Iowa Blues - Breed thread and discussion

[dringge]

He also sent along 4 exhibition Buff Orpington chicks. Nice looking chicks......anyone located in the eastern part of Iowa interested in those?

Still looking to get rid of those 4 BO chicks? Im in eastern Iowa close to Cedar Rapids. Where are you?

 

[Hurley]

My NYD pullet suddenly looks like a hen this week.

Shouldn't be long now til the eggs start coming. I've got 5 pullets and 2 cockerels, plus 1 very pretty birchen hen that likely isn't carrying eb as I've never hatched one from my original flock and she's out of that line, but look forward to her carrying my blood into Kari's lines. Of the 5 pullets, 1 is that weird SP that is somewhat extended black, kind of quasi between birchen and SP as a chick and now. The one that looked like a calico early on. Curious to see how she matures out. My younger cockerel is looking quite promising right now. Don't know about adult plumage, but much better legs and eye color. The older guy who is breeding now has barely pigmented legs and light eyes.

Have also got a younger pair of SP to raise up, but otherwise I'm waiting on eggs to start for later this summer to begin on the next generation. Will likely raise up some over the winter to have a third generation next year.

I've also got some more birchen growing out to see if I have any others that win the chance to move to the next generation. If not, they'll go in the layer pen.

Man, these SP girls are getting PRETTY! Thanks again, Kari. Next year is going to be a huge year for SPs, I expect.

 

[WVDan44]

Here's the cockerel I'm keeping.

He's just 3 months-3 weeks old and seems to be feathering out very well. He is already full of P and V.

His markings are looking good, as is the comb. The black feathers have a very lustrous sheen which appears more teal blue than green.

His wide body is what I'm most excited about, and I think he'll finish out a nice size.

Kari, I couldn't be happier with the results. Thanks a bunch!

 

[WVDan44]

Well, I guess I could have been somewhat happier if he was a silver pencil!

 

[ottbjumper06]

Does anyone have some Iowa Blues, chicks or adults is fine, around Mason City, IA they would sell? Thank you!

 

[WVDan44]

Hi - are yours colored the same as mine or are they silvery in color? Anyway to answer your question, there are several people from Iowa right here on this thread who can guide you along. I would suggest you go back and read over some of the postings and then watch for new posts and join in. All of these folks on this thread are very helpful and care about the breed. Good luck with your flock!

Dan

 

[karimw]

I got 8 Iowa Blue chicks from a family friend that raises many breeds of chickens. They are not up to show standards, I'm sure, but that doesn't matter to me as your average chicken enthusiast, because they are beautiful nonetheless and their temperament is wonderful! I do wonder where he got his stock though, where are the different places in Iowa to get Iowa Blues?

I would really love to know where you got yours?

 

[Jake Levi]

Ditto that.

And if your home area isnt on your profile it would help if all would identify in your posts what area they are in just to help others to perhaps know about your lines.

 

[WVDan44]

Just in case anyone is checking this forum from the east coast, I have a cockerel and pullet for sale - both are birchen. I'm in the Balto-DC Metropolitan area.

 

[karimw]

I had a really good talk with IowaBlueCurt about his meeting with Glenn Drowns. Its sounds as though he is behind us and endorses our proposed Standards!

Curt is putting a lot of effort into several projects. He's a super advocate of this breed! Thanks SOOOO much Curt!