My Black Orpington show and breeding rooster died today 
He has taken a few class champions, best of breed, best of varieties, and just came home from getting Champion English at Puyallup. It appears to have been a bad accident. I'm hoping that one of the 5 juveniles I have from him and my two best hens turns out to be a rooster! Looks like maybe ONE is. I'm currently sorting out all of the eggs from the last 4-5 days that were in the fridge and will collect the ones from my show hens that were in with Jackson for the next 4-5 days. I do appreciate poultry fertility. They are ALL going in the incubator! This is all I feel I can do to save my breeding program at this moment. I was even starting to plan out my breeding pens for next year along with the next two shows Hope I get at least 5 more chicks 10 would be better! This is 2 years worth of work and planning.
I found him when I was out getting photos of my SS and a few others. I opened the door to get some photos of his juvenile and saw one of the nest boxes upside-down. I saw my three hens but not Jackson. I slowly moved the next box expecting him to erupt out from under it. He was inside but upside-down as well and stiff!
I'm trying to work through this and not be too upset. I'll try to post photos tonight. I'm sorting the eggs still. They had to warm up so I can see the real color. Then they will sit out overnight to come up to a good temp. Then before I leave at 6 AM I will put them in the bator.
He has taken a few class champions, best of breed, best of varieties, and just came home from getting Champion English at Puyallup. It appears to have been a bad accident. I'm hoping that one of the 5 juveniles I have from him and my two best hens turns out to be a rooster! Looks like maybe ONE is. I'm currently sorting out all of the eggs from the last 4-5 days that were in the fridge and will collect the ones from my show hens that were in with Jackson for the next 4-5 days. I do appreciate poultry fertility. They are ALL going in the incubator! This is all I feel I can do to save my breeding program at this moment. I was even starting to plan out my breeding pens for next year along with the next two shows Hope I get at least 5 more chicks 10 would be better! This is 2 years worth of work and planning. I found him when I was out getting photos of my SS and a few others. I opened the door to get some photos of his juvenile and saw one of the nest boxes upside-down. I saw my three hens but not Jackson. I slowly moved the next box expecting him to erupt out from under it. He was inside but upside-down as well and stiff!
