La Fleche Thread ~ PIC of my Black La Fleche

[ronott1]

Oh boy, 2 new La Flèche eggs today. There is a hatch-a-long, nonsensical, hoobly ha, thing going on for New Years. I think I'll set my first eggs to participate. Break in a new incubator with a new breed. And participate in a group hatching. Should be interesting.

Going to need to get some 2014 ABA bands as soon as they are available too. Thinking 22 for the males and 20 for the females. Going to need to size them in the next couple of weeks.

I love that description!

Anyone else want to join?

There is a link in my Signature line.

 

[cgmccary]

Last year, I hatched some La Fleche on New Year's Day. This season, I want to raise some La Fleche chicks under hens on free range and see how they do. I will simultaneously hatch some in the incubator and keep them the same age. For that I will have to wait until warmer weather. I am looking forward to the 2014 breeding year with these birds.

I like the breed a lot. Last night, we had La Fleche for dinner. The meat is superb, high quality. I had a breast and wing.

 

[4hmom]

in general how is the temperment of these and how do they tolerate confinement they seem very interesting also are they hardey.

 

[cgmccary]

in general how is the temperment of these and how do they tolerate confinement they seem very interesting also are they hardey.

I have not had them enough to know a lot about this. Of 3 roosters last year, I culled one for being a "manfighter." I did breed him one time and saved one male and 3 females from him. The other two cocks are good natured. Of my cockerels this year, I have not had any aggression problems, and they are almost 11 months old. {I know this can be carried by the females too so I expect to see it again but will cull it if I do.}

The breed is flighty especially in a smaller enclosure. I find they are not so "flighty" acting when allowed to free range. They come running to me too. Once caught, they are not crazy & seem to calm down (i.e. they do not wiggle, flap & squirm).

A gentleman who has had the breed a long time told me that his La Fleche males would attack strangers. I have not had this problem with mine.

Historically, I have read quotes from long ago about them not being received well here in USA because they lacked hardiness. However, I have not lost one to sickness & find them hardy and healthy. I know I have Marek's on my premises because in the past, I have lost a Buckeye or two to the disease. Not one of my La Fleche have succumbed so far. I have not vaccinated for anything.

When free ranged, they are prone to going in the deep forest, and I found the remains of two hens in the forest behind my home (out-of- range of the protection of dog and donkey). I have also seen them flying out of the forest almost resembling Guineas in flight. La Fleche fly very well for a chicken.

 

[ronott1]

I have not had them enough to know a lot about this. Of 3 roosters last year, I culled one for being a "manfighter." I did breed him one time and saved one male and 3 females from him. The other two cocks are good natured. Of my cockerels this year, I have not had any aggression problems, and they are almost 11 months old. {I know this can be carried by the females too so I expect to see it again but will cull it if I do.}

The breed is flighty especially in a smaller enclosure. I find they are not so "flighty" acting when allowed to free range. They come running to me too. Once caught, they are not crazy & seem to calm down (i.e. they do not wiggle, flap & squirm).

A gentleman who has had the breed a long time told me that his La Fleche males would attack strangers. I have not had this problem with mine.

Historically, I have read quotes from long ago about them not being received well here in USA because they lacked hardiness. However, I have not lost one to sickness & find them hardy and healthy. I know I have Marek's on my premises because in the past, I have lost a Buckeye or two to the disease. Not one of my La Fleche have succumbed so far. I have not vaccinated for anything.

When free ranged, they are prone to going in the deep forest, and I found the remains of two hens in the forest behind my home (out-of- range of the protection of dog and donkey). I have also seen them flying out of the forest almost resembling Guineas in flight. La Fleche fly very well for a chicken.

Thank you for the information on them from your flock.

It is very helpful.

 

[4hmom]

they seem like real nice birds

 

[cgmccary]

I took a La Fleche Cockerel to the Dixie Classic in Knoxville this weekend. He looked good except for size of course. I just wanted to generate interest in the breed. He got a lot of attention as he was the only La Fleche there. I noticed lots of folks taking a picture. Everyone I talked to wanted him to win something. Some people told me they had never seen one.

 

[Canieldonrad]

I took a La Fleche Cockerel to the Dixie Classic in Knoxville this weekend. He looked good except for size of course. I just wanted to generate interest in the breed. He got a lot of attention as he was the only La Fleche there. I noticed lots of folks taking a picture. Everyone I talked to wanted him to win something. Some people told me they had never seen one.

I'll have some at a couple of shows this Spring. Plan on setting eggs this week, those will likely end up in Columbus. First few eggs were infertile. But I've got about a dozen and a half from the last week of collecting.

 

[ronott1]

I took a La Fleche Cockerel to the Dixie Classic in Knoxville this weekend. He looked good except for size of course. I just wanted to generate interest in the breed. He got a lot of attention as he was the only La Fleche there. I noticed lots of folks taking a picture. Everyone I talked to wanted him to win something. Some people told me they had never seen one.

Do you have pictures from the show?

I'll have some at a couple of shows this Spring. Plan on setting eggs this week, those will likely end up in Columbus. First few eggs were infertile. But I've got about a dozen and a half from the last week of collecting.

I hope the shows go well and the next hatch of course.

 

[cgmccary]

Do you have pictures from the show?

I hope the shows go well and the next hatch of course.

I'm sorry I did not take any pictures. However, I took this cockerel: