Progress on my dual purpose birds.

[Ryu]

I just though I'd post some pics of my small dual purpose bird project.

Focusing on my best type hen:
A weeks worth of eggs, I'm really happy with the shell quality.

The minimal comb I'm breeding for.

Nice broad back.

Could be a little deeper in the body/breast.

I am breeding one of her sisters to my one of my Cornish roos and there are a couple second generation rooster possibilities from that to breed to her.

I will need to expand my gene pool after that breeding. So any suggestions for a breed to mix in?

Also, it's looking like progeny are going to go 12-16 weeks to get good weight (I haven't taken any tot he processor yet). Is that too long?

Thanks!

 

[saddina]

You won't know if it's too long untill the meat is in your mouth. However 12 weeks is pretty reasonable.

Is she cornish x rir or?

 

[Ryu]

The hens background isn't completely known. There is Cornish because I crossed that. But if I had to guess, I would pick her other side of the pedigree as Buff ChantcelerxCornishxsome other heritage breed with a speckled egg.

I got some 'surprise' birds in a what was supposed purebred eggs. They were red/red dilute with minimal combs. Nice body weight, and laid a good egg. I decided to try to work with them.

I didn't have a roo, so I used one of my exhibition Cornish.

The minimal comb (a poor cushion comb?) is inherited in about half the progeny, the rest have short pea combs.