The IMPORTED ENGLISH Orpington Thread

[buffbeauty]

Ok. Katy wins!

 

[Katy]

Quote:
LOL

 

[BamaChicken]

Hey they moved our Soap discussion to Hobbies forum. I didn't even know they had one. I rarely read anything except in this forum.
Just a heads up if your looking. I got go feed chickens.

 

[ruth]

Quote:
Thanks - that's what I thought. That's why I said I would never use him in a breeding program. I like his size and his color but I have a lot of other roosters I could use as a back up to my original roo if I ever need them. In my case, the problem is they all got the same daddy.

What do all of you do regarding breeding if you start out with only one roo - or only one pair? If all offspring are from that same roo wouldn't you eventually run into "inbred" issues down the line somewhere? I know I've read that it's okay to breed daughters back to the father but for how long and how many generations and then sons would all be from the same father so you'd eventually be breeding brothers and sisters. It's something I've never done since my Marans flock started out with 35 hens and 7 roos and I kept separate pens and rotated offspring. I do know I read all the stories about people who started with just a few Marans and eventually were producing offspring that consistently had webbed feet, fused toes, and other major deformities. So, it's why I'm trying to order B/B/S Orp eggs or chicks from others who have nice quality English or "English looking" Orps. And then I'll start my own line without worrying about inbreeding issues. I learned a lot over the past three years working with Marans so now I'm ready to try my hand at my own line of English Orps. I just think the blue ones are the most beautiful things I've seen. Who knew a chicken could be so gorgeous????

I think this guy could have had something nutritional going on when he was young because that's how he came to live in the backyard. He would run from the others, he's a ninny, and he started hiding out back there and just stayed. But it could be some long lost genetic issue as well so I wouldn't take a chance. I have another rooster that is very nice, probably my second-best roo, but his blue colors are lighter and I love the dark blues.

 

[kathyinmo]

I didn't mention this yesterday, but I will tell you now. I did a stupid thing. I bought a flock block. I have never had one before and thought it would provide entertainment in the Orp pen. I sorta forgot about it, actually. Well, it got wet. Ya know what wet feed = MOLD. Yesterday one of my beautiful blue Orp girls was walking around like a drunk sailor, with a droopy wing. I immediately thought of the flock block and botulism. I treated her with an Epson Salt flush. I am sooooo happy to report that today she doing well. Sheesh, I am so stupid!

 

[Majestic Lane Poultry]

Quote:
My thoughts exactly...sorry ladies.

 

[Renie'sPeeps]

You know them boogers will eat anything... its no wonder we don't loose more chickens than what we do. Sorry Joy

 

[RedReiner]

Just cause the sun came out finally

Hoss

 

[jeremy]

Quote:
WOW!

He's magnificent!

 

[RedReiner]

Quote:
WOW!

He's magnificent!

Thank You Jeremy, temperament to match! I bet your new splash boy looks just as good!