Show off your Delawares! *PIC HEAVY*

[NellaBean]

Isn't that what is called "split-wing"? I have a hen like that....I cut those feathers so she wouldn't fly over the fence, so there are "stubs" that stick out now. My understanding is that those birds should be culled from any breeding program.

 

[joletabey]

Nellabean- you could be right- all I know is my girl only had it for a short period of time and seems fine now. Is there a possibility when they are that young that it could change if it is split wing?

 

[cherylcohen]

I'm actually surprised you think the coloring is good, just hatchery chicks cuz I couldn't get eggs...

These are the two "sisters" together. The one in the back doesn't have the "split-wing"

and this is her sister-no split wing

 

[joletabey]

Cheryl, I can't tell what the hackles really look like, but if they are barred, or dotted looking, then I think it's good because I can SEE the markings. You don't want them so light as to be invisible from what I understand. The tail black looks good at this point, but I was told that it can improve with age and a molt or two - the tail feathers should be black with white edging, and it looks like your girls have a good start on it. At 13 weeks they are no where near the end of their spit and polish period as far as looks go, so I would just keep watching them.

The no split girl has great wing set, her tail is about at the right angle, and they both have yellow legs. Plus if they get even chunkier as they mature, you have some nice looking girls.

 

[cherylcohen]

wow isn't that lucky from hatchery stock no less, thanks

so what about my split one? Does everyone agree?

 

[kathyinmo]

I have a chicken with a wing like that (not a Delaware). I don't know what it is called for sure, but I thought it was a split wing.

 

[cherylcohen]

so since I'm not breeding it's fine right? I was giving one of the dellies to a friend but don't want to give her a "bad" one

 

[kathyinmo]

Well, yes, she will be a good layer. Wing won't pose any health issues. Mine is a rooster and he is going to be processed, but not because of the wing ..... just because I have too many roosters!

 

[NellaBean]

Split wing is just cosmetic, to my knowledge. But also genetic, so should not be used in a breeding flock. But it won't "hurt" them. My split wing girl is one of my absolute favorites. Stew Number Two! She is a RIR and all my RIR are named Stew. Stew #1, Stew #2, Stew #3, Stew #4.......I can't tell #3 or #4 apart, but #1 is built differently and #2 has that good ol split wing to set her apart.

If you just want a pretty girl to keep around, she will be excellent for that.

 

[countrychickengirl]

Hi everyone!! A few days ago, I mentioned the strange combs on my newest batch of chicks -there seem to be clusters of points near the blade area - here are some pictures - what do you think I have going on here?? Would these be culls?? (They are 5 weeks old)

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