This year the pullet eggs from the breeding pen started out larger than last year. That seems like a good sign. I was able to select the breeding pullets better for type this year, for one thing. Also, we've been steadily improving our management of the flock, and I can see that in improved shell quality on all the eggs, even from the spent hatchery hens we just "retired" to the auction. My breeding partner/mentor, @Zanna , she has more experience selecting for type, and her pullet eggs have been enormous.
I'm probably repeating myself here, I invested in some hands-on help & training from a local breeder who is also an APA judge. I highly recommend that. We've all enjoyed working with him. It's great to take the stuff I learn here into the coop with a qualified guide so I can apply it.
And I love it. I don't hope to win anything at the show at all but I would like to see the other WRs next to mine, hear the other breeders talking about their birds, etc. It's just a fun little adventure and I'm not sure how often I'd do it, but I wanted to do it at least once, ya know? Could be I'll make some good contacts for when I'd need to get a new shape of bird in here down the road.
