Langshan Thread!!!

[Freia]

The Noble Langshan...

So I had a cockrel that ended up being sorted as a pullet. I was disappointed because he was supposed to be a she and give me lovely eggs. In the past several months, we have all become quite enamored with the little fellow with humongous legs. The hens have seemed happier, and we've been watching as he grew protective, yet stayed friendly towards us - and he was quiet.

Last night as we were eating dinner, with our dog inside the house, a coyote dug under the fence and attacked the flock (first fence-breech in 8 years). We can tell from the feather-pile that several hens were attacked, but only the Langshan rooster actually ended up being taken. We are pretty sure that even at 4 months - all tall, lanky and pubescent-looking - he defended his flock and paid the price. Had we not had him, I would have lost a good portion of the flock.

What a great little guy. Best rooster I've ever been around. Now I have to find another, and finding a Langshan in SW Washington is not going to be easy, but I'll find one. The feed-store lady says she can get me a chick, but recommends trying to find an adult, because the juveniles get taken out much to easily, while the adults have a fighting chance.

But the truly heartbreaking part is that we had 1 chick that was younger than William, and William literally had her under his wing since she was hatched. He never left her side. At night, when all the other chickens were in the coop, William and Molly would be found perching on the tractor, with William's wing often over Molly - love-birds. Last night, Molly was running around for hours looking for him. She roosted on top of the run-roof with her little head looking around like a periscope. this morning, she was all alone and would just huddle in a corner. I worry she'll just die of a broken heart. I've always been told that chickens forget who the other birds are after 24 hours - as if they never existed. I beg to differ. This bird is mourning.

 

[BGMatt]

The Noble Langshan...

So I had a cockrel that ended up being sorted as a pullet. I was disappointed because he was supposed to be a she and give me lovely eggs. In the past several months, we have all become quite enamored with the little fellow with humongous legs. The hens have seemed happier, and we've been watching as he grew protective, yet stayed friendly towards us - and he was quiet.

Last night as we were eating dinner, with our dog inside the house, a coyote dug under the fence and attacked the flock (first fence-breech in 8 years). We can tell from the feather-pile that several hens were attacked, but only the Langshan rooster actually ended up being taken. We are pretty sure that even at 4 months - all tall, lanky and pubescent-looking - he defended his flock and paid the price. Had we not had him, I would have lost a good portion of the flock.

What a great little guy. Best rooster I've ever been around. Now I have to find another, and finding a Langshan in SW Washington is not going to be easy, but I'll find one. The feed-store lady says she can get me a chick, but recommends trying to find an adult, because the juveniles get taken out much to easily, while the adults have a fighting chance.

But the truly heartbreaking part is that we had 1 chick that was younger than William, and William literally had her under his wing since she was hatched. He never left her side. At night, when all the other chickens were in the coop, William and Molly would be found perching on the tractor, with William's wing often over Molly - love-birds.  Last night, Molly was running around for hours looking for him. She roosted on top of the run-roof with her little head looking around like a periscope. this morning, she was all alone and would just huddle in a corner. I worry she'll just die of a broken heart. I've always been told that chickens forget who the other birds are after 24 hours - as if they never existed. I beg to differ. This bird is mourning.

Very sorry for your loss.

Finding a Langshan male in SW Washington isn't hard at all. If you can wait maybe another month when I go through my oldest males (they'll be around 4 months then) I will just give you one.

Edit: What part of SW Washington are you in?

 

[Freia]

Oh too funny. BGmatt, it finally sunk in why you're BGmatt - you're in Battle Ground. I'm in Battle Ground, just SE of the Lake. I just read your response to the family and a united "Yahoooooo!" just rose from the living room. We'd be happy to give one of your boys a home. He'll have a lovely harem. We piled a load of rock in front of that fence-breach. Nothing is coming through there again. I'll PM you with my contact info.

 

[BGMatt]

Oh too funny. BGmatt, it finally sunk in why you're BGmatt - you're in Battle Ground. I'm in Battle Ground, just SE of the Lake.  I just read your response to the family and a united "Yahoooooo!" just rose from the living room.  We'd be happy to give one of your boys a home. He'll have a lovely harem. We piled a load of rock in front of that fence-breach. Nothing is coming through there again.  I'll PM you with my contact info.

Nice, I'm out in Dollars Corner area so opposite side of town. Got your PM and saved info. Will let you know as soon as I have one available.

They're all looking good size for their age, no obvious DQ's.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

But the truly heartbreaking part is that we had 1 chick that was younger than William, and William literally had her under his wing since she was hatched. He never left her side. At night, when all the other chickens were in the coop, William and Molly would be found perching on the tractor, with William's wing often over Molly - love-birds. Last night, Molly was running around for hours looking for him. She roosted on top of the run-roof with her little head looking around like a periscope. this morning, she was all alone and would just huddle in a corner. I worry she'll just die of a broken heart. I've always been told that chickens forget who the other birds are after 24 hours - as if they never existed. I beg to differ. This bird is mourning.

It's not funny at all. I've had it happen to my own birds and I know exactly what you're talking about. About a week after one of my males died, the pullet that was always nearby was found passed away just about a foot from where I had found him. She had no symptoms or signs of any damage and was not too old, maybe 5 or 6.

 

[NYREDS]

Thanks for sharing. Wonder what all they'll show. Hopefully won't sugar coat and try to paint hatcheries in a good light.

Why would they not?

 

[BGMatt]

Why would they not?

I don't know. I can dream. It was a pretty interesting show though. I was surprised that a large hatchery as part of their process actually goes and manually helps birds out of shell, you would think that step would be too time consuming and not money efficient.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Costs too much to NOT do it. Otherwise you could potentially be losing a bird that weighs approx. 6 lbs, at $1.99/lb...

Personally, hatcheries are not as awful as everyone thinks or says they are. The methods they use may be distasteful to some, but are extremely efficient and, quite often, are more humane than what backyard poultry keepers do in raising birds. That being said, I hate what they have done to the actual breeds of poultry and how all of them seem to have a similar body type instead of each being differentiated but...money drives the market.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

This is not to reference anyone on this site, however I believe I may put this as my introduction on my website. Unfortunately, I have gotten far too many emails about this issue and I feel as though I need to put a stop to it once and for all. I understand if this causes some ruffled feathers, however I feel it needs to be said. These are MY views only and of course, not the views of anyone else on this board. Please feel free to share, etc. if you so wish.

"I have sat back and tried to think of the nicest way to respond to your previous email. I'm sure I will step on toes, however:
I breed to protect the integrity and genetics of my chosen breed. My purpose is to perpetuate the genetics to the closest to the standard of perfection as possible. I do not breed for others to have my birds. I breed so that others who share my passion and outlook for the future of the breed may be able to help perpetuate the breed. I cannot control their breeding purposes but I can control which people have access to my birds I have worked so hard to maintain and breed for the betterment of the breed. Only those who show a true interest in the breed and not just one or two traits of the breed will have access to my birds. I have spent several years breeding these lines and the man before me bred them for close to 50 years. Out of all of the people he has sold to over the years only myself and 2 other people maintain his lines after he passed. I intend to follow in his footsteps. Some of my birds will wind up in auctions but those that do, were not worthy to be used in a breeding pen anywhere. Others will go to people that have been in contact with me for several years, have taken the time to know the breed and/or need help with their own breeding programs.
I do nor believe anyone can be overrun with chickens. They are simply one of the best animals out there, however please know that it is not a slight against you that I am trying to accomplish. I was entrusted with these birds and this line of over 60 years of history and I intend to maintain the integrity of the line and not risk the reputation associated with my line because of a shooting fancy for egg color. Did you see what happened with the Marans? The TRUE Ameraucanas? The Araucana? All because someone along the line sold birds for egg color only. I refuse to be the downfall of this line that is known for their confirmation, stately shape, gentle demeanor and lastly, egg production.
Again, I am sorry if you see this as a personal attack but my goal as a breeder, once again, is not to supply everyone else with birds. It is to maintain the lines I have been entrusted with to the best of my abilities and to propagate the best birds of this line as closely as possible to the Standard of Perfection for my breed."



Now that I feel a bit better, how is everyone doing? Anyone hatching any eggs? Have any broodies lately?

 

[BGMatt]

This is not to reference anyone on this site, however I believe I may put this as my introduction on my website. Unfortunately, I have gotten far too many emails about this issue and I feel as though I need to put a stop to it once and for all. I understand if this causes some ruffled feathers, however I feel it needs to be said. These are MY views only and of course, not the views of anyone else on this board. Please feel free to share, etc. if you so wish. "I have sat back and tried to think of the nicest way to respond to your previous email. I'm sure I will step on toes, however: [COLOR=222222]I breed to protect the integrity and genetics of my chosen breed. My purpose is to perpetuate the genetics to the closest to the standard of perfection as possible. I do not breed for others to have my birds. I breed so that others who share my passion and outlook for the future of the breed may be able to help perpetuate the breed. I cannot control their breeding purposes but I can control which people have access to my birds I have worked so hard to maintain and breed for the betterment of the breed. Only those who show a true interest in the breed and not just one or two traits of the breed will have access to my birds. I have spent several years breeding these lines and the man before me bred them for close to 50 years. Out of all of the people he has sold to over the years only myself and 2 other people maintain his lines after he passed. I intend to follow in his footsteps. Some of my birds will wind up in auctions but those that do, were not worthy to be used in a breeding pen anywhere. Others will go to people that have been in contact with me for several years, have taken the time to know the breed and/or need help with their own breeding programs.[/COLOR] [COLOR=222222]I do nor believe anyone can be overrun with chickens. They are simply one of the best animals out there, however please know that it is not a slight against you that I am trying to accomplish. I was entrusted with these birds and this line of over 60 years of history and I intend to maintain the integrity of the line and not risk the reputation associated with my line because of a shooting fancy for egg color. Did you see what happened with the Marans? The TRUE Ameraucanas? The Araucana? All because someone along the line sold birds for egg color only. I refuse to be the downfall of this line that is known for their confirmation, stately shape, gentle demeanor and lastly, egg production.[/COLOR] [COLOR=222222]Again, I am sorry if you see this as a personal attack but my goal as a breeder, once again, is not to supply everyone else with birds. It is to maintain the lines I have been entrusted with to the best of my abilities and to propagate the best birds of this line as closely as possible to the Standard of Perfection for my breed."[/COLOR] [COLOR=222222]Now that I feel a bit better, how is everyone doing? Anyone hatching any eggs? Have any broodies lately? [/COLOR]

Just letting birds grow out here. Nothing laying to hatch. I see some potential in the young ones which is always nice. Don't know if there's any show winners but there's definitely some strong birds growing up.