The Plymouth Rock Breeders thread

[Tumbleweed Farm]

I have to cull 2 day old Rocks, I've not had to do this before. 1 has a bald butt and no vent and the other one can't walk and has an unabsorbed yolk. Can y'all tell me the best, quickest pain free way to do this?

 

[Beekissed]

I have to cull 2 day old Rocks, I've not had to do this before. 1 has a bald butt and no vent and the other one can't walk and has an unabsorbed yolk. Can y'all tell me the best, quickest pain free way to do this?

I've never had to kill a chick before but I'm thinking they are much like any other small, lightweight animal. You can take them by the feet and give them a quick swing against any hard surface with the head. The edge of a table or door frame works well. It will and should kill them instantly from blunt trauma head/neck injury. Sort of a thwack, if you know what I mean.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

Quote: Thanks Bee, that is what my son does. I discovered today the one with a bald butt and no vent. So, that puts me up to 4 deformed chicks. It is a sad day here at Tumbleweed Farm. I must learn to not be so emotional about this.

 

[desertmarcy]

I toe punch out of the hatcher then wing band at around 2 weeks. I have noticed a couple of the toe punches had almost grew back in. There was only a pin hole left. Another week or two and I would have a misidentified chick.

Yes, that has happened to me, too. You have to be extra careful not to leave any of the piece of skin that was punched out and even if you do, sometimes they still grow back.

 

[racertomtom]

My goal is to keep the utility, and still have them show great. I think that is the best we can do for this breed. I don't think that is asking too much, do you? I want good layers, good meat, AND good show placement. I know it's a tall order, but I think, especially with help like you, Fred and others, it IS possible. What do you think? My Dad did it. I did compromise some of the utility back when I did breed to show. I was young. I don't see why we can't have it all in this line of BR's. I looked at Fred's eggs, and that alone shows that laying is there. I'm not going to show, but I want to breed birds that other people can show, as well as have a great utility bird. Am I reaching for the stars?

You've pretty well described what Barreds should be IMO. Reaching for the stars? Maybe not. I doubt the barred will win many shows anytime soon with the current APA show politics, but the future hasn't been written yet.

The reason I turned up on this thread like a bad penny is because the heritage breeder has done more for the variety in the last very few years that the show breeder has done in as many decades. Blosl was likely behind that. I love barred rocks and began breeding them because they were on the endangered species list and that was unacceptable. My friends said " seriously? large fowl barreds?"..... "got any more of whatever your smokin?" Anyway, after looking through the pics and posts from the folks here and seeing the legitimate effort to bring the Barred Plymouth Rock back to all its glory and American Heritage, I thought I might roll up my sleeves, step up my game, and see what I can do to help. Now if I can just hatch some stinkin birds.....

 

[Beekissed]

Thanks Bee, that is what my son does. I discovered today the one with a bald butt and no vent. So, that puts me up to 4 deformed chicks. It is a sad day here at Tumbleweed Farm. I must learn to not be so emotional about this.

Don't feel bad...I think it's harder for women due to that natural nurturing side we have. It's a weakness for us in the hatching game but I wouldn't be feeling bad about feeling bad for a chick...I think when we lose that we will lose what makes us strive for a better, healthier bird.

Is there any way to discover the origin of these deformities? Genetics, nutritional or incubation problems? The folks you got your eggs from having any of the same difficulties?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Shipping is the number one enemy of hatching eggs. As I said a week ago, I'm just about at the point where I'm done with the practice, coming or going. That's just how I feel about it, even though so many folks have had great success, the risks are horrendous.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

Bee, I have not contacted the seller. I would want to know about this if they were my eggs so I probably will. I have hatched out at least 300 birds, some my own, many shipped. The only thing I've ever dealt with is a silkie with scissor beak and a ouple of constant cheepers that are classified as "failure to thrive." Nothing like this, no vents, terrier dog hair instead of fuzz, truly amazing.

Fred, I have 6 of your eggs thriving and should make lockdown. They are due to hatch next Friday. I love the Barred the most and am holding my breath so tight that I get a couple. I'm not expecting problems!!

 

[mithious]

You've pretty well described what Barreds should be IMO. Reaching for the stars? Maybe not. I doubt the barred will win many shows anytime soon with the current APA show politics, but the future hasn't been written yet.

The reason I turned up on this thread like a bad penny is because the heritage breeder has done more for the variety in the last very few years that the show breeder has done in as many decades. Blosl was likely behind that. I love barred rocks and began breeding them because they were on the endangered species list and that was unacceptable. My friends said " seriously? large fowl barreds?"..... "got any more of whatever your smokin?" Anyway, after looking through the pics and posts from the folks here and seeing the legitimate effort to bring the Barred Plymouth Rock back to all its glory and American Heritage, I thought I might roll up my sleeves, step up my game, and see what I can do to help. Now if I can just hatch some stinkin birds.....

Awesome! I was worried you were going to pop in and out again. Sounds like you are here to stay!

Be prepared for me, at least, to pick your brain

Yes, Bob was a HUGE help in helping me find the birds I wanted. He was so willing to help anyone! He is sorely missed!

So glad you are here!

 

[Matt1616]

You've pretty well described what Barreds should be IMO. Reaching for the stars? Maybe not. I doubt the barred will win many shows anytime soon with the current APA show politics, but the future hasn't been written yet.

The reason I turned up on this thread like a bad penny is because the heritage breeder has done more for the variety in the last very few years that the show breeder has done in as many decades. Blosl was likely behind that. I love barred rocks and began breeding them because they were on the endangered species list and that was unacceptable. My friends said " seriously? large fowl barreds?"..... "got any more of whatever your smokin?" Anyway, after looking through the pics and posts from the folks here and seeing the legitimate effort to bring the Barred Plymouth Rock back to all its glory and American Heritage, I thought I might roll up my sleeves, step up my game, and see what I can do to help. Now if I can just hatch some stinkin birds.....

What do you mean by "current APA show politics"?

Matt