The Welsummer Thread!!!!

[EweSheep]

Quote:
If he has some tail feathers that is grayish white in color, it is a fault. No it would not grow out. I've tried plucking it and it came back the same color. UGH! The judges at the 4H said do not use him for breeding because it is an inherited trait. The roo is OK for Olive Eggers or someone wanted a backyard rooster.

 

[EweSheep]

Does it look like this?

If so, cull him out of the Welsummer breeding program.

 

[Five Points John]

Thanks for the responses. We just went out and caught him to inspect the feathers more closely. It looks like the gray is more in the downy under feathers, the gray starts from the base of the feather, but only goes so far as the middle, it does not go to the tip. And, because it's the underfeathers, it gives the full top feathers the gray "sheen", "look", not sure what word I'm looking for. Right now, just looking at him as a pet, but if we decide to sell chicks or eggs we would like to stay within the breed standard.
Thanks again. We can't download pictures to show, can only describe at this point.

 

[EweSheep]

If it is the fluffy part of the feathers, the down part, then it is OK if it is gray or slate in color. If the down feathers are white or yellow, its a fault and you have to work on getting it out. and keep only the gray and slate down feathered offsprings.

 

[EweSheep]

WOW Whitmore Farms sold out chicks this year so be sure to ask around January, 2012 for chicks!

Another sold out chick breeder LOL!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Robin.......sorry to hear your girl is not doing well. I hope she makes it. I have 2 pure Ameraucana's (1 lays a gorgeous teal egg, the other a so-so egg) in with Moose and in my other coop I have 1st generation olive eggers over my multiple generation olive egger rooster. They are a lighter olive, not a dark olive, but if you want some eggs, just let me know. Be happy to send you some.

 

[EweSheep]

Thank you for offering! I had several people wanting to help out and I thank each and every one of you! I'd prefer chicks, about 15 of them and would need to slip them under my broody hen. I am really not into incubating unless it is the ONLY thing I can get. Hubby said go for it LOL! Incubation is cranky with me even with the best of intentions, I would need to fill it up, all 42 eggs LOL!

So I am still on the fence about it and need time to think about incubating them. I will let each one of you know if I want to take the plunge of incubating eggs after two years worth of not incubating.

 

[All-American-Chick]

Quick question here.
Im new to the wellie world and I have some chicks that are roos,like 15 of them.
eeks I was going to keep 6 that I think at this age are the best looking.
Wondering what you all do with your extra roos?
Do they grow out well for butchering or does it take them to long to make it worth it.
Just wondering I put up some on craigs list for cheep but wanted to see if there was more options out there.
thanks

 

[EweSheep]

You certainly can eat them or give them away!

 

[Opa]

Culling is always a difficult thing to do. Obviously rehomling is much easier emotionally but not always easy, plus there is the very real possibility that the new owner will breed the bird continuing the unfavorable traits. I have fed them til 6 months and butchered but the return verses costs isn't skewed favorably. Sadly I've found that euthanizing is often the best thing to do.