show quality speckled sussex ??

[PDPercherons]

When you're ready to part with #3, just poke some holes in a box and send him my way

 

[GreenRiverHen]

When you're ready to part with #3, just poke some holes in a box and send him my way

Do you have any speckled Sussex right now?
#3 at first look does look like my best--but he has a funky comb. I should get a clear picture to get opinions. I'm not sure how much of an issue it is for a breeder. I guess it could be really bad if he passes it on!

 

[GreenRiverHen]

A couple of pics of #3's comb. It's unevenly serrated but even worse is that a sprig on the back?

 

[GreenRiverHen]

Just a couple of questions--
I think my flock overall doesn't have enough width between their legs.
They tend to have high tails and often short backs--especially the boys. And I have learned here that many of them have their legs set too far back.
Are these things easy to breed away from? If I just keeping picking the best of what I've got?

What are your feelings about crooked toes? My birds do not have them--but I did choose not to bring home better quality birds because of their crooked toes. Was that a mistake?

 

[GreenRiverHen]

Yup! Definitely breed this lovely girl! Choose the highest quality grandfather, cousin , or 1st cousin you can find.
Carefully match the color balancing. Match her lovely bred type as best you can n her mate.
 A cushion is a "pad" of feather at the end of the back, base of the tail. It disrupt the topline silhouette on Sussex.
Some breed require them. A no-no in Sussex.  Here's  a pic: This is a  British Buff Orpington from a breeder in the UK.
In this breed a cushion is a good thing. See the "puff" of feathers on the back in front of the tail? That' a cushion.
  http://www.keiths-orps.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Buff-Orpington-Pullet-1.jpg

I'm not sure who's hen this is--but would this be considered a cushion?
I have a couple more questions above if you have time?
Thank you

 

[snowbird]

Will try and give you a little help with these Speckled Males. If possible catch #3 and take a closeup the the Comb to check for a Sprig. One thru three appear to have real good coloring for their age and I do not see a problem with the width of body. They have a few faults that can be worked on as you progress with your line. Everything involves averages. #4 would not work for me and will explain later.

 

[GreenRiverHen]

Will try and give you a little help with these Speckled Males. If possible catch #3 and take a closeup the the Comb to check for a Sprig. One thru three appear to have real good coloring for their age and I do not see a problem with the width of body. They have a few faults that can be worked on as you progress with your line. Everything involves averages.  #4 would not work for me and will explain later.

Here he is. He's seven pounds at nearly seven months. I look forward to your response
Thank you!

My photos didn't work--please see next post

 

[GreenRiverHen]

 

[snowbird]

The male does not have a sprig and no need to worry about the amount of points on the Comb at this point in the game.Notice also that his ear tuft is also the correct color. You may run into a problem with the white on the feathers being too much as they get older.Notice also that his Wattles are a little on the large side also. One of the most important things to check for moving on is does his back stay wide all the way back to his tail, this is very important. If you have questions I will try and answer them.

 

[PDPercherons]

Do you have any speckled Sussex right now?

I have two young hens right now. Babies on the way in a few months.