Houdans

[Chambertin]

These two are really interesting, and I think he's a good reader also.
As soon as I posted this a bunch of new feather growth came up from around the comb.
I have no idea if it will turn into a good crest, but he's trying.

I like that book, really interesting and the first picture is very simmilar to my cockerel. Who knows, maybe this is a long lost hardly touched (but not managed the best) breed. (heh, yeah right)
I plan to go back again soon as this breed is really easy to sex at an early age if you know what to lok for and get some more hens. Due to a mouse attack on the chicks I'll be needing more girls.

No matter what these guys are winners and I plan to keep a bunch around for eggs and entertainment.

Thanks again for the great links and information. I'll keep everyone updated with developments.
If it ever turns out this is a breed closer to heirtage I'll have to find a way to export them back home.

 

[aoxa]

I have only seen the females get whiter as they age (after a year), not darker. The female to the left is becoming too white.

Walt

I agree, but she is 3 years old (as is the male). They are much darker than my two - and they are 2 1/2 years older.

Either way, it is the only resource I have to get them, so I will be very selective going forward to try and improve mottling. Can only work with what I have. They have really heavy bodies. My pair that are 24 weeks are heavier then my barred rocks. They have nice type as well (from what they told me at show). I went out and bought his last 8 chicks and I will keep the darkest ones.

I'm not sure how hard the mottling is to correct. Anyone want to chime in on that?

 

[zach N houdan]

Anyone know when Houdans start to lay? Skittles' is ready (according to how much her pelvis has moved to allow room for an egg to pass) and she has been whining a lot lately. Squatting.. She would be 24 weeks old now.

Here she is

she is amazing she has perfect body type, and creast, and beard, But i agree as she gets older and molts she will have more even coloring do u have a male 2?

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Wanted to show a couple of new pics and ask a question: My babies are 20 weeks old and I was wondering how to know when she is ready to lay? She has no comb or wattles to see if they are turning red and she is not squatting? Do Houdans show differnent signs of readiness? Any wisdom/advice is appreciated.

 

[zach N houdan]

Wanted to show a couple of new pics and ask a question: My babies are 20 weeks old and I was wondering how to know when she is ready to lay? She has no comb or wattles to see if they are turning red and she is not squatting? Do Houdans show differnent signs of readiness? Any wisdom/advice is appreciated.

no they dont show any signs but she prob wont lay for another month or 2 at least!

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Wow! That late! Our only other experience at waiting for eggs was with our 4-h pullet chain birds last year and they started at an amazing 15 1/2 weeks. I did some reasearch on more normal laying times and understand 20-24 is average but, as usual, is breed dependant. Spike certainly still acts like a chick to me. She doesn't want anything to do with being mated bythe Cockrel and the only interest she has in the nest box is roosting on it at night.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Kassaundra]

Those that have laying houdans are their eggs on the small side?? I ask b/c I just set some to hatch and they seemed pretty small, even smaller then araucana eggs that I set too.

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Kass, as I recall when I set mine to hatch, they were on the small side. Of course I am accustom to collecting exlarge brown eggs from my girls. As a matter of fact we set some silkie eggs at the same time and they were not much smaller than the Houdans.

 

[Kassaundra]

Kass, as I recall when I set mine to hatch, they were on the small side. Of course I am accustom to collecting exlarge brown eggs from my girls. As a matter of fact we set some silkie eggs at the same time and they were not much smaller than the Houdans.

Well then here is to hoping big things come out of small packages, then! lol

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Well then here is to hoping big things come out of small packages, then! lol

When is your hatch due?