The Heritage Rhode Island Red Site

[Fred's Hens]

I have the book

Good for you!!! It is such a great book

 

[forgetful]

I bought it expecting more info for each breed, but I guess it gives you exactly what you need with no fluff. Plus the first section gives good general info.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Agreed. The first 40 pages or so are worth the price of the book. The color prints later in the book are gorgeous and very well done.

I'm sure Ron has that 20 degrees of the males in his mind. No problem. I actually think this female has some features I'd love to have in my females.

 

[forgetful]

Could you point to anything specifically that you like?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Sure, look at that keel. Nice protrusion. I also like her wing carriage.

If I may, and you can take it for what it is worth. When one get a box of eggs or a box of chicks from a breeder, one is getting potential. One is getting a future of work and hopefully, work that you love with birds that you are passionate about. That's what getting started is. Potential and a future. These birds, as far as I can see in photo form, would form a decent starting point. That's about all we really ask for.

 

[forgetful]

Thank you. I'm hoping with these birds to learn a lot, and at the very least maintain the progress made with the line. Once the stock comes in and grows a little I'll post some photos and videos of what I have.

 

[bluebirdnanny]

Wow forgetful! It looks to me you have a perfect beginning with those birds!

Matt: you have really done well. Every time I see photos of your birds I really look at them for my reference to build toward with mine... though I don't have your line to work with. I do have a great Nelson Rooster and a hen as my base.

Fred, what size leg bands will my first chicks you hatched for me need? And how long do YOU recommend I keep them on chick starter? Any photos of mine now?

 

[Fred's Hens]

I feed a 24% GameBird starter, with meat protein. I feed this until laying commences. I have also found a high quality, 18% Layer, with meat protein. Once the birds are old enough, I also supplement with table scraps, garden produce scraps and a bit of tossed grains, a simple 5 grain mix. I'm also using Calf Manna this year.

Some of my co-operative partners have dairy cows and have access to whey, a great supplement.

The plastic spiral type legs bands I have found locally are not what I want to use, so I've passed on them. We'll have to order some more, which isn't an issue. There are many online sources. Meanwhile, vet wrap strips are fine for temporary use.

 

[chickengramps]

Hello ! I have been following this thred for some time now. I have heard you talk about many rir's. Now you talk about the different lines,( Reese, Underwood, Mohawk, Nelson, and Horstman). If a person was to get started in these, which would be the best for a newby to start with. I have been to Bob's B. and Jim;s web page to read on them. So I think I have narrowed it down to Nelson or underwoods. Would these be good lines to get into.

 

[chickengramps]

also should we start with hatching eggs, or buy a trio as Bob says on his page.