I also think this pullet may have a faulty tail--she has a "hump" where the back and tail meet.
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Ok Tumbleweed....take a deep breath and relax
First, a few solid black feathers ARE allowed per the standard. Ideally we don't want any... But it happens.
The only DQ for solid black is 2 or more primaries, secondaries or tail feathers
The hump you refer to is probably a cushion. A nightmare for Rock breeders everywhere....BUT we all get them occasionally. Remember to focus on type before color/pattern. In 2015 offspring be looking for LONGER and WIDER backs on the females. That will help eliminate the cushion
Hang on and enjoy the ride....
Yes, I started out with hatchery White Rocks and a year later, I switched and now have some of the finest around. Blosl and XW. So worth learning the basics.It's always tough to just say to new followers of this thread to "Go read this thread" where we have reviewed many of these topics over and over.
Let's cut to the chase, shall we? Hatcheries breed birds for profit. Mass production and distribution. That's what their companies do. Heritage, true bred, heirloom, exhibition birds, birds of this quality cannot be purchased from a feed store or hatchery. They do not have true bred birds. End of story.
You get a "wanna be" bird from hatcheries. Not bred to standard it will be a pound or two less in size, poor feather, poor patterns, poor heads, tails, breasts, etc. They are bland, egg laying wonders. They produce like the commercial birds they are. These serve a purpose for 99% of folks, especially backyard folks who just want egg layers and they want different "colored" birds. They use the breed names, like Rhode Island Red, Orpington, Rock etc, but they really are not the birds we talk about on the Standard bred breed threads.
Good birds to learn how to keep birds alive. Good birds for a novice to learn on. But one day? Folks find they want they real McCoy's and the real birds only come from those who preserve, breed, exhibit, love and promote the real Plymouth Rocks.
Oops sorry. Thanks Scott. I Will relax and keep churning out chicks. I Really appreciate your reply. The longer I'm into this the more I respect you real breeders. At least only one pullet has the cushion With only 4 birds to work with it's just going to take some time. I Am committed to the BRs and will do whatever is necessary Thanks again.