Minorcas from Murrays

[MysteriaSdrassa]

This year I had ordered some Black Minorcas from Murrays because I have always had a special place in my heart for them. My grandmother had a flock of them when I was a kid and it is what got me interested in chickens oh so many years ago. Along with them I got my usual odd assortment of layers because I like variety in my flock and I don't mind taking the extras since you can get a much better price that way. But I digress here,,, back to the Minorcas,, I must say that so far I am a bit disapointed in comb development in the hens. The rooster who was a mistake (they were supposed to be all hens, but I was thrilled that I got him) developed beautifully and rather quickly,, he was trying to crow at 8 weeks and a typical large straight Minorca comb and wattles. The hens however, although beautiful birds, have as of yet, very small combs that stand straight up. They do not have that classic Minorca S-curve to them where the first point flips to one side and the rest of the comb flops back to the other side to cover one eye. I know this isn't show quality stock, but I would expect them to be at least flopping a little bit.
Are they perhaps really slow to develop and get there eventually? Has anyone else gotten Minorcas from Murrays that have had the same experience? Or should I look elsewhere for better quality stock?

 

[sourland]

How old are your birds?

 

[MysteriaSdrassa]

25 weeks

 

[Michael OShay]

I've ordered Black Minorca pullets from Murray McMurray in the past whose combs never flopped. It's a common occurrence in hatchery quality Minorcas.

 

[sourland]

25 weeks

Combs should be flopping. I think that Michael has your answer.

 

[MysteriaSdrassa]

Yeah,, I kind of expected as much.. All in all they are still fine looking birds especially the rooster which I would say is show quality. He is just gorgeous.

And yes I have a ASOP to make that assesment

Think I will be looking to Sandhill next year for my Minorcas. Nothing against Murrays,, I think they are a great hatchery if you are looking for birds that aren't perfect which is usually fine with me,, I just want my Minorcas to have floppy combs

thanks for the input guys

 

[Michael OShay]

Yeah,, I kind of expected as much.. All in all they are still fine looking birds especially the rooster which I would say is show quality. He is just gorgeous.

And yes I have a ASOP to make that assesment

Think I will be looking to Sandhill next year for my Minorcas. Nothing against Murrays,, I think they are a great hatchery if you are looking for birds that aren't perfect which is usually fine with me,, I just want my Minorcas to have floppy combs

thanks for the input guys

You're welcome. On the upside, they should be very good layers of large, white eggs. )