SLW's

[rancher hicks]

I purchased some SLW's from Ideal and they just don't look good at all. They are 25 wks and they just don't look puffy and full like the pics I see. 2 are not even pea combed. Their tails seem to stick up to much instead of horizonal.
The GLW's are pea combed but they don't look full and big like the pics either nor do the Austra's. All are hens and laying.
Are they just too young?

 

[nerfy]

Give them some time.

 

[Chickndaddy]

The chicks from the feed store are probably hatchery quality. The pictures you are describing sounds more like breeder/show quality birds.

 

[Goose and Fig]

I know what you mean. My first birds were from McMurray and the wyandottes (and barred rocks!) are severely lacking in the quality department. They are really small, and not the least bit fluffy. I never really liked them- and then I saw pics of other people's birds. They look like an entirely different breed. At least mine were good layers. I only kept one, and gave the rest away.

 

[rancher hicks]

Well I can't afford to give these away or get rid of them as they've just begun to lay. Their tails are vertical. But I will be getting rid of the non pea comb ones. I intend to have a closed flock so my replacements will come from my stock eventually. I just don't understand why it's so hard for hatcheries to come closer to the standard. Even if I could be sure the birds I get have the potential to produce decent birds would be good. I don't intend to breed Wyandottes anyhow, but I do intend to get some Java's and Buckeyes. I figure I can keep a small flock of 3 breeds. Small being 30 birds. At least until my great aunt Tessie dies and I get my inheritance. Then the skies the limit.

 

[CelticMoon1]

Quote:
I think the answer to this seems to be that they breed for quantity rather than quality. It takes a lot of work and knowledge to breed to the standard, and even if you have decent birds to begin with your birds' quality can deteriorate with the generations if you don't know what you're doing. One shouldn't underestimate the hard work the breeders do to keep their birds SQ!

Note: Wyandottes should have rose combs rather than pea combs

 

[chicken_boy_Kurt]

Quote:
You do know that Wyandottes are supposed to be rose combed, right?

 

[rancher hicks]

Peacombs / rose combs yeah I just don't think about the difference. It's hard to tell at this point.

 

[jeremy]

I was disappointed overall with the SLW that I got last year as well. Their egg production, size and stature, the poor lacing pattern and even their temperment left me wishing I had reconsidered...

That said, I'm looking for new homes for 6 birds if anybody wants 'em!

 

[BeccaOH]

I have 2 GLW and 2 SLW from Meyer's Hatchery. Their teenage stage was rough, but now they are around 21 weeks and have beautiful full bodies and feathering. I do believe some hatcheries have just as good quality as some backyard breeders as I've seen it.