Iowa Blues - Breed thread and discussion

[Jake Levi]

We are thinking very much alike, among his chicks I'd look for cocks with wider breasts and more brick shape, the pullets are showing more of this.

Ref his comb, I myself would prefer a smaller comb for a northern bird, but with the six point. Just a matter of degree. Big single combs are a real disadvantage for a northern cock.

Color and feathering I would correct on the pullets, hard to say also on what they will do in successive molts.

You have a very nice start here.

 

[karimw]

Jake, what are you culling for in pullets? There is so much variety in color. The pictures I've seen online show the black hens with the silver laced neck feathers, but the picture in Story's book is brown birchen like the 3 I have. Birchen appears to be a tough color to clean up. To many black enhancers and the pullets will be all black, too few and they are mossy. Even the picture of the cock in Story's book has red on his wings.

 

[phasianidae]

Quote:
Will you be breeding from the penciled pullets?

 

[karimw]

Quote:
Will you be breeding from the penciled pullets?

I think they are beautiful, so yes I'm planning to keep them in my breeding flock.

 

[Jake Levi]

Good morning Kari

Birchen seems to be wide spread among the ones I have seen, I believe I will tolerate it in hens and not cocks. As you say too heavy emphasis on black is pervasive. There is a fine line in there somewhere. We have a lot of work to do with them, I would be more concerned now with type then color as my first selection pressure, its the harder one, then select the roos with best color from among the typiest hens.

Frame the canvas, then paint it.

Jake

 

[Hurley]

First eggs starting from my IB pullets.

Just wanted to share. Here's to hoping for loads of IBs spreading this next season!

Hope the girls kick in enough to get me a few eggs to joint the New Year's Hatch, but if not - spring for sure!

 

[Jake Levi]

Good luck on these, I dont dare try any egg shipping, we had 14 this morning, I think the eggs would have way too many chances enroute to freeze. So it has to be spring now.

 

[karimw]

Quote:
I am hoping the same thing

I have had 3 so far, tucked the first two under a very determined broody Cochin to see if they will develop. The rooster has only been with them a week or so, but he has been busy

 

[Jake Levi]

Keep tucking eggs under her and feed the roo some oysters, or whatever.

 

[karimw]