Post Pics Of Orps/ Orpingtons HERE

[HallFamilyFarm]

I have 2 Buff Orpington roosters that are about a year old. I want to keep only 1 of them for breeding. What are the most important characteristics to select for in breeding? These were just hatchery chicks, so I don't have great starting material, but want to improve the next generation if I can. They have been great layers, and have wonderful personalities, but are definitely not up to breed standards.

If they are hatchery birds, it really will not matter. We have a "breeder" here in Arkansas that culled all her hatchery males and acquired some exhibition males to use with her hatchery hens. She has some fairly nice birds now. Each year she has added new males. Your male is 50% of your flock. I would suggest visiting poultry shows in your area this fall and pick up a new male. Many will have some available. We plan on bringing some to Lucasville, Ohio this fall.

As far as what to select for. Always select type over color. Color is important, but you build the barn, then paint it.

 

[jeremy]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...splash-orpington-fertility-test-hatching-eggs

 

[plantcityhomestead]

If they are hatchery birds, it really will not matter. We have a "breeder" here in Arkansas that culled all her hatchery males and acquired some exhibition males to use with her hatchery hens. She has some fairly nice birds now. Each year she has added new males. Your male is 50% of your flock. I would suggest visiting poultry shows in your area this fall and pick up a new male. Many will have some available. We plan on bringing some to Lucasville, Ohio this fall.

As far as what to select for. Always select type over color. Color is important, but you build the barn, then paint it.

Thank you. This was a big help.

 

[little blue]

the only thing i would ad to this is you can get much better blacks then lav so most people breed to nice black roos to better the lavender type.if you keep breeding lavs to lavs they will never get better or to standard.also if you have a black that is from black to blue id does carry the blue gene so black to black if both from black to blue will throw a few blues

 

[jeremy]

the only thing i would ad to this is you can get much better blacks then lav so most people breed to nice black roos to better the lavender type.if you keep breeding lavs to lavs they will never get better or to standard. also if you have a black that is from black to blue id does carry the blue gene so black to black if both from black to blue will throw a few blues

This is incorrect.

A Black bird that is the product of a Black X Blue breeding or a Blue X Blue breeding does not "carry" the Blue gene. The Blue gene cannot be hidden like the Lavender gene, you cannot have Black birds that are split to Blue.

If your bird is Black it is only Black. You cannot produce Blues from a Black X Black breeding.

 

[little blue]

This is incorrect.

A Black bird that is the product of a Black X Blue breeding or a Blue X Blue breeding does not "carry" the Blue gene. The Blue gene cannot be hidden like the Lavender gene, you cannot have Black birds that are split to Blue.

If your bird is Black it is only Black. You cannot produce Blues from a Black X Black breeding.

sorry for giving bad info thanks for correcting me jermey

 

[jeremy]

No problem, BYC is a great place to learn and I am always willing to help others.

ETA: Just as a reminder for those of you who might be unsure about BBS genetics-

 

[Nava]

my fist chicks from my Black Orp cockerel X white orp hens are popping like pop corn

gonna be some big ole ones

 

[aveca]

nava, hope you post some pics of them and when they develop later on..

 

[plantcityhomestead]

These are my 2 Orpington roosters. Any opinions on which one is a better bird?

Thanks,
Cindy