Linebreeding an extremely rare breed flock

[Nottyhorse]

I hope someone can help. I have imported hatching eggs last year and this year from France of a breed of chicken called Gournay. This breed is a dual purpose chicken but renowned for its meat particularly. I’m very keen to develop this breed and to spool out stock to a small select few of rare chicken breeders throughout the UK. I have received a great deal of interest but must get the line breeding correct. So here’s my quandary: I have an unrelated pair of adults (the only survivors from last year’s hatch). I have hatched 2 cockerels and 2 pullets from these two this year. I imported more eggs this year and have two unrelated groups (8 in each group). Who should I be mating with who next spring and how should I continue with this in years to come? I understand it is fine to mate brothers and sisters but it’s as clear as mud how to make the very best of the breed. Please help me in simple terms if that’s possible. Many thanks

 

[getaclue]

Find out what the standard is for them in the UK, for showing, if there is one. That's where to start. If there is not one in the UK, there is a standard for them in France, but it's in French, and I don't speak French. Finding any type of standard is the first step, so you will know which ones are your best candidates for breeding.

 

[Perris]

I understand it is fine to mate brothers and sisters

I thought the opposite...are you sure about that?

 

[getaclue]

To start, you may need to mate brother, and sister. After that, you put daddy over daughters, son over mother. Again, that's not where you start. You need a standard, so you will know which candidates are the best to breed, and so you know which ones not to breed.

 

[getaclue]

When you pick your breeders, you close your flock. No new chicks from other lines, no new stock from other lines. You work with the line you select, and keep working with that line.

 

[nicalandia]

Line breeding should be like this:

Exceptionally good unrelated pair: Parent Line1 is rooster, Parent line2 is Hen: F1 will be the product of P1xP2=F1, F1 males will be crossed with Parent line2(BC1b) and F1 pullets to be crossed with Parent line1(BC1a). these are the BC1a, BC1b should be separate.. You should cross BC1a line with BC1b when deemed necessary.

 

[getaclue]

nic, in extremely easy terms, that's mostly what I just said.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

https://www.starmilling.com/poultry-chicken-breeds.php

I can't even find a standard for it. Closest to one I found is the link above. Hens 4.5 lbs, Cocks seem to be 6lbs not the 7 lbs stated in above link. Conflicting info on that.

If there isn't an actual Standard you get some leeway of personal choice. As stated above you want to breed groups that are not closely related. Hatch out and band the birds to keep it clear who is who. Breed the best birds to breed standard/description only. Then in this case I'd set up 3 to 5 pens and continue with spiral breeding program to maintain and improve.

 

[getaclue]

While there is no standard here, or in the UK, double check that there isn't one in France. It would be in French, of course, but that is the standard you'd be aiming for. I agree with Egghead on spiral breeding, if there is no standard, even in France. Yes that's going to mean lots of leg bands, and a journal, with each one, and their offspring accounted for.

Please make sure the leg bands never get too tight, especially with growing chicks. Check them often. It's awful what those things can do when not removed, and larger ones put on when needed.

 

[cgmccary]

I hope someone can help. I have imported hatching eggs last year and this year from France of a breed of chicken called Gournay. This breed is a dual purpose chicken but renowned for its meat particularly. I’m very keen to develop this breed and to spool out stock to a small select few of rare chicken breeders throughout the UK. I have received a great deal of interest but must get the line breeding correct. So here’s my quandary: I have an unrelated pair of adults (the only survivors from last year’s hatch). I have hatched 2 cockerels and 2 pullets from these two this year. I imported more eggs this year and have two unrelated groups (8 in each group). Who should I be mating with who next spring and how should I continue with this in years to come? I understand it is fine to mate brothers and sisters but it’s as clear as mud how to make the very best of the breed. Please help me in simple terms if that’s possible. Many thanks

Not good to mate brother to sister. You can breed father to daughter or Mother to son. IMHO, outcross next year, cross the lines.