Show off your Delawares! *PIC HEAVY*

[Sazbaby]

Ok... I don't have any pictures... lol I was hoping that with all the Delaware fans on this page, someone might help me out! I'm wanting to get started into Delawares but am having trouble finding stock! I have an order standing with Sand Hill Preservation Center but it has been pushed back and pushed back... I'm not sure it will happen this year at this rate... anyhow, does anyone know any breeders in Virginia? I'm in southwestern VA and the only ones I've come across are a couple of pullets that came from Welp. I want pure Dels, not something that's been crossed but maintains the color pattern, you know? Should I stay away from the Welp pullets or go for them just to have *something* here?? Hard to be patient, I've been trying to get set with some since MARCH!!! lol Thanks in advance!!

 

[tigercreek]

It is my understanding that Whitmore has some pretty good ones in Maryland I think??

http://www.whitmorefarm.com/ .....stan

 

[NestingHillsSC]

Ok... I don't have any pictures... lol I was hoping that with all the Delaware fans on this page, someone might help me out! I'm wanting to get started into Delawares but am having trouble finding stock! I have an order standing with Sand Hill Preservation Center but it has been pushed back and pushed back... I'm not sure it will happen this year at this rate... anyhow, does anyone know any breeders in Virginia? I'm in southwestern VA and the only ones I've come across are a couple of pullets that came from Welp. I want pure Dels, not something that's been crossed but maintains the color pattern, you know? Should I stay away from the Welp pullets or go for them just to have *something* here?? Hard to be patient, I've been trying to get set with some since MARCH!!! lol Thanks in advance!!

I would be patient!! Even if it means waiting till next year. REALLY!! I have learned the hard way with some of my other breeds. You will never be happy or have the birds you really want if you get them from a hatchery!! STAY THE LINE!! LOL. Also check out Pauls birds. That's were I got mine.

http://www.backtothefarmmo.com/breeds.html

 

[EggieRowe]

This is my runt as of last night. I'm leaning towards cockerel since it's only one of two chicks with reddish comb development. If he had tail feathers, I wouldn't be so iffy. (No one is pulling them either, he just doesn't have any.) It is 2/3 the size of all the other chicks; nearly half of one I'm sure is a cockerel.

I figure growth this slow is a no-brainer for culling, but when should I do it? I can't imagine how long it would take to raise this one to a decent size for the table. How early does everyone cull for obvious undesirable traits? Should I give it more time? I figure if it's a boy, why keep feeding it? Not like I can add him to the laying flock.



Runt in front of my definite cockerel. It looks like they weren't even hatched at the same time! Of course he'd have the prettiest legs out of the lot too. What would you do and when would you do it?

 

[NestingHillsSC]

That's a iffy one. I would think it was a pullet. All cockerels by now should show nice red combs and wattles, were the pullets don't. As for culling, all breeders tell me to wait at least till 7-8 months. Because some just may be late bloomers. And you don't want to cull a great bird too early. Plus a beck or two isn't going to make a difference in feed.

I have banded 4 cockerels. Just now waiting to see if I made the right choice. Banded all 9 pullets.

 

[EggieRowe]

Forgot to say they are 2 months, 1 week old as of today. If it turns out that I have one cockerel and 6 pullets, I'm going out to buy a lottery ticket! You're right, one more beak at the feeder isn't going to make or break me. Crossing my fingers it's a girl and it catches up to the rest. I'd love to keep those bright legs in the pool.

 

[catdaddyfro]

It is my understanding that Whitmore has some pretty good ones in Maryland I think??

http://www.whitmorefarm.com/ .....stan

Hey Stan howdy doo

good to see you peeking out ever now and again LOL

Jeff

 

[tigercreek]

Thanks Jeff, I have a plate full right now, but I do try to keep up with BYC., just don't post as much.....stan

 

[cubalaya]

Ok... I don't have any pictures... lol I was hoping that with all the Delaware fans on this page, someone might help me out! I'm wanting to get started into Delawares but am having trouble finding stock! I have an order standing with Sand Hill Preservation Center but it has been pushed back and pushed back... I'm not sure it will happen this year at this rate... anyhow, does anyone know any breeders in Virginia? I'm in southwestern VA and the only ones I've come across are a couple of pullets that came from Welp. I want pure Dels, not something that's been crossed but maintains the color pattern, you know? Should I stay away from the Welp pullets or go for them just to have *something* here?? Hard to be patient, I've been trying to get set with some since MARCH!!! lol Thanks in advance!!

steve kroeger at ninas farm in beaverdam va. has heritage delawares (holmes, harter, whitmore lines) these are pure and not hatchery

 

[NestingHillsSC]

Thought I would throw up a few pics of the pullets and the freezer camp cockerels. LOL There around 3 months now.

Out of the 9 pullets, I have 4 that have very nice black tail feathers. A few washed out. But will make good egg layers until next year when bred.














I have 12 extra cockerels that will be sold or eaten. Either way. LOL Most are SO dang friendly. Will try to sell the really nice ones first.








Death Camp!! LOL