Lots of fantastic information here about breeds containing Green Junglefowl genetics:
http://plumage.forum-actif.net/t2900-pre-columbian-araucana-new-finding
http://plumage.forum-actif.net/t2900-pre-columbian-araucana-new-finding
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I'm a pretty avid reader, so I've already read those posts, but thank you for directing me to them because I should re-read them. As my understanding improves, my viewpoints on strategies change.
On the Ayam Cemanis, I'll do you one better. I have 13 AC eggs in my incubator from my pair right now. My plan is to line breed this pair out to wash out some of the faults. My hen is gorgeous, but my cock could be better. Then I'm going to outbreed to a higher quality line that I can get my hands on. In this process, I would be willing to give you started birds.as we get further along. I just want your reject Bekisars and Bekikoks.
Looks like we can make this work. I could supply other birds for you as well and we can both benefit. It's the Bekikoks that have the best voices.
Based on the readings you've cited. I'd say there probably isn't anything I know that you don't. Before starting to read online about this subject a few years ago, I got all my chicken information from several mainstream books and poultry catalogues. I'm no expert and I hope the information we're seeing is reliable. It appears to be.
I say that mainly because I don't want to advise you on things you've probably already thought of; but have you considered the value of the Ceylon JF in perhaps fixing or enhancing comb color? I know the tendency has been reduced size, peacombs, rumplessness and crests but it may be possible. The Green and the Ceylon are relatively close genetically.
I understand your point. My understanding is that Ceylon and GJF have been crossed, but I understand your desire to work with easier birds. What I was thinking about specifically is that when the Basket Bantam, generated through a Ceylon sire and a Bankiva hen, is mated to a Bekisar, you get fertile daughters. My notion, or the question I ask myself in regard to your project, is: Can these daughters be bred back to a GJF to make an attempt to fix those comb characteristics?
Yeah. I think it's nearly a sure bet that the Araucana has both Green and Ceylon genes. It may serve both our purposes well. One of the angles I'm pursuing is to try to get my hands on some Quail Bearded D'anvers bantams, which are apparently the closest thing we have readily available to the Basket Fowl. It's difficult to know how much of those genes have been washed out, but it might be worth a try in your Bekisar mating attempts to use the D'anvers to see if you get fertile daughters. I think I'm going to be able to get my hands on some eggs.
If I can get some, I also may attempt to mate them with Araucanas and/or Tomarus to see if I can revive some of those genes through recombination.
Before you hypothetically pursue a Ceylon at some future date, make sure I'm right about the fertile daughters. I'm pretty sure I've seen that information more than once, but I can't remember where. It needs to be verified. In the mean time we have birds we can try.