How do you build YOU build a great ORPINGTON flock?

[lildinkem]

Krys109, I use the word great as a relative term that we all feel towards what is ours. My mom is great. But, she isn't the greatest mom. Sorta like that. You hit the nail on the head with attempting to stay in the standar. IF you don't breed to sell, then it doesn't matter. For those who do breed, their the ones that your and my children hope will preserve the standards in the breed.
Jeff I think like you. I have a certain standard in my mind. When I see a bird now it is different then the way I looked at birds a year ago. Heck a year ago I did not know what an Orp was. I am a bit more picky now. I just was lucky to find the right man at the right time to waken me up to what the big picture is. And that is to enjoy your birds. And IF you like your breed enough to periodically ad new blood. And I like to trade.
And I think of my chickens as pets. As do I think of my dogs. It is more pleasing I guess if there is a certain charm about them. But, we are all happy and if your happy your birds will get the attention to make them happy. I know people who think all about chickens is feeding and watering them. Those are the people who we just don't need.
I still have more to say but, thought I'd spit this out while it is still fresh in my mind

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I think of chicken as food along with breeding to standard, I sure don't throw them away

Orp chickens taste just great lemon peppered!

I have a cold this week but my nose still works!

Cyn & MP

 

[EweSheep]

SpeckledHen, I have to confer with that word "breeder". You ARE a breeder, you do breed your roosters to your hens, do you? You select the best of your ability and try to do the best you can in what you have in your flock. That is a breeder! However you AND I, and some others would not classify as SHOW breeders but we do have good birds to look into that it would be worthwhile for someone who would take their birds to shows. Nothing more prouder of us, as breeders, who would be bursting with pride when our birds went on to win a award or ribbon for a well deserved 4Her/FFA member to work hard preparing and nuturing that bird to go where it needed to go. We do express disappointment when our Orps didnt show well and the kid would be disappointed too.

Sooner or later, one of these days, someone will take one of our Orps, no matter how far back the lines goes, it will succeed in the show and we can be proud of our Orps!

 

[lildinkem]

Missprissy
Standards are different here then in the UK. I like attributes of our standards. And attributes of the English standard too. I guess I should lean more towards the English standard seeing that it is orignally an English Breed.
Unfortuantely, breed standards in the German Sheperd Dog world knows no boundaries. And I assume in the chicken world it is all where you live is to what you like your birds to look like. And that is mostly what this discussion should center on. What people like about their breed of choice.
And as much differences I have with several people in my methodology of attaining my flock, I am trying to have a level of the standard. And I can tell that most of you are too. I do not just throw Buff colored birds together and think all will turn out great.
And the secret to chicken success is CULL, CULL, CULL. And keep more then one roo/cockerel.
Those are the lessons today you all taught me
And I thnk you all for the lesson.

 

[tn chick]

Quote:
im thinking someone has a very good sniffer

 

[EweSheep]

It aint me, I took a shower!

 

[tn chick]

i about fell outta my chair

 

[lildinkem]

KRYS
help perfect it if you really love the chicken type.

You can say that again. Now were talking.
Too many who are the breeders take for granted that their chickens will remain the same without trying to keep a good thing going.
To me I think it is for understandable to have a chicken budget. But really, I bought some of my nicest birds for $3. If you are reading this post, you have $3 to buy a nice bird every now and then and put into your flock.

 

[lildinkem]

Larry is my friend. he is a POULTRY GOD!!

 

[MissPrissy]

Quote:
I am well aware of that, thanks. I have been in the chicken world over 20 years. I am not a novice at this game.