Well, here's an update:
I culled like a madwoman prior to winter and kept two White Columbian-ish hens and 2 dark Partridge-ish hens. I kept a HUGE copper-necked, pea-combed black roo, and Moby. I have 2 juvenile groups nearly point-of-lay, and I hatched 5 dozen chicks prior to the cull, so the few that wintered over aren't the only genes remaining. The juveniles are all growing out well, though some are clearly bigger than others. I'm starting to sort them into keepers at this point. I have a couple of roos who are primarily red with nearly zero comb (as I've wanted). I'm not sure about the color, but that can come later. They are gentle and sweet, but eager to go look for things to eat, again, as I wanted...but they don't appear to like to be enclosed. I'm not concerned about adults, but the juvies are light enough to be able to fly out of my 5' run if I don't do something soon. It's chicken-dinner season out on the prairie, and I'm not ready to let them out.
At this rate, I'm delighted with the light facial fuzz the birds all have- that's definitely a bit of the Chantecler (Albertan) influence, but the Australian Sussex has a bit, too. It's very different from a beard, and it's adorable!
I have a broody Konza sitting on 2 dozen eggs, and I'm hoping to test her parenting skills. It's been so cold only a giant hen could manage to keep them warm! I should have good egg production again soon, but until some of the last set start to lay, just the two white hens are contributing, and I think I won't hatch those because of the heavy white coloring that could result.
My sister came out to take whizbang pics with a real camera, so I'll get those up as soon as possible.
