The American Cemani Breeders Club...open forum

[dragonthehunter]

A bit random but in the late spring to late summer I am planning on getting 4 chicks should I get a 3 hens and 1 rooster or should I get 2 pairs, Or just go with a trio

 

[birdman55]

2 pairs u never know when someone might happen. You could loose a rooster then ur back to square one

 

[dragonthehunter]

Thats what I was thinking but Wanted a second opinion

 

[Ravynscroft]

Very well said, cj...

As to not noticing the dots before, I didn't either... but did any of us ever really look? I know that when the spots were first discussed and the unknown source pic was posted, I even said I hadn't seen them... but I never really inspected egg shells for something like that... not saying I was negligent, though like anyone else I am NOT perfect, but I think it's safe to say that as we get comfortable doing something little things can be easily overlooked...

For example, as one hatches larger batches more frequently, we get comfortable setting up our own hatcher... we remember that if we fill *this tray* or *that bowl* we get to *X humidity %*... we may glance at the hygrometer to confirm, but as long as it is close to what we expect, we don't stress or fiddle with a single % up or down...

Same with empty shells after hatching... we recognize what is obviously an issue if there is excess goo, gunk, or still attached yolk/cord, etc... but if it's a clean hatched shell, we tend to not analyze it too closely...

Just observations and thoughts from my own experiences, not accusations towards anyone...

I am curious, so I will continue to be more aware and observant... and will most likely set up a separate thread for the experiments WalnutHill and Pyxis have agreed to run with me... I think the more eyes and hands on experiences will just be a benefit to any and all that are curious... and if it is something harmful or detrimental, then that would only be in our best interests to confirm...

I do also have Silkies, and never inspected their shells for anything like this either... I will be checking those once I start hatching them again as well, just to see...

Great discussion, everyone...

 

[Ravynscroft]

A bit random but in the late spring to late summer I am planning on getting 4 chicks should I get a 3 hens and 1 rooster or should I get 2 pairs, Or just go with a trio

2 pairs u never know when someone might happen. You could loose a rooster then ur back to square one

X2


Not only do you want to keep a backup cockerel in case something happens, but only obvious culls are seen as chicks... most issues culled for are not seen until they are mature or close to maturing... I always prefer to have a choice between males, those contribute 50% of their genes to all you hatch, while if you have more than one female those percentages are lower and controllable by separating...

 

[miss heny]

I got into fibros because I love how they look, and for me I want to get more of any type for my personal flock and enjoyment. I know for some the thought of a "mutt" flock of fibros is the worse thing in the world but my market here isnt for the breeder/collector, it for the local,Asian market that wants meat. Will I sell eggs and chicks/birds in the future? Yea, will I be asking 40+ a chick? No at best 10 from my mix flock or if I separate 15-20 for Honas or ACs. Eggs will be cheaper obviously. I just want enough money to reinvest or at least help feed them.

 

[birdman55]

Question. When culling females what do u look for. Other then the obvious. In all the fibros I have grown out I have not had one female leak white or anything in the feathers. I have had the toenail white but nothing else. Most of the hard culling is with the males. I also have never had pink mouths or blue eggs either. Some people do.

 

[miss heny]

Really depends,on,you're idea build. I have a back up hona boy that has mulberry and slip wings that I will probably replace with a good looking AC boy instead of breed with him. Look at the basic build and remove the hens that have defects like crow head, 6+ point comb, or a comb with 4 point, straight toes, good wings.

 

[birdman55]

What do u guys cull for in hens other then the obvious. I have never had to cull for feather leakage pink mouths or different colored eggs so I'm curious. The only ones that are culled hard are the males. Bc they get the leakage. Anyone else have the same thing going on.

 

[miss heny]

I guess what I said you didn't either read or ignore.