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

[speckledhen]

That sounds good. And it will give more time to see if this barred chick is for sure a cockerel. I have been enjoying these two. They are characters. The D'Anvers are doing well also. The one with the flat comb is starting to get a bigger comb, so it may be a male also. They are characters also.

I love the Rocks I have. They are sweet and friendly and I'm happy you're enjoying those two. My black pullets who are 20 weeks old are characters and should be laying soon, judging from their comb and wattle color/development. Rex is a fabulous flock leader, couldn't ask for better so I hope your little guy and Atlas follow in his footsteps. You absolutely do not have to put up with an aggressive rooster to have a good breeder. I was petting Atlas tonight. He doesn't even flinch or turn away, so calm and easygoing.

 

[gojira]

These rocks still climb onto my hand (or even climb up to my shoulder) when I am near. They are very gentle. It was tough to take the photos because they kept trying to come to me for attention.

 

[speckledhen]

That's what I love about them. My first two BRs were hatchery hens and they were wonderful, cementing my love of the breed. I was a little afraid that I'd lose that personality when I went for the "upgrade" in quality, but the Stukel hens are the same.Big Ida is a bit more standoffish than all the others and when Dru is molting, she hates to be touched, but they didn't disappoint me in the least. Dottie is just awesome-she is my favorite of those hens, maybe because she raises such wonderful "kids", imbuing them with confidence and no fear of people. Her chicks right now even at a week and two weeks old run after me to see what they'll find when I turn over a rock. Yesterday, it was Cricket Day, LOL. They wore out the human slave.

 

[1muttsfan]

I have a Speckled Sussex hen that has a home here for life, due to her sweet, friendly nature.

 

[speckledhen]

Since most every one of my birds is of that type, my Ky friend keeps trying to divest me of certain of her favorites, LOL.

 

[speckledhen]

Atlas and his half sisters today at 20 weeks old, including Robin and Wendy who live with Rex, the sire of them all.

Robin, who has very little silver on her neck area.




Wendy, who is very much the image of her late Aunt Raven, Rex's half sister.




The pullet on the bar with Atlas is Rachel, the larger of the two barreds.









Sure wish Rowena would molt out that pesky juvvie tail feather. It looks goofy




The hen in the background is Atlas's mother, Wynette. The hefty hen in the foreground is Rex's mother, Ida, who is also the mother of the little BR chick Dottie is currently raising.

 

[1muttsfan]

A really lovely group of birds. Look at those tailfeathers coming in!

I am really enjoying this progression, there is a lot to be learned from the weekly changes. With the added bonus of not having to pay for feed or do the chores!

 

[speckledhen]

Quote: Ha, didn't you know there was a fee for participation in this thread?

LOL, the cost is why I don't grow out many chicks, not to mention the space I'd need!

When Atlas hovers near my old crippled Amanda, she growls continuously, like warning him off her. I wonder if he has more than raiding her feed bowl in mind; I hope not, or I'll have to figure out something ASAP. She can't defend herself, though I know there'd be at least 3 angry hens on him in a heartbeat if he assaulted Amanda.

 

[drumstick diva]

Atlas is a gentleman, I'm sure he just wants to ask her out to dinner and a movie.

 

[speckledhen]

Atlas is a gentleman, I'm sure he just wants to ask her out to dinner and a movie.

Yeah, we'll go with that.