Don't want to get all side tracked into the whole plucking/cheating conversation, because, boy oh boy, does that ever open a huge ol' can of worms. Needless to say, plucking misplaced or fault feathers is indeed cheating and good judges can spot it.
Onward to perhaps a more "on topic" talk, I'll set a batch tonight. They're just cooling their jets. Couldn't resist getting one more batch in before winter sets in.
Don't want to get all side tracked into the whole plucking/cheating conversation, because, boy oh boy, does that ever open a huge ol' can of worms. Needless to say, plucking misplaced or fault feathers is indeed cheating and good judges can spot it.
Onward to perhaps a more "on topic" talk, I'll set a batch tonight. They're just cooling their jets. Couldn't resist getting one more batch in before winter sets in.
Actually, I have these next 4 weeks at home, without interruption. At least that is the plan. I know I had some things in October so, nope. This is it for the year. Plus, the pens are broken up and the new sex ed class assignments will be made in late October for the winter semester. Dorm room assignments are included, co-ed, of course.
Culling early is not a wise thing, but I'm starting the process. I've had a waiting list for some time of folks who want started birds, good birds, to work on. Since I know where these birds will be, it makes culling early a bit easier. Anyhow, I'm getting down to the finalists of the pullets who'll be kept to be put back under XW/GSBR cocks this winter.
Really, really like this pullet and it was hard to part with her. But, she went to nearby homestead and the the folks are really geeked to get started with better birds.
I decided to keep this pullet. Her barring isn't as good but her over all type is. For an F1 candidate to go forward, I'm trying to be blind to anything else beside type. Type is going to rule the day. I just keep repeating it to myself.
This little pullet will also move forward. She's too "excited" and alert in this photo, but she's a knock out.
Type wins out again. Some flaws, but the type and balance is too good not to choose her.
Will just put this pullet in the laying flock. Really nice bird, but the tail is something I'm cautious about. I've seen this early indication of pinch and rarely does it get better with age. No breeding this one I don't believe. Won't even sell her either.
So the pullet on the left stayed. The cockerel went with the pullet on the right as a new mating pair near by.
There are quite a few more, but I just cannot get meaningful pictures of them. LOL
As the days into late Summer and fall approaches, there is a whole lot of culling yet to be done.
As summer gets long in the tooth and thoughts begin to consider the return of autumn, how did everyone's spring hatch turn out? What birds are now old enough to show here and describe what you accomplished this year? Any progress? Disappointments?
If you're like me, you see what you really need to work on this winter. The question in my mind is do I have what I need in the present flock to make the progress I want to make.
Is anyone going to hatch out what you consider to be large numbers next go around? If so, why and what are you looking for?
