Ribh's D'Coopage

[BY Bob]

Thank you, Alex. I can't take any credit for how beautiful they are. They arrive like that but I do so enjoy a pretty bird.

You did choose them. So you do have some say in how the flock appears.

 

[BY Bob]

I feel I've done enough technology/science stuff in my life now. I'm not smart enough for the very clever stuff and since making the lamps and stuff I've been surprised at how much I enjoy the degree of self expression (?) if that's what it is.

That is what it is. I see it everytime I look at my lap. You are already an artist whether you acknowledge it or not.

Chicken tax

 

[RoyalChick]

My gosh. So many thoughts....... let me get organized here.

First, I love the peeps and squeaks. I miss them. There is something about that sound and raising them from so small that tugs at the heart. ❤

Second, those bantams are a LOT smaller than I expected. That is going to be quite a difference in the end. Wow!

Third, someone was either full, or was absolutely fascinated with you. I sense an new friend for you in the development. Maybe even a lap hen.

Fourth, I think you have hit a home run with this bunch. Here's the important question. Are you still scared to take care of them and how do you feel about real littles vs POLs now?

The bantams seem to be using their size and speed to their advantage and don't seem to be missing out at the food bucket one little bit. I love it!

 

[featherhead007]

Well, according to Shad, you should be doing that anyway, to keep blood lines strong & without genetic faults.

Is that why the British monarchy is so messed up? kidding!

 

[BY Bob]

Not quite ~ & I think I might have to do it in 2 stages as my bantams are so tiny.

This is just me, but I would not split the flock. It is their support group. I would merge them all at once. Some of the bigger ones should provide some cover for the bantams. This subflock will hang together if you integrate together and will likely just latch onto the bottom of your current pecking order. I would do 1 integration not 2. If you break them up and the bantams are not at the bottom of the subflock pecking order then there will likely be incidents resulting from them trying to regain those spots in the larger flock. My opinion is that it will be smoother doing it all at once.

 

[BY Bob]

I think a LOT of the variations here in the states are not naturally sustainable. The breed I've been focusing on seems to violate that premise. They tend to reproduce true for the most part. But every hatch will reveal some who do not belong in the breeding program.

What breed is that Bob?

 

[BY Bob]

I did not know there were rosecomb Leghorns!

Neither did I until I did some research. I am fascinated by them you know.

 

[BY Bob]

And then if you buy hatchery stock like I do, standards are out the windows. My New Hampshire Red, Rusty, was almost as light as my Buff Orpington and was quite dainty. Poor thing must have had bad genes, as she came down with Egg Yolk Peritonitis right around her first birthday.

You are right, that was likely a result of bad breeding. I look at Sydney and Sansa and they are both too small for the breeds they purport to be. I did learn which breeder they were purchased from and I don't see myself ever obtaining hens from them as there must be something funny in their stock. They should both be Hattie sized and they are Lilly sized.

 

[BY Bob]

4 dollars a month more for having him? I won’t mention the insurance company for fear of a lawsuit
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He's worth $4 per month!

 

[featherhead007]

He's worth $4 per month!

That little roo costs me much more than that each month, (But worth every penny)