Self-Blue Cochin Bantams

[JewellFarm]

Awesome progress, Congrats on those beautiful birds. Hope to see more.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Very nice breeding! Amazing how much you improved type so rapidly!

 

[Hoosiermomma]

Beautiful birds, I just love lavender!!!!! I can't wait til they are available so more of us can get our hands on some.

 

[astylishgirl]

absolutely stunning! WTG

 

[cochinman2005]

I thought I would post some photos to show how the f2 Self-Blues developed. I was pleasantly surprised by the improvement in type in just 2 generations. The f2 SB's are a mixture of Blue Legged, white skinned birds and Yellow legged, yellow skinned birds. The best cockerel and pullet are Blue legged. However, I have 2 yellow legged pullets and a yellow legged cockerel that are close in type. The heads are much improved. Lobe color is terrible, but can be attributed to the pair of Self-Blues I started with. I will breed the poor lobe color out in time. Feather quality is fair, and better in the pullets compared to the cockerels. I will select for feather quality with the f3 birds and beyond. The plan is to use both the yellow legged and blue legged birds and cross back to Blacks for the f3 generation producing more SB split to Blacks. Assuming type is much better with this generation, I will use only yellow legged f3 birds for the following f4 matings.

Blue Legged Pullet, Blue Legged Cockerel, Yellow Legged Pullet

Yellow Legged Cockerel, Group shot

 

[Msbear]

I just cannot believe the difference.

I know many will be very happy to see this. Lavender is a popular variety in many breeds and everyone loves a cochin so they have "HOT" written all over them.

Great job.

 

[JOSHSBANTAMS]

Wow! That is major improvement. Great job!
I’m glad I stumbled upon this thread. I’ll be watching it faithfully.

 

[geebs]

what are the genetics that make a lavender rather then a blue??? I have had blues that could be lavender??? How do you know?

 

[cochinman2005]

Lavender is a very distinct color. It is called Self-Blue by the standard and as can be inferred from that naming scheme, when bred Self-Blue X Self-Blue, they only produce Self-Blue. Blue on the other hand is genetically much different, and Blue X Blue will produce, Blue, Black and Splash. Additionally, Blue varieties should be laced whereas Self-Blue are not. It's a very even color. When viewed from the underside, Lavender (Self-Blue) feathers have dark shafts.

 

[Majestic Lane Poultry]

Very impressive, Tom. I love to see how your dedication is paying off!