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

[speckledhen]

Are these recent photos of Isaac? He is so beautiful!

They are fairly recent, yes. He's a handsome old man, my guy. Love that rooster. All his sons and grandsons are as sweet as he is. Temperament passes on, I know from experience with him and with the late, great Suede.

Mr. King, where are you located?

 

[Mr King]

They are fairly recent, yes. He's a handsome old man, my guy. Love that rooster. All his sons and grandsons are as sweet as he is. Temperament passes on, I know from experience with him and with the late, great Suede.

Mr. King, where are you located?

South Texas. What about you?

 

[Peanutsmomma]

Cyn, I think everyone that subscribes to this thread has a soft spot for Isaac and Atlas.

Even though we live 450 miles a part and have never met in person, on cold mornings as I tend to our flock, I always wonder how Isaac and his old lady hens are doing in the cold weather. Thank goodness warmer weather is on its way for y'all. It is already here for us, 75 degrees and it isn't even noon yet!

 

[1muttsfan]

I have Delawares that I bought from Sand Hill, they are the only good ones I have ever found (although I did not get any from Kathy's line). They are big, meaty, and good tempered. Here is what it says in their brochure:

Delaware (AMB): They are a fast grower, lay huge brown eggs, have moderately large single comb with five well-defined points, white with gray/black cuckoo neck, tail and wing feathers. These were developed in 1940 from off-colored sports between Barred Rock male and New Hampshire female. They are an excellent choice for free-range broilers. Over the years I've attempted to select for large-sized eggs. There appears to be a number of "Delawares" available from other sources that do not anywhere match the traits that we have found to be true for this breed. A "true" Delaware should not be a light weight, flighty bird. We are trying to select for the fastest growing and most productive hens, but with reasonable egg size.

I have found this to be true of their birds. And I have been very disappointed in those from other sources. I do have some eggs coming from Garry Farm this year.

 

[speckledhen]

Quote: I'm in far northern GA, in Fannin County. I know Texas has a Fannin County as well.

Cyn, I think everyone that subscribes to this thread has a soft spot for Isaac and Atlas.

Even though we live 450 miles a part and have never met in person, on cold mornings as I tend to our flock, I always wonder how Isaac and his old lady hens are doing in the cold weather. Thank goodness warmer weather is on its way for y'all. It is already here for us, 75 degrees and it isn't even noon yet!

You're a sweetie. I bet Ike would just love you. We're in the 60's but raining all this week. At least we aren't cold!

I have Delawares that I bought from Sand Hill, they are the only good ones I have ever found (although I did not get any from Kathy's line). They are big, meaty, and good tempered. Here is what it says in their brochure:

Delaware (AMB): They are a fast grower, lay huge brown eggs, have moderately large single comb with five well-defined points, white with gray/black cuckoo neck, tail and wing feathers. These were developed in 1940 from off-colored sports between Barred Rock male and New Hampshire female. They are an excellent choice for free-range broilers. Over the years I've attempted to select for large-sized eggs. There appears to be a number of "Delawares" available from other sources that do not anywhere match the traits that we have found to be true for this breed. A "true" Delaware should not be a light weight, flighty bird. We are trying to select for the fastest growing and most productive hens, but with reasonable egg size.

I have found this to be true of their birds. And I have been very disappointed in those from other sources. I do have some eggs coming from Garry Farm this year.

I've heard Sandhill has some okay Delawares. In fact, Isaac's line was created partly out of Sandhill, some from Meier and some from McDaniel. Janet Holtman was perfecting hers when she had a personal situation change and she had to put down the torch for a time. But, Sandhill is not your average hatchery type operation. Even my Blue Orps were partly out of Sandhill Preservation lines. Someone had some issues with brown plumage out of Sandhill Delawares awhile back, but I can't remember if it was isolated or ongoing.

 

[1muttsfan]

I had a cockerel from them once with red leakage, it was the only one I ever had from them with that problem, and he was one of the biggest cocks I have ever raised - he was Huge, and grew quickly too.

 

[Mr King]

The one you were talking Kathyinmo is from Timberland poultry right?

 

[speckledhen]

I had a cockerel from them once with red leakage, it was the only one I ever had from them with that problem, and he was one of the biggest cocks I have ever raised - he was Huge, and grew quickly too.

The one you were talking Kathyinmo is from Timberland poultry right?

I'm not sure what she calls her operation. I've been a little out of touch for awhile, especially the last couple of years since stepping down as a moderator then my house fire and all that drama. It sounds familiar, though. I'm sure someone could verify for you. There is a thread here called "Delawares from kathyinmo" if I remember right.

 

[Mr King]

I'm not sure what she calls her operation. I've been a little out of touch for awhile, especially the last couple of years since stepping down as a moderator then my house fire and all that drama. It sounds familiar, though. I'm sure someone could verify for you. There is a thread here called "Delawares from kathyinmo" if I remember right.

Oh I see.! I remember seeing that thread but i had no idea what they Mean with that.

 

[1muttsfan]

I do not believe that Kathy is still breeding Dels. There is a thread with folks who have her stock, though

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/777172/delawares-from-kathyinmo