess up. One thing about trying one bag of feed-it's gone fast when you have 37 birds so only a quick experiment at best.