show quality speckled sussex ??

[Arielle]

I can only speak from my limited experience. . . .

Given your goal to show, then go for the best quality birds you can find. I read on the HEritage Thread part II these days and that crew breeds for many reasons , but all use the standard for selection purpose. Many show. Walt LEonard pops in; NYREDS too. THese 2 are APA jusdge. I"m sure I"m forgetting many other to list. More of a support group trying to breed all kinds of standard bred chickens.

I think it is easy to get intimidated. To not breed at all would be a shame. If it is SS that gets your blood running, then I do think you should consider them. Perhaps talk to a couple other SS breeders.

3RiversChick might be able to connect you to other SS breeders from the breeds association. Or you can look yourself---

 

[Shesinthebarn]

Thanks so much! I actually connected with a great breeder/ exhibitor of SS just today! We had a great chat and he was so informative and encouraging. The chicks I am getting are from a well known breeder in my province according to him so my confidence is boosted. I will follow this thread with interest, and be sure to post pics when I get my chicks in May!

 

[Arielle]

Thanks so much! I actually connected with a great breeder/ exhibitor of SS just today! We had a great chat and he was so informative and encouraging. The chicks I am getting are from a well known breeder in my province according to him so my confidence is boosted. I will follow this thread with interest, and be sure to post pics when I get my chicks in May!

THis is a wonderful start!!!! As you know, you want to continue the relationship iwth the breeder as they are so full of info about their line. I'm very excited for you!!

 

[Shesinthebarn]

Thanks so much! I am very excited to go forward with this project. Happy to know that I will be starting out with good birds! I think that was my biggest concern; not having a good starting point. There seems to be good quality available in Canada if you look in the right places.

I am so impressed with how open and encouraging experienced breeders/exhibitors/judges are in this hobby! It might be challenging to locate these folks bit when you do, the doors open. Such a nice surprise!

 

[Arielle]

Like any sport or interest, finding the doors to open and gain access is the keys. THere are several judges that stop by in BYC. I haven't seen Snowbird for a while, but he bred SS for sometime and tries to help. Having someone nearby that can look at your birds is a real boon. Glad you are deciding to go with them. As I said before, mine are not SQ but I love their personalities and foraging and sweetness.

There are two areas that I have had to learn more about as a noobie to chickens: how to feed them and how to id each one. Just something to think about as you look forward to your new chickens.

 

[3riverschick]

Thanks so much! I am very excited to go forward with this project. Happy to know that I will be starting out with good birds! I think that was my biggest concern; not having a good starting point. There seems to be good quality available in Canada if you look in the right places.

I am so impressed with how open and encouraging experienced breeders/exhibitors/judges are in this hobby! It might be challenging to locate these folks bit when you do, the doors open. Such a nice surprise!

You might try looking up Troy LaRoche http://featherspectrum.webs.com/ or Sandra Ross. They are both in Ontario. Sandra breeds lovely winning Light Sussex and shows on both sides of the border . Troy is a top poultry judge. He judges on both sides of the border. Knows Mr. Sussex, Gary Overton ( legendary breeder of Speckled Sussex) . Look for Judge Overton in Canada too. All three are super helpful and will take time to help if you ask. Look up the poultry shows, enter some of your birds. Contact them ahead of time and see if they will be there can can they unofficially look at your birds. Here ya go. Troy is a co-founder:
http://ontariopoultrybreeders.webs.com/history.htm and a memo form to contact them and thus, Troy.

Troy also gives seminars. Here's a thread about one of them. Call him and find out when the next one is.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/625598/poultry-seminar-with-apa-aba-judge-troy-laroche
Topics included: Interpretation of the Standard for the breeding pen and the show room and
Breeding Methods and practices to meet goals in your birds.
Best,
Karen

 

[Shesinthebarn]

That is fantastic information! Thanks! I am very interested in those seminars. I spoke with another judge and breeder yesterday who also gave me some great advice. He sold me a nice trio that I should be getting in a few weeks! I can't wait to post pics!

 

[sassybirds]

Can anyone give me info on my question above about the tail angle? Thanks!

 

[3riverschick]

Can anyone give me info on my question above about the tail angle? Thanks!

Hello all,

I have been following this thread for a while now, but have just now decided to post on it. What a great amount of information! I absolutely love the SS, and want to breed my birds towards the SOP, but it is so hard to locate quality birds!! I currently have some chicks that I am growing out and my question is: When do you cull for too high of a tail set? The chicks are 6+ weeks old and some of them have an extremely high tail set- almost 90 degrees. I know that 45 and 40 is ideal for the cockerels and pullets, respectively. Will their tail set change as they mature, or is what they have going on now a good indicator of what they will look like as adults?

Thanks!!!
--
Why not give a phone call or email to Tony Albrittion in Idaho. He is excellent with Speckled Sussex. His website is :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/433985/feather-hills-farm-heritage-hatchery
Do come back and share with us!
Best,
Karen

 

[sassybirds]

Hello all,


I have been following this thread for a while now, but have just now decided to post on it. What a great amount of information! I absolutely love the SS, and want to breed my birds towards the SOP, but it is so hard to locate quality birds!! I currently have some chicks that I am growing out and my question is: When do you cull for too high of a tail set? The chicks are 6+ weeks old and some of them have an extremely high tail set- almost 90 degrees. I know that 45 and 40 is ideal for the cockerels and pullets, respectively. Will their tail set change as they mature, or is what they have going on now a good indicator of what they will look like as adults?


Thanks!!!
--
 Why not give a phone call or email to Tony Albrittion in Idaho. He is excellent with Speckled Sussex. His website is : 
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/433985/feather-hills-farm-heritage-hatchery
Do come back and share with us!
 Best,
 Karen

Thanks so much Karen! I will do that right away and will check in after I get in touch.