The Wyandotte Thread

[Sunflowergirl]

I have a hatchery(Privett) SLW has one of those too! Is that anything like a SPIKE ROSE COMB? Or what???

Yup! I know what you mean. My silver laced (Ideal Hatchery) ended up with a pretty odd comb, indeed! Unicorn style! LOL

 

[gilavina]

I have a hatchery(Privett) SLW has one of those too! Is that anything like a SPIKE ROSE COMB? Or what???

That I believe is a telescope comb. You don't want to use it for breeding as it breeds forward. There is also an invert comb, which is similar but does not stick out of the comb like the telescope does. Both affect the leader on the back of the comb.

 

[Sunflowergirl]

Thanks gilavina! I had never heard of such a thing in combs! Do you know what causes it, like did a parent have it or is it a mutation?

That I believe is a telescope comb. You don't want to use it for breeding as it breeds forward. There is also an invert comb, which is similar but does not stick out of the comb like the telescope does. Both affect the leader on the back of the comb.

 

[gilavina]

Thanks gilavina! I had never heard of such a thing in combs! Do you know what causes it, like did a parent have it or is it a mutation?

I'd have to ask my dad. I grew up raising and showing wyandottes and he also grew up raising and showing them, so some of the stuff I just know, but can't tell you the exact gene or if its a mutation that controls it. He is currently in the hospital and just had a string of surgeries, but next time I go see him, I'll talk to him about the specifics of them and get back to you.

 

[Sunflowergirl]

Awww!

I hope this is the last in that string for your dad!!! Hope he has a quick recovery!!!

I'd have to ask my dad. I grew up raising and showing wyandottes and he also grew up raising and showing them, so some of the stuff I just know, but can't tell you the exact gene or if its a mutation that controls it. He is currently in the hospital and just had a string of surgeries, but next time I go see him, I'll talk to him about the specifics of them and get back to you.

 

[WyandotteTX]

Yes that would be an invert comb. As it grows the comb will get bigger and the inverted spike will become more apparent. It is a defect and it should be culled. I have seen it a few times thru the years but not alot.

John

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

If its a production bird, keep it. Never keep an inverted spike in a breeder. But for a layer, the comb really means nothing. Just do not hatch from it.

 

[mbmess2003]

Just wanted to pop in and say I love the thread....i'm on about page 375 and have learned that there is so much more than "owning a couple BLR chickens" Thanks for all the info and I'm looking forward to learning more about this breed. I do have to say the BLRs in my flock are definitely the most friendly and enjoyable to watch....and they are only 4 weeks old at that!

WyandotteTX.....where are you located? If I remember it correctly you said up around the Austin area. I'm in Louisiana but head that way to visit my kids every other month or so.

 

[chicken curious]

So at almost 3 months old, one of my (straight run) BLR chicks started crowing.

It's a sad, partial crow, but since I'm in the city and roos are against the law I need to take action. This chick is one of my favorites...not overly friendly, but trusting and will nap on my lap. I've thought he was a he since about a week old. Still not much going on feather-wise to prove it (in my newbie eyes), but the comb is probably a give away.

So here's my question: he only weighs 2.5#...is he too small to eat? I figure I can at least make stock from his bones...

The only other option is to send him to the country to live a few more months and then be eaten by them.

Here he is...I brought him into the backyard for weighing and a photo shoot


eta: he's almost 3 months instead of the 2 I originally typed...I correct the post

 

[AinaWGSD]

No chicken is "too small to eat," it's just a question of whether you feel he is too small to be worth the effort of cleaning. At 2.5lbs, he would be a bit smaller than a cornish game hen when dressed, but probably bigger than quail which is eaten all the time. You could even butterfly him and grill him whole, probably what I would do with a bird that size. Or, like you said, you could make stock.