The Smurf Project

[SourRoses]

About time for an update!

The 3 F1 Smurfs are still growing out.
I'm happy and surprised to see blue ears in this first generation. They were showing before a month old, whereas the Mosaic often don't show blue ears until maturity.

It's hard to tell these guys apart. At least two are in the pictures, but it may be all three. One of them has some red leakage in the hackles, I believe it's a cockerel.

 

[fluffycrow]

Following! They sure are pretty!

 

[SourRoses]

Okay I see I never updated this thread, oops.
That attempt failed due to health of the chicks (genetic). They started showing the same symptoms as the WFBS father, despite my other breeds remaining healthy.

However, I started again with new stock.
@NatJ I don't know which thread we were chatting in, but you encouraged me to try again.

This guy is from 100% imported Spanish lines. Seems very healthy at 7 months old.

Although large fowl, he's been having trouble fertilizing my biggest hens, so the only eggs to develop so far are from the smaller ladies closer to his size.

Hatch due tomorrow! We have 2 pips tonight!
I'm excited to start this project again.