Heritage Large Fowl - Phase II

[3riverschick]

Quote: These birds deserve a chance to prove themselves. I thank Greenfire for making
them available to us and look forward to the positive impact they will have on the
gene pools here in America. I can't wait to learn more about their heritage.
It would be great if there was some Nick Smith (UK) bloodline in them. It's possible.
Due to other agricultural activities, Nick disbanded most of his flock at huge prices
circa 2011.
Best,
Karen

 

[call ducks]

But Karen - small breedings put newly imported lines at huge risks.

Let's face it. I can only assume that they have a pair - very rarely do I ever see a picture of a flock, most of the time it's a picture of just one bird or pair. So right from the getgo they are beaning inbred (let's face it they are not doing much selection), than you breed small groups of those (it's being done with every breed imported) and you start to see a lack of heteros. I have no doubt that this line is imported. But there is so much more to breeding a newly imported line that is rarely thought of. And their is so much more to a chicken that meats the eye, and that you can tell from a picture.

This is why I am not excited - they could be a crap shoot in production traits - and that is what sussex is meant to do produce... Not because I have some vendetta against them ( I may really dislike everything they do - does not mean I hate them though I just believe in correct advertising...).

And it's not exactly simple to import birds in NA ( the US is stricter than Canada). Although it's not overly hard. The worst part is finding a breeder that will undergo the testing.

 

[hcammack]

Anyone on hear feed gut piles from slaughter or blood? Roadkill as a form of animals protein? I have read that people used to kill squirrels, gophers ect and feed them to flocks. I supplement with dairy which all advice says is bad. I always feed raw milk its seems to work alright.

Hop everyone's birds in the NE are doing ok in this soupy weather.

Here are my faverolles hens and a rooster I am getting this week from a fellow breeder.

 

[3riverschick]

Quote:
Read what I quoted again.
"To sum up the chapter, let me say that if breeders of the Sussex were to mate smaller pens, in many cases they would have better results with regard to special points, such as type, colour, etc. By mating, say, only two hens with a male bird, and selecting these three for certain good qualities, it will be possible to get a fair percentage of typical youngsters, and then, from this generation, to mate again, and so get bred up a larger number to the points required. This system is the right one, and although may, to some, seem a waste of time with a valuable cockerel, will, I know from practical experience, give the best results."
Sharpe was the originator of the Light Sussex. He was one of the three great Secretaries of The Sussex Poultry Club in the last century. The other two being Outram and Clem Watson.


That I thought it would be useful to take get from these birds and test breed them in small matings to each strain in the US for the purpose of seeing which nicked the best. I never said to keep breeding them that way. Just to test breed for nicking. Some breeds do will well in a closed flock system. I.E RIR for instance. It all depends on judicious selection on the part of the breeder.
Best,
Karen

 

[Vamvakas]

Rooster looks very stocky and huge muscles/meat, girls have great color.

But then again I know nothing about that breed..

 

[3riverschick]

Rooster looks very stocky and huge muscles/meat, girls have great color.

But then again I know nothing about that breed..

And I know nothing about SQ Dark Red Naked Necks and Black Australorps
so I guess we are even. I like the Australops a lot, but don't quite understand
the logic behind the Naked Necks. Guess it is to keep them cool in hot climates?
Best,
Karen

 

[catdaddyfro]

Not if they're that poor of quality. Fine bone (as evidenced by the scrawny legs and tiny head). Why does this place get a pass for horrible birds? Is it because they're "imported" or because they charge so much money?

they prey on the gullible and weak minded for sure, if someone wants good birds find someone that has them (a breeder) in the USA or the fowls country of origin themselves. That is a business(has to make a profit) and it is run like a business/enterprise " the all American dream" get rich working they are too.not off my dime though

Jeff

 

[Vamvakas]

And I know nothing about SQ Dark Red Naked Necks and Black Australorps
so I guess we are even. I like the Australops a lot, but don't quite understand
the logic behind the Naked Necks. Guess it is to keep them cool in hot climates?
Best,
Karen

Don't ever step to me like that..

Edit: I am not the only one who laughed at the post who made fun of "small head" But you blame me only..

 

[3riverschick]

Don't ever step to me like that..

Edit: I am not the only one who laughed at the post who made fun of "small head" But you blame me only..

I never said I blamed you only. I am just sad and confused why so many folk can't see the good in these imported Sussex.
I was serious about the Naked Necks. I don't know why they are that way and was asking.

Best,
Karen

 

[catdaddyfro]

I never said I blamed you only. I am just sad and confused why so many folk can't see the good in these imported Sussex.
I was serious about the Naked Necks. I don't know why they are that way and was asking.

Best,
Karen

Well to me by the pics they aren't very good representatives of the breed I wouldn't use them in my project for sure. I would go as far as Kathy has done and re-make my own. Did you read what Walt said: "he saw better Lt.Sussex at the Cali. show this past weekend" maybe wise to check into who those are and get some seed form them. Greenfire is gonna make a mint off those through HYPE as always, and as I said through the gullible, unknowing and for sure greed(on both parties) if you ask me. Another friend of mine said this too me on the phone the other night "they are just chickens" and too "this is not rocket science" and I agree with him. He has a very credible knowledge of poultry and the wins and birds to prove it.

Sorry Karen wasn't trying to ruffle YOUR feathers I threw that out there in general "its a cruel world out there in poultry/showville I should be your least worry for sure".

Jeff