Mixed flock, but mixed with what? -Pic Heavy-

[fisherlady]

I am probably going to keep at least 2, with Grayson and Mr.Greenjeans being the best of my choices based on size, personality and hen care tendancies. Since I am not intending
to show I am gearing more toward those criteria... I agree that Mr Greenjeans is a good looking bird, and that pic was from about 3 months ago and he and Grayson are both maturing into even more impressive birds.
It doesn't show well in the pics of Grayson but he is very broad through the chest now and I could probably easilty fit my hand in the width between his legs now. He carries a lot of weight but remains well balanced. When I was in the coop yesterday I felt something tug on a button of my jeans jacket and looked down and it was Grayson checking out the buttons at my waist.... at relaxed stance his head is at 23", he can easily stretch to reach another 8"+ above that. I'm looking forward to seeing how he finishes off as he matures.
Greenjeans is more compact in height but broadening out nicely and though not as overtly friendly as Grayson he is very well mannered and easily handles also.
I really lucked out in the rooster department! All of our original 5 were decent with people at minimum, we culled 2 for behavior with the hens and I am looking to drop 2 more probably within the next few months. Napolean wasn't one of our original group but has learned to tolerate handling and avoids conflict with us and treats his hens very well, so is OK for now but he isn't the right size or personality for what we want to develop for our flock... same with another rooster I didn't post of pic of here, nice enough bird, but not right for us. Culling may not be easy, but for flock dynamics it is a matter of practicality. Napolean is a very pretty little guy so may be able to be rehomed, that would be my preference. But not practical or humane to do that to him in this weather in my opinion, so he will stay safe and warm here for at least a little while.

 

[aoxa]

I am probably going to keep at least 2, with Grayson and Mr.Greenjeans being the best of my choices based on size, personality and hen care tendancies. Since I am not intending
to show I am gearing more toward those criteria... I agree that Mr Greenjeans is a good looking bird, and that pic was from about 3 months ago and he and Grayson are both maturing into even more impressive birds.
It doesn't show well in the pics of Grayson but he is very broad through the chest now and I could probably easilty fit my hand in the width between his legs now. He carries a lot of weight but remains well balanced. When I was in the coop yesterday I felt something tug on a button of my jeans jacket and looked down and it was Grayson checking out the buttons at my waist.... at relaxed stance his head is at 23", he can easily stretch to reach another 8"+ above that. I'm looking forward to seeing how he finishes off as he matures.
Greenjeans is more compact in height but broadening out nicely and though not as overtly friendly as Grayson he is very well mannered and easily handles also.
I really lucked out in the rooster department! All of our original 5 were decent with people at minimum, we culled 2 for behavior with the hens and I am looking to drop 2 more probably within the next few months. Napolean wasn't one of our original group but has learned to tolerate handling and avoids conflict with us and treats his hens very well, so is OK for now but he isn't the right size or personality for what we want to develop for our flock... same with another rooster I didn't post of pic of here, nice enough bird, but not right for us. Culling may not be easy, but for flock dynamics it is a matter of practicality. Napolean is a very pretty little guy so may be able to be rehomed, that would be my preference. But not practical or humane to do that to him in this weather in my opinion, so he will stay safe and warm here for at least a little while.

Mr. Greenjeans will carry the blue egg gene where Greyson won't. That's one of the main reasons I would keep him over Greyson, but if that is not your goal - keep the most evenly tempered boy. You want your roosters to stay away from you. That's what roosters should do. An unafraid rooster could become an issue. May not be yet, but could be in the future.

 

[fisherlady]

Thank you aoxa... I'm not worried about the egg color, so build, temper/personality and how they treat the ladies will be the main factors. Although Grayson approaches me without qualm he also moves away immediately when asked to. Both he and Greenjeans (actually all of the birds) have been handled extensively since we got them as little ones, many times they are picked up and carried around just to prove to them that we can! I wanted a flock I could pick up and check without it being a major stressor/fight which could make problems worse! They aren't afraid of us... but the roos sure know to respect our space!

They tried attitudes a few times when they were about 4 months or so... and were quickly shown that it won't work with humans, they have since settled down and I don't interfere in their flock management, they have a job to do and I let them do it. I watch them closely to make sure the don't get any ideas again, though. They aren't mature yet, even though they are nearly full size, so time will tell if our interaction with them as youngsters sticks in their heads into adulthood... so far, so good. I love the birds, and I don't need lap chickens, but I won't tolerate aggression either!

 

[aoxa]

Thank you aoxa... I'm not worried about the egg color, so build, temper/personality and how they treat the ladies will be the main factors. Although Grayson approaches me without qualm he also moves away immediately when asked to. Both he and Greenjeans (actually all of the birds) have been handled extensively since we got them as little ones, many times they are picked up and carried around just to prove to them that we can! I wanted a flock I could pick up and check without it being a major stressor/fight which could make problems worse! They aren't afraid of us... but the roos sure know to respect our space!

They tried attitudes a few times when they were about 4 months or so... and were quickly shown that it won't work with humans, they have since settled down and I don't interfere in their flock management, they have a job to do and I let them do it. I watch them closely to make sure the don't get any ideas again, though. They aren't mature yet, even though they are nearly full size, so time will tell if our interaction with them as youngsters sticks in their heads into adulthood... so far, so good. I love the birds, and I don't need lap chickens, but I won't tolerate aggression either!

You're going at it the right way. Keep up the good work!

 

[KingR0o5t3r]

Sounds like your going in the right direction! Would love recent pics

 

[Puddin Fluff]

8. ... and last but not least .. Napolean, about a 4 lb roo, under one year based on spur development, may need to be rehomed but clue on breed may make that easier






any tips would be appreciated, I have ideas based on research I've done but folks who work with specific breeds can usually recognize them or their traits right away.... if more pics are needed just let me know,I'll try to get them if closeups or different angles are needed.
Thanks again!

Napolean could be a Favorelle mix. This is one of my Fav roos and has similar coloring esp. the wing triangles and red shoulders. Of course favs are bearded birds and don't have the wattles but the mix could change the color as well as the bearding.

Just a thought.

 

[fisherlady]

King... I'll try to get some new shots... but the biggest change is in general size, which doesn't reflect well on pics, I think the biggest change will be visible after their first molt

Puddin.... the Favorelle was mentioned before and I found some pics that make me agree that he is probably a mix with a lot of the Fav in his background... the lady who we got him
from didn't have any idea.

 

[KingR0o5t3r]

Okay that makes sense

 

[BubbaDman]

different mixes but some pretty birds all the same, keep the best tempered roos as you go forward and enjoy the Easter Eggs

 

[Cowgirl71]

I love mixes too! Most of my flock is crosses and mixes.

Is broodiness a trait you like or don't like? If you like broody hens you may think about breeding some Buff Orpington into your flock; they go broody, make great mommas, and can cover lots of eggs/chicks with their large size and fluffy feathers. They're also good layers and meat birds. As a bonus, they're quite pretty and docile too!