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

[Leahs Mom]

How do you detect a dwarf gene?

 

[speckledhen]

How do you detect a dwarf gene?

The short answer is when a dwarf hatches. Here is my article on the gene: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/thyrogenous-dwarfism-in-poultry.72684/

You can't know by looking at a bird, only by genetic testing or if a dwarf actually hatches from a pairing. Then, you know each parent is a carrier, except in a very rare case of one bird being a double carrier, which no one knew was even possible until recently (one of my Delaware hens was, as I talk about in the article, genetic-test proved).

 

[speckledhen]

We have snow, just a dusting this a.m. but by tomorrow, should be around 3" at our elevation, they say. We shall see. Predictions for us are rarely truly accurate. Nothing compared to places we used to live, but enough to muck up people's plans and have folks stuck down at the bottom of the hill of our little alcove. You'd think folks would get AWD vehicles rather than just be stuck. My little CRV with AWD just chugs right up the hill. I think we had a dusting last month, but not even this much. The worst we've had since we lived here was 10", still nothing compared to our Colorado, Utah and Ohio homes. That winter, we had several around 4-5".

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So pretty. You now have more snow than I do. Where's our snow!!!

 

[speckledhen]

So pretty. You now have more snow than I do. Where's our snow!!!

Well, we're up to 3" and it's not slowing down. I think we'll have 5" before it's all done, seems like to me. You can have it, Lisa, come get it! I can do without snow. I did finally get to wear my nifty snow boots I got at Walmart, velcro fasteners, lots of tread and waterproof and warm. Now, need to get Tom some of those. This is why I want to roof over my front steps, for safety's sake.

 

[speckledhen]

Here is where we are at 12:30 p.m. and it's not slowing at all.

 

[speckledhen]

Ah, remember young Atlas? This shows how much he has changed over the years.

 

[MistyMountain]

Send that snow my way!!! I figure I better speak up, since it has been a while and I have a break in my work load. I've been following along, mostly before I get the boys up for school or when I am going to bed. So sorry to hear about those who are dealing with sick chickens or have losses

Cyn, you mentioned welsummers a while back--- I just love my two. They came from Ideal and are just wonderful layers and mothers. If I had to get rid of all my chickens, they would probably be the last to go! Such a wild card, though, when they come from hatcheries. I have a white leghorn from McMurray who is more like a lap cat than the flighty fool she is supposed to be. She spends more time underfoot or up at the house than any of the other chickens! The single Delaware I got from Sandhill a year ago in August is my least favorite chicken. From all I have read from you, she must be an imposter. She is tiny, as small as my white leghorn, and MEAN. She messes up my harmonious flock!

Hope you all are well and staying warm!

 

[1muttsfan]

I have had some great Delawares from Sand Hill - but every breeding, no matter how great the parents, has the potential to produce a turkey.

We have about 4" right now, just switched over to Lake Effect so we may get a little more.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Here is where we are at 12:30 p.m. and it's not slowing at all. View attachment 1204672 View attachment 1204673 View attachment 1204674 View attachment 1204675 View attachment 1204676

Ah, remember young Atlas? This shows how much he has changed over the years.

I'm so jealous, we need a good old fashion blizzard here. Definitely be careful. I have fallen down too many times because of snow, and still I want some.

Atlas was such young stud muffin in those pictures.