Partridge Chantecler Culling.

[CWhite67]

Alrighty, I’ve got 8 grow outs from this year. I am going to cull down to a trio, I know it’s still a bit early but I need to make room. I have my opinions on these birds, but I’m looking for more input. They didn’t want to pose today but if I need more I’ll go out and get more pictures.
Here’s what I’m working with:
First three is my favourite cockerel.
Next two is my second choice from the cockerels.
Pullet #1 I think is a cull with the nodule on her comb
Pullet #2 is my best looking pullet I think
Pullet #3
Last picture is pullet #4

 

[ColtHandorf]

@Folly's place @BantyChooks both raise Chantecler. Perhaps they can help.

Personally, I wouldn't cull this early unless I saw obvious defects. I'd be tempted to hang onto all of the pullets until they are 6-9 months old. And probably two of the cockerels.

 

[BantyChooks]

Alrighty, I’ve got 8 grow outs from this year. I am going to cull down to a trio, I know it’s still a bit early but I need to make room. I have my opinions on these birds, but I’m looking for more input. They didn’t want to pose today but if I need more I’ll go out and get more pictures.
Here’s what I’m working with:
First three is my favourite cockerel.
Next two is my second choice from the cockerels.
Pullet #1 I think is a cull with the nodule on her comb
Pullet #2 is my best looking pullet I think
Pullet #3
Last picture is pullet #4

Pullet #2 and #3 are the best IMO. It's really too early to cull for shape and vitality so we're reduced pretty much to culling by colour which is a bad strategy. Your other two pullets are a bit light in colour.

Your first cockerel is much too red and has a lot of leakage in his chest. The second looks significantly better and might turn out with decent type too based on his blockiness.

 

[BantyChooks]

Also, if you want to get rid of pullet #2, send her to me.

 

[Folly's place]

I only do the white birds, so no issues with having to deal with color choices. (Thank goodness!)
My concerns this early are about obvious defects and size/ weights. And any cockerels with poor attitudes. I agree with @BantyChooks on all counts here.
Mary

 

[CWhite67]

I appreciate the help! Same here Mary, I have only bred whites for years, these partridge are a new venture. I completely agree on it being too early but I need to free up some space. @BantyChooks you wouldn't be concerned with the nodules on the back of the combs? In the hundreds of white chanteclers I've bred, I've never had birds with nodules on the comb.

Thanks for the help!

 

[BantyChooks]

I appreciate the help! Same here Mary, I have only bred whites for years, these partridge are a new venture. I completely agree on it being too early but I need to free up some space. @BantyChooks you wouldn't be concerned with the nodules on the back of the combs? In the hundreds of white chanteclers I've bred, I've never had birds with nodules on the comb.

Thanks for the help!

I believe it's a carryover from rose comb genetics, don't quote me on that though. The bird with a nodule was not one of the ones on my keep list, correct?

 

[CWhite67]

I believe it's a carryover from rose comb genetics, don't quote me on that though. The bird with a nodule was not one of the ones on my keep list, correct?

I'm pretty sure you're right on that, that's what it reminded me of when I started seeing them come through on these birds. And no it wasn't, you reassured my thoughts on the two best pullets. I'm concerned that 3/5 pullets have them, and this will be a real problem.

 

[Folly's place]

A few years ago my best cockerel had a rose comb. After a lot of swearing, I finally sold him to people who had barnyard birds and a nasty RIR rooster, and were delighted to get a nice guy as replacement. Genetics, love it sometimes!!!
Mary

 

[BantyChooks]

I have problems with rose combs popping up in my buffs. Paying attention to the females' combs is certainly important as they contribute comb type just as much as the male. It can be tempting to pay more attention to the males at times.