Russian Orloffs

[Pozees]

My Ams are great in the warmer months. I get tons of blue eggs! If you are just after eggs your best bet is to go with a Leghorn or similar. Depends on your needs for eggs.

Crossing these birds with the sussex is part of what ruined them imo. Malay and Asil are options because of their history. Having seen these in person I might say that it would improve their overall type. I have here an Orloff hen who is a little older but she has a nice wide chest and is fairly upright. I have this new cock here and hope that I can raise some of their offspring. They each have small faults that it would be miraculous if they canceled out in each other (ha- right!) but they are the two best I have for size. Others here have better spangling but you have to start somewhere. MFB showed pics a while back of the birds he's bred up for better color. He didn't cross anything in. I think he's got the right idea. No quick fixes despite really really wanting them

I agree, if you have the genetics to create what you want without using another breed you are far better off using what you have. It may take longer but you will know there is no possibility of throwbacks.

 

[RhodeRunner]

I have to agree. Although, the Russian Orloff is lacking in practically every aspect, they have lost some of their dual-purpose values. Egg production with our youthful hens is excellent, but I would like my birds to be another pound or two larger.

Crossing is an interesting idea and challenge. I have no experience in this area, but here are some thoughts.
I would be hesitant to use the Ameraucana. In our experience the Russian Orloff has proven to be a much better layer then the Ameraucana. Also, the Ameracuana would subtract for the birds weight even more, while adding a slew of other problems such as color, type, pea combs, and colored eggs.

I really like the idea of crossing them back to the Orientals, as it would keep type and increase weight. But, then would we not be compromising egg production? Another bird I think would benefit the Russian Orloff, might be the Chantecler. It matures quickly, is heavy, a good layer, and it has a cushion comb. (Not exactly the same as a walnut...but close)

What if one crossed a Red Spangled Oriental rooster, to a Red Chantecler? Took the best in type and weight, and crossed them to the Russian Orloff.

 

[BlackPanther]

Yes, one of my girls went broody this summer. She made an excellent mom! She hatched 7/8 of the eggs that I gave her, and was willing to brood the chicks that I hatched in the bator, too. I kept trying to shove one under her and she kept kicking it out of the nest... it was a bad egg. It amazes me that they know that!

I finally got my chicks (not Orloffs... just hatchery birds for eating eggs) so I'm one happy camper! I keep stalking the thread... love the pictures of all the beauties! Can't wait to add Orloffs back into my flock!

Wonderful

I'm a stalker too

I know I want Orloffs, I'm just still trying to decide on when.

 

[ashandvine]

I have to admit I have thought of these ideas, as have others. I am looking into Chantes and nearly bought a couple just to try to breed for white Orloffs. I didn't manage to buy them. You are right about the issues with Ams being crossed. Another fellow crossed his Malay and Orloffs. He has posted a pic a few times in the Heritage thread but the pic was not a good one to tell anything by except color. Having seen Malay and Asil in person I am admittedly more taken with them than I was initially when just seeing their pictures and knowing how they look in person I am amazed they can weigh as much as they do given how 'thin' they look. I am very interested to see the outcome of any such crosses. Great thinking!

 

[Sarplaninec]

 

[Pozees]

I think it just depends on the bird, I'm in central OR which is high desert climate, and have 3 EE, my almost 2yr old lays large+ eggs 5-6 days a week, my two pullets just started laying this week, but I've gotten 5 eggs in 4 days from them. Actually wish my older girl wasn't so reliable, she only took a month off for molting and I'm afraid she will burn out soon.

Well so much for that theory then LOL

 

[ashandvine]

oopsy- double post

 

[ashandvine]

The rooster above is crele, not barred/cuckoo.
Very interesting. Too bad NY is so far for me.

 

[BlackPanther]

What is he? An Orloff/Marans cross? He's very interesting.

 

[BlackPanther]

Oh, wait, someone just said that.