Iowa Blues - Breed thread and discussion

[Hurley]

After staring at Iowa Blues for so long, those tails look so funny!

 

[WVDan44]

Thanks for the kind words Jake! This has been an exciting and enjoyable group of breeders that we have here. One of the biggest challenges a new breed club has is that everyone who's been breeding the stock have gone their own way. So as the breeders are coming together to form a unified idea as to what the birds should look like/behave like, there is often times a lot of give an take that is required if they are to be successful in creating a solid standard that they can all stand behind. This group of breeders have been some of the most open minded breeders, most eager to reflect the breed's history within the standard. Often times a new piece of information arises about the breed and the breeders quickly encorporate that information into their breeding pens. The Iowa Blue couldn't have asked for a more sincere and dedicated group of enthusiasts!!!

I also want to take a moment to direct everyone's attention to our website..... Connie has been tirelessly updating and uploading new information to aid us as we travel down this road alongside our Iowa Blues. For anyone who is unfamiliar with breeding techniques or breeding plans will be greatly pleased to see the information that is available on the website. Most of this is found under the "Education and Links" tab! So check it out! You'll be glad you did!

Hi Curt, In my previous post, I gave kudos to Connie and Kari for placing at the show. I didn't see that anyone else placed, but if I overlooked anyone's win, let me correct that now. Then I gave kudos to everyone for their work through the club. You indeed have been a cornerstone and as I read the posts here about the progress the club is making, certainly you and Mr. Heinz and Jake and so many others deserve a great deal of credit and a big thanks from the rest of us. I agree about the coming together of the breeders under one standard. I think it takes time, but you also know that any one of us can have that aha moment when there is a bird that sets the trend for years within a breed. All it takes is a bunch of wins at a show and that bird goes to the top of the roost and everybody tries to make one just like it. I like what someone said a while back, that the IB also needs to maintain its survival instincts, plucky attitude, and remain an economical keeper in addition to being pretty. So there is a lot going on and a lot to consider. With you guys in charge, I can't see anything but success in the future.

Dan

 

[Jake Levi]

Hi Dan

I take no credit, this is my first year with them, let me get a couple generations down the road, my role so far has been assistant cheer leader, and thats one that has plenty of room to spread around, we have much to cheer from those who kept the breed alive to the present ones who have made so much progress. Add to that their willingness to work together and its a great group for a breed to have. I am looking forward to the future of the Iowa Blues.

I totally agree to keeping the production traits and the free ranging ability strong in them, those are what kept the early breeders keeping them. They were, and are a Homesteaders chicken !

The 'legend' of how it came into being, is interesting, but far more valuable is the genetics knowledge that we now have thanks to the work of folks here. Its a fascinating line of work that will make the breed even stronger.

Its a rare day when I check in here that I dont find much of interest. Today isnt one, and I really dont expect to see many.

We have so much to enjoy, and to treasure.

 

[WVDan44]

Well, here's my boy Ames. He's looking good to me and full of health and vitality...one of the IB traits that impresses me. I give Kari all the credit, for this guy and the three pullets came from her line. Ames will be six months old around the end of this month.

 

[WVDan44]

Hi Dan

I take no credit, this is my first year with them, let me get a couple generations down the road, my role so far has been assistant cheer leader, and thats one that has plenty of room to spread around, we have much to cheer from those who kept the breed alive to the present ones who have made so much progress. Add to that their willingness to work together and its a great group for a breed to have. I am looking forward to the future of the Iowa Blues. I thought I was the cheerleader; you're the historian! LOL

I totally agree to keeping the production traits and the free ranging ability strong in them, those are what kept the early breeders keeping them. They were, and are a Homesteaders chicken ! Amen to that!

The 'legend' of how it came into being, is interesting, but far more valuable is the genetics knowledge that we now have thanks to the work of folks here. Its a fascinating line of work that will make the breed even stronger. An amazing body of work put up by this group!

Its a rare day when I check in here that I dont find much of interest. Today isnt one, and I really dont expect to see many. Yes!

We have so much to enjoy, and to treasure. Giving thanks every day!

 

[WVDan44]

I got it wrong - Curt is the historian! Sorry Curt.

 

[Jake Levi]

I am quite content to be one of the cheerleaders from the sidelines while my little flock grows up. They will.

I have great confidence that our breed is being steered in the right direction. The right people are in the right places to make things happen. And they are.

 

[IowaBlueCurt]

No appolgies needed Dan! We've all got much to learn yet, and each of us plays a part in the history of this breed!

Dan- I LOVE that you named your cockerel Ames!! If you aren't physically here in Iowa, you are in spirit! hahaha He's looking like a good fella. When you get a chance, send us some pics of the ladies!

 

[IowaBlueCurt]

Dan- you didn't leave me out with the show placings. I was there, but didn't have any birds at the show......... no worries buddy!

 

[karimw]

Well, here's my boy Ames. He's looking good to me and full of health and vitality...one of the IB traits that impresses me. I give Kari all the credit, for this guy and the three pullets came from her line. Ames will be six months old around the end of this month.

I like him! He has a great set to his tail and he looks like he has some substance to him for such a young bird.