The Heritage Rhode Island Red Site

[Fred's Hens]

Sometimes, going on a cockerel search is worth the effort. Someone who hatches out 100 chicks a year would very likely have a few spare cockerels to share with you.

When you're just starting out, and beginning with just a handful of birds, hatched from a random sample of a dozen eggs, it is really, really difficult grow out a flock that represents the breed well. The beginning is just so very, very small in sample, if that makes sense.

What I've learned over the years is this. It is so much better to start with a trio or a quad of juveniles that were grown out to the point of selection. A trio or quad of select birds, chosen out of a flock of 60 or 70 chicks are going to give you a HUGE leg up on growing out what you desire.

Using a poor K, just because he's all you hatched from a dozen eggs? I'd not do it. I'd be beating the bushes looking for a great K from someone with your line or strain. Now's the time. Breeders are culling their flocks down to the chosen few. Some folks have dozens and dozens of cockerels they are preparing to cull, going into fall. Hope that helps.

 

[SallyinIndiana]

Might check with Steven Gribble just south of Chattanooga. I'm north of Steven but am sold out for the year.

not yet but I might have a trio in Nov. But I'm a drive from SC.
And if you are making a waiting list for your chickens I would like it very much to be put on your Rhodebar list and possibly your underwood waiting list.

Sometimes, going on a cockerel search is worth the effort. Someone who hatches out 100 chicks a year would very likely have a few spare cockerels to share with you.

When you're just starting out, and beginning with just a handful of birds, hatched from a random sample of a dozen eggs, it is really, really difficult grow out a flock that represents the breed well. The beginning is just so very, very small in sample, if that makes sense.

What I've learned over the years is this. It is so much better to start with a trio or a quad of juveniles that were grown out to the point of selection. A trio or quad of select birds, chosen out of a flock of 60 or 70 chicks are going to give you a HUGE leg up on growing out what you desire.

Using a poor K, just because he's all you hatched from a dozen eggs? I'd not do it. I'd be beating the bushes looking for a great K from someone with your line or strain. Now's the time. Breeders are culling their flocks down to the chosen few. Some folks have dozens and dozens of cockerels they are preparing to cull, going into fall. Hope that helps.

Are you headed my way this year at all or do you know someone to recommend as a great judge of RIR. I did not get the largest selection this year after I culled for what I knew was not the best. But it would be wonderful if a knowledgeable person helped guide me in making the final choices.

 

[forgetful]

We have the gulf coast show coming up in November at LSU. I remember reading something about it being the state show for RIRs. Do you think I will have any luck there? Or should I start looking now at breeders?

 

[SallyinIndiana]

We have the gulf coast show coming up in November at LSU. I remember reading something about it being the state show for RIRs. Do you think I will have any luck there? Or should I start looking now at breeders?

If you could get a list of those showing at the show prior to the show you might be able to arrange for them to bring a trio to you at the show.

 

[forgetful]

If you could get a list of those showing at the show prior to the show you might be able to arrange for them to bring a trio to you at the show.    

That is an excellent idea! I'll do just that. Thank you very much

 

[Fred's Hens]

We have the gulf coast show coming up in November at LSU. I remember reading something about it being the state show for RIRs. Do you think I will have any luck there? Or should I start looking now at breeders?

I'd start spreading word, knocking on doors, asking folks now. I'd also ask the person, if you strike out, to make a recommendation. On the Reds FaceBook page, Steven Scribble of SC was showing dozens and dozens and dozens of juveniles he's raising out. He'll be culling birds until the cows come home.

I say that just as an example of where you might well find a source. I know of breeders in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, etc. but first, did you ever mention the name of the strain/line of your birds?

That would be helpful.

 

[cmom]

Quote:
Matt1616 is a super knowledgeable person especially about the Reese/Mohawk line. I just love chatting with him he has helped me a lot.

 

[forgetful]

I have the Reese line. I'm starting college again next week so I won't be able to travel for a while. This upcoming show seems like my only chance to get stock that isn't very local to me

 

[cmom]

Quote:
I make arrangements with Matt for birds. The birds I have now are from birds I got from Matt. Several years ago I did buy some birds at the Lake City show (The Florida Sunshine Classic) and was told at the time they were from the Reese line. I don't remember the name of who I got them from but they were nice looking birds.

 

[SallyinIndiana]

I have the Reese line. I'm starting college again next week so I won't be able to travel for a while. This upcoming show seems like my only chance to get stock that isn't very local to me

not sure if Ron would have a few birds this fall he is selling. His health prevented him from hatching his typical number of birds.
His user name on here is FOGELLY. He had the reese line. And he has another friend who also breeds the reese line but I can't remember her username.