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Thanks, that is a good explaination. I have 7 roos to sort thru.
- Back length is most important?
- Wing carrage and comb size next?
I would not say that back length is most important. I just use it as a guide to go by when they are youngsters. If tehy have a long back then I seldom even consider them anymore. In my experience they do not turn out to be something that will give me good enough type to keep breeding on. My pullets I allow more for because my shortest backed girls, which are usually my more rooish girls as far as color, too, will be the least likely to lay well for me. But I seldom sell those girls, waiting for eggs instead and feeding them. Though from my bit of record keeping they are not giving me much better stock than the decent girls I use with an exceptional roo.
I prefer very good wing carriage as I think they will pass on bad wings but usually if you have good type, you will have good wing carriage. Good conformation brings the whole bird together well.
I worry about combs last. I am sure there are birds out there with combs that you do not want to pass on but overall I bet that bird has a lot of other faults you have no reason to breed for either. Granted, I do not see many exceptional birds because I do not attend many shows but I visit other poultry farms and talk to breeders of many different breeds since I have an interest in learning all I can about breeding programs. It helps me to understand what can work and what might not. I have not seen a really great bird with a horrid comb but I am sure others might have. So for me, I worry about combs last.
Now feet, that is a concern! Color, toenails, feathers etc. That can make me frustrated when looking over breeding stock.
I really appreciate you input! Seems to me like good wing carrage really make a difference in the over all look of a bird.
How long does it take for type to mature in a roo? Seems that the fullness in pullets/hens take a year in my modest experience.
Thanks, that is a good explaination. I have 7 roos to sort thru.
- Back length is most important?
- Wing carrage and comb size next?
I would not say that back length is most important. I just use it as a guide to go by when they are youngsters. If tehy have a long back then I seldom even consider them anymore. In my experience they do not turn out to be something that will give me good enough type to keep breeding on. My pullets I allow more for because my shortest backed girls, which are usually my more rooish girls as far as color, too, will be the least likely to lay well for me. But I seldom sell those girls, waiting for eggs instead and feeding them. Though from my bit of record keeping they are not giving me much better stock than the decent girls I use with an exceptional roo.
I prefer very good wing carriage as I think they will pass on bad wings but usually if you have good type, you will have good wing carriage. Good conformation brings the whole bird together well.
I worry about combs last. I am sure there are birds out there with combs that you do not want to pass on but overall I bet that bird has a lot of other faults you have no reason to breed for either. Granted, I do not see many exceptional birds because I do not attend many shows but I visit other poultry farms and talk to breeders of many different breeds since I have an interest in learning all I can about breeding programs. It helps me to understand what can work and what might not. I have not seen a really great bird with a horrid comb but I am sure others might have. So for me, I worry about combs last.
Now feet, that is a concern! Color, toenails, feathers etc. That can make me frustrated when looking over breeding stock.
I really appreciate you input! Seems to me like good wing carrage really make a difference in the over all look of a bird.
How long does it take for type to mature in a roo? Seems that the fullness in pullets/hens take a year in my modest experience.
