Heritage Large Fowl - Phase II

[Wynette]

Since quote isn't working, in response to Wynette's post about size. It is entirely possible for a bird to be "massive" and still be within tolerances of standard. Certainly no one would hesitate to call my Langshan male massive, and indeed he's huge in stature. Bigger than any White Rock you'll see. Yet he is barely standard weight. Why do I use the comparison? Standard weight for a Rock and a Langshan are either the same or very close (my standard is home I'm at work).

Edit: standard also says that in large fowl all else being equal the larger bird is to be preferred (of course with the caveat that over 20% overweight technically being a DQ)

Interesting thought, and thanks for the post. It's definitely an issue with many of the White Rocks, to be sure, however. We've talked about it ad nauseum on this thread and others, have gone round & round about why judges place them when they are so far over standard in weight, Walt has replied that judges don't have the time to weigh each bird, and a good judge will know by the feel anyway...also, that if they get "too" large, it will take care of itself naturally since difficulty in breeding will result, etc. I personally think a huge bird is GORGEOUS - I have Jersey Giants that are very, very large. So, it's not that I'm against a big bird and, in fact, they are my preference.

My only sadness in these ginormous Whites we're seeing so often at shows is that my puny Silver Penciled look like banties next to them. Makes it literally impossible to compete. (and they are within SOP weights...yes, at the low end, but within.) It's something that will never likey change, so I need to make breeding choices with my SPR to try and keep up, that's all!

Colburg.....I'm with you. As long as I can afford to feed 'em, I just can't see raising "chicken nuggets" (in all sincerity, no offense to those of you that do).....but I like my BIG birds

I have 2 Columbian rock Ks right now that are slightly over 10 lbs

I do agree!

 

[NanaKat]

Time to take the digital scales back out to the barn.....

 

[Wynette]

NanaKat - I've got a new line of Silver Penciled Rock that I'm going to be wearing out the digital postal scale with this next year! That thing is super handy.

 

[Arielle]

LT and the vaccinating-- is that also in other states, or is that a problem in the PA area so those birds are vaccinated to reduce the spread?

We discussed vaccinating a while ago- but this was not mentioned. DO other shows across the US require anyother vaccinations?

 

[BGMatt]

LT and the vaccinating-- is that also in other states, or is that a problem in the PA area so those birds are vaccinated to reduce the spread? 

We discussed vaccinating a while ago- but this was not mentioned. DO other shows across the US require anyother vaccinations?

I have never heard of a show requiring vaccination, and hope I never do, that'd be the end of me showing. Frickin morons. I feel so bad for the people in that area. But that isn't really on topic...

Currently annoyed with my Leghorns as they seem to have hit a development wall, not sure they'll hit point of lay in December or January like I was hoping.

 

[FuzzyButtz]

Here are some of mine

Blue Jersey Jiant Hen (who hasn't laid since AUGUST!)


Black 30-ish Week English Orpington Pullet:




Buff Orpington(s):

 

[3riverschick]

I have never heard of a show requiring vaccination, and hope I never do, that'd be the end of me showing. Frickin morons. I feel so bad for the people in that area. But that isn't really on topic...
Currently annoyed with my Leghorns as they seem to have hit a development wall, not sure they'll hit point of lay in December or January like I was hoping.

Maybe try feeding them 1 cubic inch per day per bird of 4-7 day old sprouted Plotspike Forage Oats?
It helps the males develop more robust sperm for more robust chicks and helps bring the females into lay.
If you have a "wall" maybe this will help them hop over it?
So this vaccination thing really is unusual? I know the 4-H leader said he was thru showing unless he
could find shows which didn't require vaccs.
Best,
Karen

 

[BGMatt]

Maybe try feeding them 1 cubic inch per day per bird of 4-7 day old sprouted Plotspike Forage Oats?
It helps the males develop more robust sperm for more robust chicks and helps bring the females into lay.
If you have a "wall" maybe this will help them hop over it?
So this vaccination thing really is unusual? I know the 4-H leader said he was thru showing unless he
could find shows which didn't require vaccs.
Best,
Karen

Oh I just miscalculated their age. New line and I figured they'd be ready to lay at around 5 months, but they're 18 weeks right now and still looking very immature, so just a slower line then I was expecting. Although the late hatch probably contributes to that slow maturity as well.

And yes it's very unusual, and that vaccine in particular is a live shedding vaccine, which makes it very dangerous. What makes it worse is if it's required for that one show, anyone that shows at that show and then shows at other shows is also putting birds at those other shows at risk due to the live shedding nature of that vaccine. Shows in our area require NPIP, or you are subject to have your birds tested at show. But thankfully they don't require any sort of vaccine or anything, I've never heard of such a thing in poultry or in any other animal either.

 

[MagicChicken]

Quote:
How long do the live vaccines continue to shed? I noticed the show requirements said that vaccinations had to be prior to 30 days before the coop-in date. Is the shedding a permanent thing? Or would it stop shedding by the time the 30 days were up?

Sarah

 

[BGMatt]

How long do the live vaccines continue to shed? I noticed the show requirements said that vaccinations had to be prior to 30 days before the coop-in date. Is the shedding a permanent thing? Or would it stop shedding by the time the 30 days were up?

Sarah

I think it's probably on topic to discuss this because hopefully people are showing their heritage fowl that are bred to the Standard. I would assume that the 30 day period would be when it would stop shedding, but would have to confirm with a vet. The larger concern is how much do you trust that every exhibitor observes that time window? What mechanism is in place to insure that it's followed? I'm sorry but with such a safety issue to birds, giving folks benefit of the doubt is not good enough when health and safety of my birds is at stake.