The Plymouth Rock Breeders thread

[aoxa]

Can you tell a wide head in the brooder? I just hatched a heritage Buckeye and it has the nicest head I have EVER seen on a chick. I am banding it. Nice wide legs too.

The eyes are a good distance apart. I never understood the freak head until just now

 

[Fred's Hens]

Yes, you can often see many traits in the brooder.
Breeding a single line often gives you a familiarity that allows you to see things; good and bad.

 

[aoxa]

Yes, you can often see many traits in the brooder.
Breeding a single line often gives you a familiarity that allows you to see things; good and bad.

 

[CoopDeDoo]

I see that you got replies regarding the pen rotation, so I won't go there

To add to what others have said, keep in mind a few things. Start with the BEST you can afford to buy. I see you mentioned Speckled Sussex. While I don't raise them, I do recall that Gary Overton has been mentioned as having some of the best in the US

As for Plymouth Rocks....you'll need to decided on a variety. White, Barred, Silver Penciled, Buff, etc, etc Based upon the variety, again, buy the BEST you can afford. Quality varies widely by variety and by breeder. Whites and Barreds are in far better shape than the other color patterns as far as consistency in quality. SO, with that said, let the buyer beware! Do your homework, ask questions, and select something you will enjoy seeing every day! Good luck and welcome

I have been following the Heritage fowl threads for a year and have narrowed down my choice to Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks for myself and my GD is going to try JGs.

Step one: Do your research
Step two: join the APA, attend shows, talk to locals - check
Step three: Pick your breed - check
Step four: start with the best - check kind of - we have information and resources on several lines of both breeds
Step4a: eggs ordered from reliable but maybe not the best sources

Step five; hatch eggs (should be setting them around 3/15)

Ok this is where I need some advice if anyone has the time/energy to provide it

I cannot have roosters and can only realistically accommodate 12 hens. I have some potential folks to partner with that will be able to raise out the cockerels and I will keep the pullets.

I have read so many different opinions on when to cull - obviously if there are signs of very weak juveniles that need extensive help to thrive or other genetic issues I know we don't want to proceed to have those as keepers.

After that point - do we keep everyone for 3 months, 6 months? It is going to be such a small group that I am somewhat confused about culling.

And yes, I know that I am counting my chickens before they hatch

Thanks everyone for all of the information in this thread - lovin it!

Lori

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

I have been following the Heritage fowl threads for a year and have narrowed down my choice to Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks for myself and my GD is going to try JGs.

Step one: Do your research
Step two: join the APA, attend shows, talk to locals - check
Step three: Pick your breed - check
Step four: start with the best - check kind of - we have information and resources on several lines of both breeds
Step4a: eggs ordered from reliable but maybe not the best sources

Step five; hatch eggs (should be setting them around 3/15)

Ok this is where I need some advice if anyone has the time/energy to provide it

I cannot have roosters and can only realistically accommodate 12 hens. I have some potential folks to partner with that will be able to raise out the cockerels and I will keep the pullets.

I have read so many different opinions on when to cull - obviously if there are signs of very weak juveniles that need extensive help to thrive or other genetic issues I know we don't want to proceed to have those as keepers.

After that point - do we keep everyone for 3 months, 6 months? It is going to be such a small group that I am somewhat confused about culling.

And yes, I know that I am counting my chickens before they hatch

Thanks everyone for all of the information in this thread - lovin it!

Lori

Ok....are you going to keep birds for eggs/eye candy or are you wanting to breed for the purpose of improving them?

You'll want to cull any weaklings, those failing to thrive as soon as you notice it. I cull birds for type at several different points. About 16 weeks old, I'll cull for obvious DQs. At 6 months, I'll make a second culling for birds lacking the improvements that were in my goals for the yr or birds that are very slow in growth compared to siblings. About 9 months I will cull for breeder females and at around 12 months for breeder males

Hope that helps

 

[Bennett farm]

I'm new to breeding I just got two pair of br's. are they worthy of breeding. All constructive criticism is appreciated.

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[Bennett farm]

 

[Bennett farm]

 

[Bennett farm]

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

I'm new to breeding I just got two pair of br's. are they worthy of breeding. All constructive criticism is appreciated.

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In order to help you the most, what are your goals in breeding? Might be useful to know where you got the birds (what line are they from)