The Plymouth Rock Breeders thread

[Tumbleweed Farm]

It does not look like either of my males have the right back line.

 

[Fred's Hens]

It does not look like either of my males have the right back line.

They're both too young. You cannot judge too harshly these young males. They need to be a full year old before they're finished.

They are both quality males. I see no reason not to rotate them in the breeding pens, making careful note on the eggs, hatching, and toes punches of the chicks. You really, really, really need to keep accurate track of which throws the better chicks and you won't know that, fully, until this time next year. Plus, if all things are basically equal, you're gonna want to know which pullets to put back under their sires next year and which cockerels of next year's hatching to put over the dams. This will happen in 2016.

It's a journey, not a moment in time.

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

It does not look like either of my males have the right back line.

They're both too young.   You cannot judge too harshly these young males.  They need to be a full year old before they're finished.  

They are both quality males.  I see no reason not to rotate them in the breeding pens, making careful note on the eggs, hatching, and toes punches of the chicks.  You really, really, really need to keep accurate track of which throws the better chicks and you won't know that, fully, until this time next year.  Plus, if all things are basically equal, you're gonna want to know which pullets to put back under their sires next year and which cockerels of next year's hatching to put over the dams.  This will happen in 2016.

It's a journey, not a moment in time.  

 

[Tumbleweed Farm]

You are 100% correct Fred. I need to hang tight. I am doing single matings woth excellent records and chick toe punches. I am a bit of a perfectionist so no problems there! I have 4 breeding scenarios. I am so curious what kind of males that light female may throw---won't know for at least 1.5 years. This is a slow but rewarding hobby. I admire you a lot Fred. Thank you.

 

[Beekissed]

Fred, can you explain what you mean by a "crow head"? Don't know that I've heard the term before, though I can get the reference but can't really see your bird's head real well in that avatar.

 

[SilverRockFarm]

A few illustrations out of the APA Standard of Perfection.

 

[Beekissed]

Excellent illustration! Thank you! Don't know that I have ever seen a crow headed bird in person, so that pic was most helpful.

 

[SilverRockFarm]

Excellent illustration!  Thank you!  Don't know that I have ever seen a crow headed bird in person, so that pic was most helpful. 

You are very welcome Beekissed, happy that I could help you out.

 

[denn1948]

This is my first year breeding towards SOP.This is my 8 mo. old male. Dennis

 

[Beekissed]

You are very welcome Beekissed, happy that I could help you out.

I need to get the SOP, that's for sure....been dragging my feet on it. Did manage to get my hands on the Call of the Hen recently and am over the moon about that! Can't wait to start evaluating my laying hens with those specs and see how it all pans out.