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

[Leahs Mom]

Anyone have any ideas on the wing bands? The breeder marks them so she knows parentage, of course. She is a breeder for show and wins quite often. Her MO is to hatch LOTS of chicks each season, grow them out until they're the age she can judge for her standards, then only keep the "winners". Since that's the plan, she needs to carefully, permanently mark each bird.

I'm considering the possibility of removing the wing bands when they're older. Maybe, Maybe not. I assume there's a way to accomplish that but I'm thinking it's not smart to traumatize them again while they're little.

When I first got those babies, they were terrified if I put my hand in the box. I figured it was due to being banded since that is their first experience being handled.

 

[speckledhen]

Anyone have any ideas on the wing bands? The breeder marks them so she knows parentage, of course. She is a breeder for show and wins quite often. Her MO is to hatch LOTS of chicks each season, grow them out until they're the age she can judge for her standards, then only keep the "winners". Since that's the plan, she needs to carefully, permanently mark each bird.

I'm considering the possibility of removing the wing bands when they're older. Maybe, Maybe not. I assume there's a way to accomplish that but I'm thinking it's not smart to traumatize them again while they're little.

When I first got those babies, they were terrified if I put my hand in the box. I figured it was due to being banded since that is their first experience being handled.

I don't know how to handle wing bands. I did use the little leg bands when I had my Stukels and some Good Shepherds, the latter leaving when I realized the Stukels were turning out far superior to the GS chicks.

 

[getaclue]

You have leg bands. You don't have to do wing bands. I know plenty of people that show, and use leg bands. It's an older method, along with the toe punch method. It's starting to fall out of favor with the SOP breeders, which is a good thing.

 

[getaclue]

Plenty of breeds of chicks tend to be flighty when little. They will go through stages. It's normal. Just keep feeding, cleaning their brooder, and handling them some. Talk to them often. I usually give chick grit for a couple days when they've turned 2 weeks old, and then give them a few mealworms as treats. Don't overdo with the mealworms, since they need as much nutrition from their feed as they can get. Again, they will go through stages with the flightiness. After they get into their own pen, or integrated with others, when things all settle down, they too settle down, and become friendly again.

 

[1muttsfan]

You should be able to cut them off with heavy duty wire cutters

 

[Leahs Mom]

I think I will remove them when they're older. I think it will be harder to do without hurting them now when they're so little.

 

[robhuncor]

Just got caught up after a big long spell of not getting any updates from any of the threads I follow in my email. So annoying. I know I don't say much but I love keeping up to date on everybody!

 

[speckledhen]

Just got caught up after a big long spell of not getting any updates from any of the threads I follow in my email. So annoying. I know I don't say much but I love keeping up to date on everybody!

I get some, but not others, Robin. I know, frustrating when you think it's caught up and you find ten replies on your thread!

 

[Nats Chickens]

Hi Speckled Hen, I have been reading your thread for a while and only just signed up to backyard chickens. so to save me all that reading [you have a really long thread]please tell me what chickens you have and their names and do you still have Finn?

 

[speckledhen]

Hi Speckled Hen, I have been reading your thread for a while and only just signed up to backyard chickens. so to save me all that reading [you have a really long thread]please tell me what chickens you have and their names and do you still have Finn?

You made me laugh out loud! You want the Reader's Digest version, eh? The shortest answer is, yes, I still have Finn...or rather, he has us.
You want all the chickens' names? Good thing I keep a running list!

Brahmas (7)

Bash

Bailey

Brandy

Betsy

Bonnie

B.J.

Cora


Hector Group (3)
Hector

Jill

Thea



Atlas Group (5)
Atlas

Wynette

Druscilla

Gloria Jean

MaryJo


Old Hens #1 (6)
Amanda

Panda

Gypsy

Snow

Emily

Tiny


Old Hens #2 (8)
June

Georgie

Neela

Alice

Zara

Athena

Maretta

Wendy


Belgian D’Anver Bantams (6)
Aubrey

Spike

Aimee

Penny

Mina

Sissy

New Pullets (2)
Jane
Maddie

37 Total (5 Roosters 32 Hens)