The Odyssey/Eros flock

[fluffycrow]

Picture from today. Some days he looks as fat as an Orpington, and other days he's as fit as a fiddle

(photo from a few days ago). Can't decide if I want to keep him. Colour wise he is much better, but build wise I am not sure. It's also too early to judge the comb. While Tsouloufates mature quite young, in my experience the male's comb will keep growing for some time. Kolovos's son has also not proven himself behaviourally, whereas Kolovos has. From a genetics standpoint, breeding and keeping the son will mean I'll need to introduce new blood in way sooner. With Kolovos, I don't run that risk as much

 

[TwoCrows]

View attachment 3760101Picture from today. Some days he looks as fat as an Orpington, and other days he's as fit as a fiddleView attachment 3760100(photo from a few days ago). Can't decide if I want to keep him. Colour wise he is much better, but build wise I am not sure. It's also too early to judge the comb. While Tsouloufates mature quite young, in my experience the male's comb will keep growing for some time. Kolovos's son has also not proven himself behaviourally, whereas Kolovos has. From a genetics standpoint, breeding and keeping the son will mean I'll need to introduce new blood in way sooner. With Kolovos, I don't run that risk as much

Beautiful array of colors on him, they all blend quite well! ❤

 

[fluffycrow]

Beautiful array of colors on him, they all blend quite well! ❤

Thank you, yes it does! My thinking however is that if I could get it once, I can get it again. Although this guy was also broody raised, which I much prefer

 

[TwoCrows]

Thank you, yes it does! My thinking however is that if I could get it once, I can get it again. Although this guy was also broody raised, which I much prefer

I would imagine this pattern will be reproduced again over time. I personally believe the right broody will raise healthier, more environmentally adapted and mentally more stable offspring, but so many factors can effect health and personality. It's definitely easier on you to let momma do the work!

 

[fluffycrow]

I would imagine this pattern will be reproduced again over time. I personally believe the right broody will raise healthier, more environmentally adapted and mentally more stable offspring, but so many factors can effect health and personality. It's definitely easier on you to let momma do the work!

I wholeheartedly agree. I definitely prefer broody raised birds. Even though he grew up penned, and now he's free ranging from dawn till nighttime. Still I'm just not sure of his personality. He hasn't had much of a chance to show himself off, as he's being closely observed by both Kolovos and his hens. He has managed to gain the attention of Big Red's daughter, as you can see by the photos. Ugh, still so unsure on if I should keep him! Any input would be most welcome!

 

[TwoCrows]

I wholeheartedly agree. I definitely prefer broody raised birds. Even though he grew up penned, and now he's free ranging from dawn till nighttime. Still I'm just not sure of his personality. He hasn't had much of a chance to show himself off, as he's being closely observed by both Kolovos and his hens. He has managed to gain the attention of Big Red's daughter, as you can see by the photos. Ugh, still so unsure on if I should keep him! Any input would be most welcome!

I am useless when it comes to selecting birds based on color genetics for a breeding program , I just don't know enough about colors so I can't help you there! But I personally would keep any cockerel/rooster that wasn't aggressive with me or the ladies, that isn't skittish, shows signs he thinks about things, eats well and is healthy, and of course carries the colors you are looking for. Don't be too quick to make a decision on whether or not to keep him, unless you positively don't want any more males, as he could come in handy later on down the road. If at 1 year you can't find a reason to keep him, then you might then remove him from the flock. At least this is what I would do.

 

[fluffycrow]

Oh I don't really care about the colour! It's a plus that he has the colour that he has, but it will not be the only reason I keep him. I do want to get rid of more males, especially in the summer time, when the neighbours come back to their summer houses, 4 crowing males is a LOT. I think your plan is a very good one. Neither boy is human aggressive. The son has made a few bold passes at his sister, that were not appreciated by either her or me. Kolovos has 3 years of experience in dealing with a large group of hens, on a large free range property. His son doesn't

 

[TwoCrows]

Oh I don't really care about the colour! It's a plus that he has the colour that he has, but it will not be the only reason I keep him. I do want to get rid of more males, especially in the summer time, when the neighbours come back to their summer houses, 4 crowing males is a LOT. I think your plan is a very good one. Neither boy is human aggressive. The son has made a few bold passes at his sister, that were not appreciated by either her or me. Kolovos has 3 years of experience in dealing with a large group of hens, on a large free range property. His son doesn't

You know more about your flock, property and needs than anyone else, so I think you will know if he needs to be removed. If he upsets the flock dynamics or is over zealous on the crowing, he might need to go. However you still might give him time to "break in". He's still a youngster, he may mature up more and the ladies respect him more too. This is totally your call being that you can see exactly how he fits in.

 

[fluffycrow]

You know more about your flock, property and needs than anyone else, so I think you will know if he needs to be removed. If he upsets the flock dynamics or is over zealous on the crowing, he might need to go. However you still might give him time to "break in". He's still a youngster, he may mature up more and the ladies respect him more too. This is totally your call being that you can see exactly how he fits in.

You're right. He still has time. Just not sure if I'll ever get to see his true behaviour, or if he'll always be overshadowed by his father. Right now he's a relatively respectful young boy, other than those attempts at mating with his sister

 

[TwoCrows]

You're right. He still has time. Just not sure if I'll ever get to see his true behaviour, or if he'll always be overshadowed by his father. Right now he's a relatively respectful young boy, other than those attempts at mating with his sister

He sounds like a keeper to me!