Iowa Blues - Breed thread and discussion

[Candy442]

Very nice!

 

[karimw]

Kari, did this Smokey and Charcoal hatch out of the eggs you received from me before I lost my first flock?

They did. Also two Charcoal cockerel. I also have a charcoal cockerel hatched from one of my birchen hens and the Johnston cockerel I got from you. I think that campine barring modifies the birchen pattern to look like this.

My Iowa blue roosters would come to the house (about 50 yards) every morning and get on the chairs on the front porch and crow in the front windows. I've raised chickens for 25+ years and they are by far the most adventurous chickens I've ever raised. It amazes me how acutely aware they are of whats going on in the sky and will herd the entire flock into the hen house if they see something they don't like. They will also head 50 yards the other direction and hang out under the mulberry tree, enjoying the berries. I sold all of the hens 'cept one and she turned out to be pitch black. They came from Ideal. Think she will have more appropriately colored offspring?

I did start with birchen chicks from Ideal, so it can be done. However, it has taken me 10 generations and 1000+ chicks to get where I am now doing it the hard way. Even so, we still have a long way to go. If you can I would advise getting some birds from a breeder and start improving from that point. They certainly have a unique personality and tons of character!

How's the fair going, guys? So sorry to miss it! Be sure to send me photos/stories to put up on the website.



Just wanted to let everyone know that the Iowa Blue was featured in an article in Farm Show magazine this past month. Have been getting quite a response to it already, and it's reaching the non-computer people. Some are thrilled to see them back, having had them a long time ago or growing up with them. I haven't written a physical letter in years, but have been receiving letters to the magazine from people who aren't on the computer. Will have to buy some stamps! This article seems to be reaching a new audience, and people are thrilled to hear of the club and the efforts to preserve the Iowa Blue.

Anyway, here's the article. The originally contacted me asking to speak to some people currently breeding them. I gave them several names, but they seems to be on a short deadline as they went ahead and published it pretty quickly. Here's the issue I just received this week:

Snippets from the first page blown up:


The article:



And a copy of the whole front page:

Very nice Connie! I talked to many people at the fair that said they had read of the breed somewhere. The word is definitely getting out there!

 

[bstromgren]

Thanks Kari. I read about your success with the breed in Mr. Burroughs book. Quite impressive. I live in southeast Iowa. Do you have and hens to sell?

 

[karimw]

Thanks Kari. I read about your success with the breed in Mr. Burroughs book. Quite impressive. I live in southeast Iowa. Do you have and hens to sell?

Yes, a few available now. PM me and tell me what you are looking for?

 

[bstromgren]

Thank you for the info Dr. Hurley

 

[Candy442]

Recent photo of Rollo our Smokey cockerel

 

[WVDan44]

Recent photo of Rollo our Smokey cockerel

That's a nice looking bird.

 

[WVDan44]

Kari, this is a superb cockerel, Congrats! I also have a house full of scraggly four-month olds that I need to show you some day soon. All the best.

 

[mrandmrschicken]

A couple pics of the fair:

Below Kari with her Best American Display award!



The table set in the entry to the poultry barn.



Kari with Barbara the BB,BV IB: Sorry, will have to find and post later.

 

[mrandmrschicken]

A couple pics of the fair:

Below Kari with her Best American Display award!



The table set in the entry to the poultry barn.



Kari with Barbara the BB,BV IB: Sorry, will have to find and post later.