I did straight runs this go around. Wanted to see if I liked the breeds and to give me a choice for a sire. So I have a pretty even split of males to females. That's why I have a separate pen for the boys. Seems like the dominance issues have settled down since I pulled the female guinea yesterday.
I really like the personalities of the Cubalayas, both males and females. Although they are not much bigger than bantams, so they are mainly ornamental. The most personable boys have been the Barred Hollands, they are also the largest breed. They seem to enjoy getting attention and being picked up more than the others. Those two started getting their spurs in about a month ago, and they have kinda been testing the waters with me. I don't let them intimidate me, and if they peck at me in an aggressive manner I grab their comb and pull their head down to the ground until they start to relax, usually keeps them in line for a couple of days. I plan on trimming their spurs later. The Cubalayas aren't supposed to grow spurs, but I have one that looks like he is. Need to check the Cochins to see if they are growing them beneath all those feathers. The Cochins don't like being caught but they settle down once you have them. I don't look forward to trimming the Fayoumis though, they are wild.
I will be investing in better breeding stock later. Definitely going to get more Barred Hollands. A dark egg layer, don't know whether I want to continue with the Marans or get Welsummers or Penedesencas. Also considering Crevecours, Arucanas, Langshans, and Orpingtons.
