the sultan thread

[hokankai]

Yes, the extra toe looks weird...haha!

 

[cluck-cluck]

Nope, and I haven't been able to write them either. I keep getting delivery failure. I think their site or email system is down or something?

I'm getting kind of frustrated regarding information on Sultans. Ideal says there isn't much of a difference in Bantam vs LF chick size, that the difference is in growth rate. I can't find this confirmed anywhere?

I'm very curious why my Trader Joe Leghorns are less skittish and friendlier than the supposed docile Sultans? Maybe it's the age difference, or that my leghorns are in a cage where they can see our whole bodies?

I'd also like to learn what the optimum look for the 5th toe is, as I have quite the range. Some look like the toe is a tiny protrubence, and one actually has a really nice long extra toe. I wonder if it really matters that much?

Some pictures I found that look like they are show birds really have a beautiful blue coloring to their legs. I'm wondering if that color is obvious as chicks or if it turns more blue as they get older?

Finally, I wish I could find information on body types with pictures so I can understand what is meant by "square body type" etc... It's got to be somewhere!

Ah well, can't wait go see them grown up!

 

[hokankai]

Well considering you got them from a high-demand hatchery, I'd just be glad you got sultans to begin with. You're not going to get high quality birds from poor quality genetics, that's just a fact. They are probably skittish because a. they're brand new b. they're chicks and c. they don't know you yet. My sultan is skittish until I catch her, and then she loves to be held. They are a quirky, goofy breed that doesn't really like to sit still.

The extra toe should look like a toe, that's it. If it doesn't look like a toe then that's a fault. Other than that I don't think there's really a criteria. They'll be covered in feathers anyway...LOL. And yes, they should have slate colored legs.

I have no idea what square body type means, but you could always get a show judge book and look it up. Here's a champion sultan: https://www.backyardchickens.com/image/id/7836033/width/900/height/900/flags/LL

 

[SilkiesForEver]

Wow. That Sultan is perfect! Or at least she looks perfect.

 

[cluck-cluck]

Yah, I really didn't expect show quality, hokankai, and Ideal lists their bantam Sultans as being quite a bit heavier than the standard, not sure if that's a mistake, or if it's just so. Something like 22 oz vs 34 oz (from memory, don't quote me, LOL) Of course I'm hoping they'll be pretty as possible though, can't help myself!

And mostly, I really want to learn.

So it's a show judge book I should be looking for then! I'll see what I can find. I just wish I could see what the ASP book has inside it. I have the free downloadable one, and they do have some illustrations of some body parts, etc... but not to define things like body shape, what's a long neck vs med vs small or legs, or anything like that. So I'm wary of getting the newest book, spending so much money, then not finding my answers - especially since I really need to buy more hardware cloth instead!

 

[cluck-cluck]

Why are you chasing them? Chickens will put themselves to bed at night. I'd bet if you wait until they are ready, they will line right up for you. Mine would line up and wait until we opened the door, and then come walking right in. Two separate flocks did this.......

I never reported back, at least I don't think so?? Anyway, it's been 3 nights now, no more chasing (outside at least, LOL) They come into the house just like you said, but then we do have to corner them to pick them up, or some of the boys are a little easier as they're more curious and I just talk to them and reach out to pet them, they get close enough, and I pick 'em up. Lots easier though than outside! But can't do this if you have carpet! LOL, afterwards, I have to make sure any poop is picked up off the floor, LOL.

 

[hokankai]

why are they going in the house? why don't they just go into their coop?

 

[cluck-cluck]

Oh ... um ... well you see... um... I'm really close, really I am, I just ... got ...well, I got lazy yesterday and today (busy today too) and I didn't finish the coop!

It's almost there, we got the roof on, I have two more swing doors to put on and a sliding front door for the chickens, and then I can put them in. But another thing is, the roosters are crowing really early in the morning, and I don't want to disturb the neighbors and I can't let the boys be outside crowing in the night, so they don't get put outside until 9AM, Hopefully we'll be taking them to someone tomorrow. Then only the Hens will be here and they'll go in the coop and I'll finish it tomorrow for sure. Not much left to do.

 

[grsday]

I'm looking for a Sultan hen, or a couple of them, in western NC. Does anyone know of any close to here? I have one very lonely little rooster.

 

[cluck-cluck]

Aww, poor little guy, I hope you find some! Unfortunately, I have no idea Good luck though!