Sulmtalers Thread

[Arielle]

Quote: That is great news. IT is my intention to utilze more freeranging by improving the forages,a nd to include thougthtful areas that are bushes and small trees for cover. We have coyotes that frequently stop by.

 

[juststruttin]

ExtraJava, how old was this bird when he was processed? And how much did he weigh?

It probably has been mentioned on this thread but how well do the cockerels/roosters get along together, both confined together in a pen and free ranged with hens? Somewhere it seems I read they are a very quiet breed. Would someone like to confirm that? I don't recall reading how well they lay or rate of lay. Can anyone shed light on that? Thanks.

The cockerels and cocks seem to get along well. I have a mixed flock of roosters together and the Sulmtalers are probably the lowest in the pecking order. The Sulmtalers all stick together and travel as a group. I guess you could say they are clicky.

In one pen, I have 3 cockerels in with 7 pullets. I typically don't keep such a high cockerel to pullet ratios but it seems to work with Sulmtalers.

Regarding laying. I would say mine have been fair to good layers. However, they seem to be great winter layers. My Sulmtalers and Orpingtons gave me eggs all winter long, whereas most of the other breeds I raise completely quit. I guess that says something.

 

[Arielle]

Just strttin-- when you say winter layer-- you mean during the fall months? Sept to Jan?? THe term winter layer means the fall apprently-- so why not call them fall layers? A clear as mudd term .

 

[juststruttin]

Just strttin-- when you say winter layer-- you mean during the fall months? Sept to Jan?? THe term winter layer means the fall apprently-- so why not call them fall layers? A clear as mudd term .

LOL apparently.

I meant Oct-December, so yes I suppose that would technically be Fall. Some of my Fall slackers are starting to kick into gear with an occasional egg but most part they are Fall Freeloaders.

 

[Arielle]

I'm booting the Fall Freeloaders and beefing up on the WInter layers. LOL We went thru egg withdrawal this fall and it wasn't pretty!!

 

[Extra Java]

ExtraJava, how old was this bird when he was processed? And how much did he weigh?

It probably has been mentioned on this thread but how well do the cockerels/roosters get along together, both confined together in a pen and free ranged with hens? Somewhere it seems I read they are a very quiet breed. Would someone like to confirm that? I don't recall reading how well they lay or rate of lay. Can anyone shed light on that? Thanks.

The bird pictured was a 5 month old cockerel. Sorry, I did not weigh him. Sulmtaler are very large - similar in size to a Faverolle.

They are quiet vocally however they are a workhorse of a breed. Extremely active and always on the move - penned or not. Males get along with each other well. They are non-agressive/gentle and prefer to flock together. Mine keep their distance however, I have heard others enjoy being handled. My own theory is that they are thin/tender skinned and don't like to be pecked. Rarely are there any squabbles. Pecking order is set and that's that with Sulmtaler. They do best as free range birds preferring to find their own food but can do well penned if it's a large enough area to allow for plenty of movement. I would consider them on the quiet/gentle but "flighty" side.

Out of 5 hens, I get 3-4 eggs everyday - still up to today (January) but I live in a desert and it has been ~75 degrees here with plenty of sunshine. Eggs are a lovely size and shape. Excellent breast/muscle development with large thighs etc. Meat is extremely tender, juicy and can be baked in the oven.

2 studies I have found indicated:
-Testing was implemented in 1912 on the Altsteirern strain with the result of an average of 191 eggs per hen in 12 months.

-It was an excellent utility fowl recognized by the Styrian Government (~1907) and particularly recommended for maize/corn growing areas.
Recorded as producing ~180 ivory/cream colored eggs per year.​

Sulmtaler are unique and can't be compared to any other bird, that's for sure.

Please keep in mind that these are fairly new to the US and most people who have them, only have a few chicks or a small number of adult/breeders.
Not a whole lot are being harvested for the table as of yet.

More info can be found here.

 

[gootziecat]

Thank you for all the information. I really enjoyed reading it and I'm sure others did too. I appreciate a "learning" thread.

 

[Extra Java]

You're very welcome - I'm glad it helped.

 

[Arielle]

THe egg laying rate is in the realm that IMO is realistic for a meat producing bird. I know some folks want 6-7 eggs a week birds, but I have noticed that when my SS forage ( by passing the full freechoice bin) the shell quality can decline because they are foraging so much. I would think it is hard to keep up calcium levels with out supplementing , and a moderate rate of lay also decreases the demand for calcium.

I think this is coming out backwards. Lower production hens do better on freeranding than high egg production birds. Mor in line with what the land can provide.

Great info Extra Java-- I"ve been mudding it over since reading it. TY.

 

[lalaland]

Extra Java, that was great - I visited your website and was struck by the amount of info on sulmtalers that was new to me, thank you!

I do have a sulmtaler hen that serenades her sister whenever her sister is on the nest - I've seen her keep singing an egg song for 20 minutes straight! Her two sulmtaler sisters though are very quiet.