Konza Prairie Rangers

[Arielle]

What color is the second gen deliie project? Black barred x red ----->columbian ? My head swims over all these color genes. RIR is columbian, so I expect NH is also. ANd black is restricted by Co, I trying to recall all my reading. Correct me if I'm off here.

I was reading the Sussex Fowl and was amazed at the decades of breeding to improve the consistency of the coloring. THe light sussex had a yellow tinge that needed improving. Took years. Such dedication.

 

[ashandvine]

My two cents... one cent...
I have fields here on this nearly 200 yo farm. The black birds look like crows afield and that helps keep them alive. Hawks don't bother them unless they are little and look like song birds. I keep those covered or inside. Anything dark is better when it comes to ranging here. Even in a flock they look like a murder of crows. While white feather shafts or pins are easier to overlook on a carcass I wouldn't rate that even close to the top of the list of desirable traits which have already been so well outlined here. The name is a pain. Try limiting it to two names or one. Nothing with three gets anywhere noticeable. I hate that, but KFC is a great example. No one wants to say anything all out anymore. Maybe just call them Konza.

 

[ChooksChick]

My two cents... one cent...
I have fields here on this nearly 200 yo farm. The black birds look like crows afield and that helps keep them alive. Hawks don't bother them unless they are little and look like song birds. I keep those covered or inside. Anything dark is better when it comes to ranging here. Even in a flock they look like a murder of crows. While white feather shafts or pins are easier to overlook on a carcass I wouldn't rate that even close to the top of the list of desirable traits which have already been so well outlined here. The name is a pain. Try limiting it to two names or one. Nothing with three gets anywhere noticeable. I hate that, but KFC is a great example. No one wants to say anything all out anymore. Maybe just call them Konza.

Thanks! Really, the coloring will likely end up a black and partridge of some sort. I agree with your assessment, and camouflage has evolved for reasons in all creatures. We do call them Konzas for the most part- It's like dogs: Labrador Retriever is NEVER really spoken. They're Labs!

 

[ashandvine]

I am going to look into Chanteclers based on your information as the nearly perfect bird. I think you said the broodiness was an issue and maybe slower growth. I'll have to go back and reread. I don't mind broody so much but would want Partridge for sure.

 

[big medicine]

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you here, been a little side tracked lately. Anyhow got around to sorting some of the young stock today, paint stick marked the older cushion combed youngsters, and took a few shots.

 

[MarcAustin]

Thanks! Really, the coloring will likely end up a black and partridge of some sort. I agree with your assessment, and camouflage has evolved for reasons in all creatures. We do call them Konzas for the most part- It's like dogs: Labrador Retriever is NEVER really spoken. They're Labs!

Chooks - You are now my Idol. I wasn't aware you are a fellow Mad Scientist !! I'd like to try a dozen of these next spring (late feb). Keep me in mind during that hatching season and BEST OF LUCK!!!!!!!!

 

[Arielle]

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you here, been a little side tracked lately. Anyhow got around to sorting some of the young stock today, paint stick marked the older cushion combed youngsters, and took a few shots.

Good camoflauge coloring!

 

[ChooksChick]

Quote: Thanks!

I'm going to thin out some boys who have straight combs or aren't quite as large as I'd like. I'd just go have them processed, but I am happy to share them with anyone who wants to use them for a similar project.

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you here, been a little side tracked lately. Anyhow got around to sorting some of the young stock today, paint stick marked the older cushion combed youngsters, and took a few shots.

I would love to have a couple of these. I'll pm you back!

 

[Catalognia]

These are really great looking birds!

 

[Arielle]

Hi catalongnia--welcome to BYC!

Renee- I was reading thru one of my old modern breeding text books where the focus is mainly cattle, and looked at a three breed rotation. method. THe purpose is to maintain a fairly high heterosis, which accounts for the higher growth rates and better vigor, but after several generations ( about 10) even that starts to become minimized. What are your thoughts on adding more of one particular breed in the years to come? Or would you like to have a self sustaining "breed" ?

I can see how and why the major poultry producers have developed cross bred stock. Great hybrid vigor and super growth via both selection and cross breeding.