The Evolution of Atlas: A Breeding (and Chat) Thread

[speckledhen]

Hector is getting in his saddle feathers, can just now see them shimmering starting at mid-back. He is 14 weeks old now.

 

[1muttsfan]

Precocious little brat

 

[speckledhen]

Precocious little brat

He is a handsome little cuss for sure. I think he's looking very good overall, don't you?

A question about the blade of his comb. I'm thinking it should probably hug his head more? It's a tad high, maybe? Apollo's hugs the curve of his head and I thought I read something about the blade standing too high being a slight flaw or something on one of the BR threads. Could be mistaken, but what do you guys say?

BTW, Apollo is still afraid of Hector, LOL.

 

[1muttsfan]

I think it is best to have a comb that follows the curve of the skull. He may just need to grow into it, he looks like an awkward teenager.

 

[getaclue]

He may grow into the comb, but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Combs only count 5 points, so if that's his only flaw, it's no big deal. Put him over a hen with a perfect comb, and it should correct itself with future generations.

 

[speckledhen]

I think it is best to have a comb that follows the curve of the skull. He may just need to grow into it, he looks like an awkward teenager.

He may grow into the comb, but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Combs only count 5 points, so if that's his only flaw, it's no big deal. Put him over a hen with a perfect comb, and it should correct itself with future generations.

Hector has a 6 pointer, but it's a super nice 6 pointer, very balanced. I'm thinking he may grow more into the comb blade, though he has a pretty big head already. Combs are not the primary issue to address, I realize. Even big Isaac had a pesky little 6th point, tiny little sucker, and poultry judges told me he had a near perfect head anyway. Atlas and Apollo have beautiful 5 pointers and they had Isaac's influence a couple generations back so yes, it's both parents in the mix that produce the kid, so it's all good.

Hector's width and barring are super nice. His temperament has calmed down a lot in regard to me and DH. He shows remarkable qualities I want in a free-range rooster as well; he's brave, alert, observant to watch for danger, quick to alarm, fast to defend his girls, calls them for food, etc. So far, so good.

 

[speckledhen]

Apollo, Athena and Zara. It's become obvious that Atlas would not allow him back in the pen with them. If they had the run of an entire barn, it might work out but I can see Apollo being hurt in an 8x8 pen with dear old dad. Athena is lovely. Zara is not as large as Athena but very sweet. She likes to flirt with Hector. Poor Apollo is in danger of losing his girls if I don't sell them to someone as a trio.




Rare photos of Hector and Apollo in the same frame, LOL.



Poor baby. His girls left him to flirt with daddy.



Dad says "kid, you bother me".



Trying to get back to his two girls, those defectors!

Athena center frame, Zara in background.


Athena looks a lot like older sister, Tessa. Not sure who is Athena's mother, though.


Zara and Apollo's mother, Ida. She has a minor pendulous crop going on. She and Wynette are 5 1/2 yrs old, with Dru being 5 yrs now.


Ida's face is showing her age.


Ida, Wynette and Dru.

The Hector & Girls



Poor Atlas looks so ratty (as do Wynette and Dru) from molting.

 

[1muttsfan]

I hope The Hector grows his tail soon!

Hard to believe there is not someone looking for a nice trio like Apollo and and girls

 

[speckledhen]

I hope The Hector grows his tail soon!

Hard to believe there is not someone looking for a nice trio like Apollo and and girls

I know, right? on both counts!

 

[holm25]

Cyn those birds look AMAZING! I haven't got to post much lately but have read every single one of your posts on this thread!!