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

[Happy Chooks]

Yes, he adopted us on Nov 5. Saw Deacon following something out into the woods after the birds raised a ruckus and found this orange tabby. He turned around and came back when we called him and he's been here ever since, but now, he's neutered and has his shots and pest treatment. He's a really good cat, super personable. Shame on whoever dumped this boy! Here he is today sleeping in one of the beds I made for him. He stays outside 95% of the time, not wanting an indoor animal, but he gets to come in when it's cold in the mornings. He has a heated cat condo that DH made for him, so he isn't suffering.

Awww, he looks like a sweet cat.

He could be a little rounder in the chest, longer in the back, tail a tad lower






This photo especially shows what I was saying about the back shape.

He's still looking good, but I do agree with your assessment of him. The first thing that popped out at me was the short back, but mated to a hen with a long back might fix it in your offspring? His chest may still fill in more. He's still a handsome boy!

 

[speckledhen]

Awww, he looks like a sweet cat.

He's still looking good, but I do agree with your assessment of him. The first thing that popped out at me was the short back, but mated to a hen with a long back might fix it in your offspring? His chest may still fill in more. He's still a handsome boy!

Yes, it would offset his faults somewhat. That's the thing, there are always two parents. You just don't want to double up on the same fault. He does have a short back, which is my main issue with him. As with all of them, he's a mix of good and not-so-good. Even the original Rex, his uncle, for his close-to-perfection, had less than great wing carriage, and not long before Bob Blosl passed away, he told me that Rex was one of the best males he'd seen in the past ten years, maybe the best, even with that obvious fault. So, I figure, considering Atlas's background, having a 1/2 Delaware, single barred sire, he's pretty darn good, definitely good enough to put over Dottie and her sisters or daughters. I still love most BR roosters in general and even with his few faults, Atlas has enough of that presence to catch attention of BR lovers, I think. He sure has mine!


That cat is sweet, but he's full of spit and vinegar lately, getting very comfortable around here. He's decided he does love "chicken bowling". Atlas and his grandpa Isaac didn't let him get away with it, though, LOL.

 

[1muttsfan]

(Waving as I pass through NW Georgia on my way to Fl)

 

[speckledhen]

Have a safe trip!

 

[drumstick diva]

AW too bad Atlas or Isaac didn't put the fear of chickens,in Finn. Dogs and cats need to respect poultry.

 

[drumstick diva]

Maybe Finn has been huffing catnip.

 

[speckledhen]

AW too bad Atlas or Isaac didn't put the fear of chickens,in Finn. Dogs and cats need to respect poultry.

Yeah, I was kind of hoping Ike would let him have it, but Finn didn't take the fateful last step forward that would have gotten him a spur in the face.

Maybe Finn has been huffing catnip.

He does battle his mouse with the electronic squeaking sound, chases it across the floor, throws it in the air and against the walls. Supposedly, it's has catnip inside. Maybe he overdosed!

 

[speckledhen]

Atlas's 36 week report: They were free ranging so I grabbed my camera, went out to them and sat on a log. Atlas decided to jump on the log near me and pose so I took advantage of it. He's a bit dirty from dustbathing in our Georgia clay, but not too bad.








Dottie has finished her molt finally and looks much better.



Look at that proud head and kind eyes.





Love the breadth between his legs.




One of my sisters-in-law bought me this awesome calendar, so it's on one craft room wall while the BYC calendar is on the other.

 

[Peanutsmomma]

Love the mid-crow shot! They are all beautiful Cyn.

 

[speckledhen]

Thank you, Angela. Mr. Atlas has really come into his own. He's such a good boy.

Today, for the first time, a real fight broke out between Deacon and his brother, Rex. I let Deacon free range while Rex has his hens out because Deacon stays away from Rex. Before today, Deacon has run from Rex every time he's been chased by big brother, but this time, he wasn't backing down. I had to call for DH


to help me separate them because they were as intent on keeping me from stopping them as they were intent on beating each other up.

In the end, Deacon had a couple of wounds, but Rex didn't. In fact, though Deacon was holding his own with Rex, Rex wasn't even breathing hard nor was he bleeding when we got them apart. All the blood on him belonged to Deacon. Deacon is light on his feet, very agile, whereas Rex is stocky, but more experienced than Deacon. Not sure what would have happened in the end if I had not been out there to stop them. Now that Deacon has challenged both Isaac and Rex, I'm not about to allow Atlas to get face to face with him and be hurt. Atlas still has "pencil eraser" size spurs so nothing to defend himself with except him beak and toenails and his larger size.

Deacon, the One Spur Wonder, Goober Extraordinaire-though he has only one spur, it's a good one:

You can really see the body type difference in him and Atlas.

My EE hen, Maretta, is working up to broody. I'm debating letting her have a few eggs from Atlas's pen. I have three or four of Dottie's set aside. Hmm. Thinking....