Old and Rare Breeds

[Lacy Blues]

I can't think of a better place to turn for egg in a cold and hot hardy bird than the RC subvarieties of Mediterranean breeds.

I've been entertaining thoughts of crossing a rose combed minorca onto my blue andalusians.

Can you imagine a blue andalusian with a rose comb? I could get used to it... as it stands though, I'm thinking I'll select for smaller combs and wattles and hope that helps with next winter!

 

[Pozees]

I've been entertaining thoughts of crossing a rose combed minorca onto my blue andalusians.

Can you imagine a blue andalusian with a rose comb? I could get used to it... as it stands though, I'm thinking I'll select for smaller combs and wattles and hope that helps with next winter!

I actually could imagine it, yes! Your idea for selection makes sense, but if you decide to experiment, I'd be very interested in your results and maybe some offspring. I love the Mediterraneans, and prefer rose combs.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

I've been entertaining thoughts of crossing a rose combed minorca onto my blue andalusians.

Can you imagine a blue andalusian with a rose comb? I could get used to it... as it stands though, I'm thinking I'll select for smaller combs and wattles and hope that helps with next winter!

Oh, I'd hate to see you compromise your program. It's so great to have someone working uniquey with the Andalusians. I know you're just joking, but I'm taking the opportunity to congratulate you once again on your project.

 

[Lacy Blues]

Thanks Yellow House. I wouldn't do the whole flock... maybe just one small group!

Actually, if I could afford to feed a bunch more birds, I might try it... until then...

 

[15shenyl]

I have a question, this is most likely here somewhere but I have 5 Salmon Faverolles and 2 Dorkings. They seem really small, like 3 and a half to 4 and a half pounds and I I have seen where some people's are 7 pounds. Are mine bantams, was I ripped off from a larger form. I love them no matter what, there really friendly and sociable, but Im just wondering.
I think this is a cool thread by the way, I'm getting several rare breeds in a few months and am very excited!

 

[Yellow House Farm]

I have a question, this is most likely here somewhere but I have 5 Salmon Faverolles and 2 Dorkings. They seem really small, like 3 and a half to 4 and a half pounds and I I have seen where some people's are 7 pounds. Are mine bantams, was I ripped off from a larger form. I love them no matter what, there really friendly and sociable, but Im just wondering.
I think this is a cool thread by the way, I'm getting several rare breeds in a few months and am very excited!

Where are they from and when did they hatch?

You'll find that what the various kiteratures and the SOP suggest are generalities that only bear truth if the particular breeder is aiming towards them. I feel preety safe in stating that every breed of fowl is going to end up having more sub-ar strains than quality strains, such that one is only sure of what one is getting if one has seen the progenitors with his or her own eyes, and even then the change in environment or a series of other faactors might add an element of variation.

You're getting several breeds? Is this a step you are taking to sample a few things to see if anything speaks to you specifically such that you might start a breeding program in one of them?

 

[15shenyl]

"Where are they from and when did they hatch?

You'll find that what the various kiteratures and the SOP suggest are generalities that only bear truth if the particular breeder is aiming towards them.  I feel preety safe in stating that every breed of fowl is going to end up having more sub-ar strains than quality strains, such that one is only sure of what one is getting if one has seen the progenitors with his or her own eyes, and even then the change in environment or a series of other faactors might add an element of variation.

You're getting several breeds?  Is this a step you are taking to sample a few things to see if anything speaks to you specifically such that you might start a breeding program in one of  them?"(end quote)

I got them from our local feed store, I don't know where they get them from, so that might be the reason.
I'm getting the new chickens for show. I'm in FFA and raise and show chickens for my SAE project, this is my second year in FFA and second year with chickens. I started with my Faverolles and Dorkings winning champion showing, Grand champion over all, and 7 first place ribbons. I love old and rare breeds, I love reading on them and want to show them at our fairs.

Just saw this didn't quote right so I'll show where the quote begins and ends.

 

[saladin]

Thanks Yellow House. I wouldn't do the whole flock... maybe just one small group!

Actually, if I could afford to feed a bunch more birds, I might try it... until then...

Why not just obtain some Rose Comb Minorcas or some Rose Comb Leghorns?

 

[saladin]

"Where are they from and when did they hatch?

You'll find that what the various kiteratures and the SOP suggest are generalities that only bear truth if the particular breeder is aiming towards them. I feel preety safe in stating that every breed of fowl is going to end up having more sub-ar strains than quality strains, such that one is only sure of what one is getting if one has seen the progenitors with his or her own eyes, and even then the change in environment or a series of other faactors might add an element of variation.

You're getting several breeds? Is this a step you are taking to sample a few things to see if anything speaks to you specifically such that you might start a breeding program in one of them?"(end quote)

I got them from our local feed store, I don't know where they get them from, so that might be the reason.
I'm getting the new chickens for show. I'm in FFA and raise and show chickens for my SAE project, this is my second year in FFA and second year with chickens. I started with my Faverolles and Dorkings winning champion showing, Grand champion over all, and 7 first place ribbons. I love old and rare breeds, I love reading on them and want to show them at our fairs.

Just saw this didn't quote right so I'll show where the quote begins and ends.

From the local feed store meant they came from a Hatchery (Ideal would be my first guess). This explains the small size. If you want standard size Dorkings you are going to have to go to an individual breeder.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

you should look at Jaerhorns. Cold hardy egg laying machines. They seem to take the heat pretty well out here in California.
do not eat much and are auto sexing

I had several Jaers at one time and I still have 2 hens. I agree, they've fared well in the cold and heat. They are 2 of my last 4 white layers, along with an Ancona and a White Minorca.