Just to add to the genetics conversation.
I crossed the Delawares with my La Fleche (both black and white females) and when I put a La Fleche over Del hens, I got chicks who had a LOT more color, more barring and an interesting red throwback to the Del genetics. VERY few look like the La Fleche. I also got growth at least 1/3 faster than the Del chicks and twice as fast as the La Fleche.
I have switched to Del rooster of La Fleche hens and so far, the coloration isn't as pronounced and the growth rate isn't as good. It also seems to have more barred chicks than before.
Very Interesting to me at least...
Dave
I crossed the Delawares with my La Fleche (both black and white females) and when I put a La Fleche over Del hens, I got chicks who had a LOT more color, more barring and an interesting red throwback to the Del genetics. VERY few look like the La Fleche. I also got growth at least 1/3 faster than the Del chicks and twice as fast as the La Fleche.
I have switched to Del rooster of La Fleche hens and so far, the coloration isn't as pronounced and the growth rate isn't as good. It also seems to have more barred chicks than before.
Very Interesting to me at least...
Dave