Show off your Delawares! *PIC HEAVY*

[fowlman01]

"MANY more problems"? What do you see as other problems? Or are you just overstating the temperament issue as "problems" (Pleural)? I am not trying to downplay the temperament issue, I totally agree I don't want aggression in a breeding bird. But I would also like to learn what to look for in a good Delaware, that is why I wonder if you are seeing something other than the comb. Tail set, color, etc? The question I asked about the possibility of housing in a small solitary pen with no other birds, whether that might affect temperament, has gone unanswered.

The comb is the least of his problems. His tail is a big problem and it looks as if he is very short, shallow and may even have some skeletal issue unless it is just the angle of the picture.

Generally you can keep a lot of cockerels together if there are no females in the pen. Put them together early if possible.

Walt

 

[speckledhen]

This is one big problem when trying to assess any bird, the photograph. You really need a good photograph and that's not always easy to achieve, but necessary. As Walt mentioned, unless he's standing oddly, he may have a skeletal issue. I once had a beautiful dark heritage RIR hen who I at first thought had wry tail, then realized that her entire back was twisted so I gave her to a friend for her laying flock.

 

[desertmarcy]

This is one big problem when trying to assess any bird, the photograph. You really need a good photograph and that's not always easy to achieve, but necessary. As Walt mentioned, unless he's standing oddly, he may have a skeletal issue. I once had a beautiful dark heritage RIR hen who I at first thought had wry tail, then realized that her entire back was twisted so I gave her to a friend for her laying flock.

It is the way he is standing. He is in a small 4'x4' pen with me hovering at the door trying to get pics. It was not ideal at all and very difficult to get a "natural" stance. I was mostly trying to get good shots of his comb.

 

[plantcityhomestead]

I was taking pictures of my Delawares this evening, and caught this photo by chance. Delawares are so curious about everything, but she was checking out the ray of sunshine that was coming in the coop. Stan, this is one of your girls. They are really looking good.
.

 

[tigercreek]

I was taking pictures of my Delawares this evening, and caught this photo by chance. Delawares are so curious about everything, but she was checking out the ray of sunshine that was coming in the coop. Stan, this is one of your girls. They are really looking good.
.

Looks like you are growing them well, nice deep looking body . I hope she has some width in the tail. I am starting to see some in mine, and will be selecting for that and yellow legs. ........stan

 

[plantcityhomestead]

Looks like you are growing them well, nice deep looking body . I hope she has some width in the tail. I am starting to see some in mine, and will be selecting for that and yellow legs. ........stan

The tails are developing good color and barring, but still pretty pinched. I have noticed that I don't have good yellow in the legs, but I haven't let them out to free range yet, so they are getting few greens. I put some more photos in my Delaware album.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/album/view/id/6196576/user_id/91713
One of the cockerals is really looking good. He has great width to his body. You did a great job sexing these birds, Stan. Looks like I have 2 cockerals and 6 pullets.

Cindy

 

[capayvalleychick]

I put some more photos in my Delaware album.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/album/view/id/6196576/user_id/91713
One of the cockerals is really looking good. He has great width to his body. You did a great job sexing these birds, Stan. Looks like I have 2 cockerals and 6 pullets.

Cindy

Nice!

Kim

 

[plantcityhomestead]

Nice!

Kim

They really are nice KIm. I have had Delawares from other breeders that were so bad that I ended up giving them away. Stan, and the breeders before him, hves done a good job getting size into these birds.

 

[kathyinmo]

I am moving out cockerel #1 and putting in #2 for awhile.
I have been letting them both out to range with the girls the past few days.
Ellis #1 and Ellis #2.....









A couple more boys in waiting.....
note - the bloody one got out and his father (George #1) kicked his butt.

 

[kathyinmo]

Let me hear it, Walt........