Iowa Blues - Breed thread and discussion

[Hurley]

Would be fun to organize an IB swap this spring among us to swap birds/chicks/eggs.

 

[Hurley]

Got some IBs and Iowacanas incubating now, however, everyone is running together as I slog through this horrible winter, so breeding pen separation will be occurring later for selection. My juvies aren't quite up to production yet, anyway, so I've got some time.

 

[karimw]

I can't believe how well these birds are laying for me. My Iowa Blues, Iowa Rocks and Iowacanas are filling the basket for me these days despite the cold. The Rock crosses especially. Huge eggs too.

 

[Candy442]

I think all of my pullets have Iowa influence

I just do not have a girl that wants to sit at this point. Maybe in the spring one will become broody.

My three Iowa's are laying about 1 egg every other day. I can tell theirs, they are smallest about medium to large sized light brown on average. They are the pictured in the middle of my avatar photo. The others consistently lay large-Xlarge size eggs.

 

[karimw]

One of the discussions that is fast approaching in the IBCC Standard Committee is the desirable color. I'd be interested in some feedback on what you would breed for in the male. I'lll use some examples from my flock since I have a huge diversity. Also keep in mind the Charcoal Cockerel posted by IowaBlueCurt that shows a distinctly different pattern, more reflective of the Campine pattern.

#1 Completely black on the breast, body and fluff


#2 Noticeable white spangles on half moon shape 25/75 white/black contrast






3A) Moderate white diamonds, triangles or ovals 50/50 white/black contrast



3B) Different version






4) Heavy white on the breast. May appear splashed or silver in appearance.




Interesting comparison in a couple chicks sired by the above "heavy white" rooster.

 

[mrandmrschicken]

Is it wrong that the lacing appears to be on the tips of the feathers and partially up the shaft? Almost an anchor shape?
Am I looking at it correctly?

 

[karimw]

Is it wrong that the lacing appears to be on the tips of the feathers and partially up the shaft? Almost an anchor shape?
Am I looking at it correctly?

Yes, we are seeing some of that.

 

[ottbjumper06]

I like the idea of a swap. Maybe in the fall?
I myself prefer #2. I also love the lacing of Curt's charcoal. These are likely what I will be breeding towards in my males.

My pullets over here are laying fantastically as well.

 

[Candy442]

We will probably also go more towards #2 in Kari's photos. Based on the historical photos, it appears by those the cockerels were more black in the breast, very white in head, hackles, saddle feathers and the wings more black as well?
I would like to see "lacing" of white--what there is of it---on the cockerels breast only, not spots or splash per se, but won't be real picky either.

I am looking forward to the standards so we have an idea of what to aim for!

 

[WVDan44]

#2 looks about the same as three of mine, although there are the usual subtle differences in each one, i.e. lacing, how far down toward the leg the pattern extends, and so forth.

Another of mine is more white as an SPK but has a deformed spine with a humped back which is so bad that he will be culled out of the group and processed.

Shout out to Hurley re: website

Dan