The IMPORTED ENGLISH Orpington Thread

[deek]

This new format is driving me crazy. I can no longer figure out how to post a picture. Where the heck is the button to submit a photo using the desktop format?

 

[deek]

OK, much better using my iPad.

My favorite Cock and Hen this generation.

[/IMG]

 

[Nortonsmom]

they are gorgeous!

 

[deek]

A laced bird wasn't the best choice for my first flock. Very challenging. But, I sure have learned and continue to make rookie mistakes after 3 yrs with this breed

I do love them!
Thanks Nortonsmom

 

[fowlman01]

A laced bird wasn't the best choice for my first flock. Very challenging. But, I sure have learned and continue to make rookie mistakes after 3 yrs with this breed

I do love them!
Thanks Nortonsmom

You are doing very well with them. They are both very good birds.

Walt

 

[lualshannon]

OK, much better using my iPad.

My favorite Cock and Hen this generation.

[/IMG]

Your Gold Laced Orps., are simply gorgeous, Dee!

Lual

 

[deek]

Thank you Walt and Lual! Writing down new goals for the next generation. Enjoying the frustrating journey.

I have been using an app "Family Tree". It is meant for humans of course. It allows me to keep pictures, videos, and notations of each bird and not just the genetic tree. This might not work for a true large scale breeder, but for my little flock it's perfect. There are things that I'll think, "I'll remember that." Then I can't. Some of you that have small flocks might enjoy it.

 

[Flybybirds]

Your birds are beautiful. You are in Georgia? I am in Florida. I raise Chocolate Orpingtons or I should say I am starting to. I have 12 now.
Did you purchase your birds? I was wondering what the genetics are. Crossing what to what to achieve what, LOL. Again they are gorgeous. I want some!!!!!!

 

[HardizzlesFlock]

I had a black split and a chocolate hatch! Chocolate roo baby and black split hen baby. Approx. 7 weeks old. English Baby https://www.backyardchickens.com/content/type/61/id/6252324/width/200/height/400[/I
MG]

Now I'm doubting myself if I got both Roos...

A pic of my buff orp ( non English) broody[IMG]https://www.backyardchickens.com/content/type/61/id/6252333/width/200/height/400

 

[deek]

Your birds are beautiful.  You are in Georgia?  I am in Florida.  I raise Chocolate Orpingtons or I should say I am starting to.  I have 12 now.  
Did you purchase your birds? I was wondering what the genetics are.  Crossing what to what to achieve what, LOL.  Again they are gorgeous.  I want some!!!!!!   

I AM in GA! We're neighbors! Originally I started with two lines (Greenfire and Marc) of 13 birds. Each generation, I only bred my top two girls( from each line) with the original cock bird and a new cockerel which I only use one year. Next year I will retire my main boy if I hatch out a replacement or the following if not. Either way, he will live out his days happy and spoiled. I keep a very small flock. I only hatch for myself and find loving homes for the ones that I will not breed.

Not sure if all that made sense. Some will not agree with my genetics, but the following is the plan I am using to give you an idea:

Father + new daughter for 4 generations (one line)
Mother + new son for 4 generations (one line)
5th generation both lines are bred together and you start all over again.

This allows you to close your flock. It gives you an understanding of what genetics your birds are carrying, and since you are not introducing a new line, there aren't as many surprises with genetics or newly introduced health risks.

Others introduce new blood all the time and it seems to work for them. Just enjoy the journey and keep very good records.

From what I've mentioned above, I actually have repeated it with two other lines. All four lines are being kept separate until the 5th year.