Iowa Blues - Breed thread and discussion

[brucelanthier]

I have, and can take more, pictures of each. Any input/comments are appreciated.

Thanks

 

[draye]

My preference: white, black, brown. White has the broadest breast which I like seeing in a rooster.

 

[brucelanthier]

That is how I have them ranked right now. The funny thing was the brown guy grew the fastest and was the biggest at first which is one of the reasons I kept him. White and black caught up though and now white is top rooster. Black is a touch taller but, as you pointed out, white is the thicker bird. That is why I am leaning towards white and black, weight and width along with height and weight.

 

[karimw]

Welcome brucelanthier!

It is so nice to see people posting their birds! This comment is for everyone. The IBCC is hoping to get discussion going on bird conformation and post some pictures on the website of various things to ooh for. We need a format to present them in order to form a thorough evaluation, because they are very difficult to photograph! When possible I find it easiest to judge birds from a good side view that shows head, tail and feet, in the pose that best represents their natural way of going. I like to see a top view to evaluate width of body and color, and a front or 3/4 view of the breast.

This is a nice side shot I can tell a lot from. He has an excellent fan to his tail, with nice wide feathers. His wings have a nice fold and good tight carriage. I like the shape of his head and his comb, though would like to see a smaller waddle. His back is of nice length with a good angle to his tail. I think he's carrying himself on high alert in this picture, so I won't accuse hime of having an overly long neck

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/469317/lightbox/post/14461512/id/6662773


This guy is broader and deeper of body and has a nice head. I can't tell eye color on my screen very well, but his looks to be the darkest. He also looks much more mature than the others. The down side here is they all have willow legs. I am in that transition to slate legs myself, that's why I had to bring in outside roosters last year. If I were in your position I would rotate these two cockerels with your females. I sorry to say I wouldn't use the brown male at all. His tail carriage would disqualify him at a show.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/469317/lightbox/post/14461505/id/6662769


Very nice birds!

I would love to see some pictures of the pullets!

 

[brucelanthier]

Thanks for the very good comments. They help a lot. Here are some of the girls.

 

[brucelanthier]

Some more.

 

[draye]

Thanks for the very good comments. They help a lot. Here are some of the girls.

Some more.

Very nice looking hens.

 

[draye]

What do you Iowa Blue folks think if my Iowa Blue hen?

Full body side view.

Back and wing view.

Head shot.

Wing view

 

[karimw]

Bruce, your hens have nice, full bodies, lovely round heads and are very pretty too! It looks like you'll need to watch the tail angles on some of them too, though.

Draye, your hen looks like a couple of charcoals I hatched. They hatch out with very dark down.

 

[BantamLover55]

Quote:
Originally Posted by brucelanthier

Some more.







Beautiful hens!