Illinois traders!!!!

[Orp]

The lethal gene in Araucanas requires two copies of the tufted gene to "kick-in". An Araucana bred to another breed shouldn't be any more risky than any other breeding. An Araucana rooster over Marans hens should produce pullets that will lay green/olive eggs. You'll love 'em!!

I took more pictures this morning when I did my chores. Man, is it C O L D out there!!!!
It will take me awhile to figure how, but I'll load them here when I do.

Pat

 

[Faraday40]

I'd love to see (or hear) the rooster crow off. I never did find a home for my daughter's rooster. It turns out he doesn't crow much, & the neighbors claim they can't hear him. He's not a frequent crower, & with these Artic temps, my mini flock is staying in their well insulated coop.

Does anyone know if roosters crow more often (or louder) in spring or when they reach 1 year old?

 

[Orp]

Ok, here's the "Crow-off" -- hope this works!

No bloodshed as I had to break things up at the end. Watch the duck -- he is protective of Blackie and during the summer chases the Marans all over the place. The battle continued after I got the Marans back in the dog crate, with Jack, the duck, continually inserting himself in the middle of the bedlam.

 

[sasimpson77]

LOL that was cute but neither rooster was going to back down were they.

 

[Faraday40]

Thanks for sharing the amusing "crow off." Our rooster only crows a few times in the am (but no one hears him inside the coop). Occasionally he crows a few times when he sees us in the yard. I think he wants to remind us that the chickens are in the run and in need treats. His latest strange behavior: trying to lay eggs. Two of my hens just started laying 20 days ago & it must have really confused him. He hops into a nest box, digs a bit, makes weird grunting noises, then jumps out & makes crazy loud "bu bu bu BUACK" sounds as he struts around. Does he really think he laid an egg? Is he trying to show the girls how its done?

I have also seen him pace back & forth (like an expecting father) while his favorite hen is laying an egg. Chickens are so funny.

 

[sasimpson77]

Thanks for sharing the amusing "crow off." Our rooster only crows a few times in the am (but no one hears him inside the coop). Occasionally he crows a few times when he sees us in the yard. I think he wants to remind us that the chickens are in the run and in need treats. His latest strange behavior: trying to lay eggs. Two of my hens just started laying 20 days ago & it must have really confused him. He hops into a nest box, digs a bit, makes weird grunting noises, then jumps out & makes crazy loud "bu bu bu BUACK" sounds as he struts around. Does he really think he laid an egg? Is he trying to show the girls how its done?

I have also seen him pace back & forth (like an expecting father) while his favorite hen is laying an egg. Chickens are so funny.

LOL Chicken behavior is so funny by the way Orp I did put a bunch of my girls eggs in the bator also. I was looking at the eggs last night and not sure why but one of the eggs I got from you has a substantial crack not through the membrane though so I will seal it with some nail polish and see how it goes. I am expecting my first batch of chicks to hatch this weekend I will post pics after they come.

 

[Orp]

Sorry about the crack. I try to edit those out as they may have been frozen.

Good luck to you!!!

 

[sasimpson77]

Its ok I missed some cracks in mine as well sometimes you cant really see them until you candle them.

 

[lorad]

I may be a little late on this, but I will have purebred eggs later in the spring. I raise Auburn and Black Javas, and dark and partridge Brahmas. I am located just north of Peoria. PM me if interested. Thanks!

 

[Orp]

How are things going? You have a couple weeks, no, before you candle them? How many batches do you have incubating?

Just to let you know my white Ameraucanas are beginning to lay -- small, blue eggs -- Daddy is the black Araucana. Both are gentle, sweet birds. Daddy, too. Might be nice to see if you could get chicks from them. If interested let me know. That way I'll be sure not to wash the eggs.

Right now I have a one-eyed Silkie hen in my kitchen, who now as begun to crow! Here's a link to my blog where you can see some pics and get a laugh.

http://breakingwindfarm.wordpress.com/

Good luck!
Pat