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[Sneebsey]

So sorry that you lost them in such a way, @Chickencountryuk. Traffic accidents and the like are so sudden; with illness or age, you at least get the opportunity to say goodbye and make peace with the loss.

She's had them both for several years now, before that there was Folly and Mr Bean, also both rescues. She likes having them around, and as she has a field in front of her property, she'd rather have them to look at and enjoy; rescues were the obvious choice now that she doesn't ride. She used to go riding over the hills for a day at a time.

I'm noticing several problem birds during moulting, really. There's one hen in particular that keeps going after the pullets; noticed her doing it twice today. She'll come up and pull out a hunk of feathers, no warning, no pecking, just a plucking. Such jealousy!

 

[CCUK]

So sorry that you lost them in such a way, @Chickencountryuk. Traffic accidents and the like are so sudden; with illness or age, you at least get the opportunity to say goodbye and make peace with the loss.

She's had them both for several years now, before that there was Folly and Mr Bean, also both rescues. She likes having them around, and as she has a field in front of her property, she'd rather have them to look at and enjoy; rescues were the obvious choice now that she doesn't ride. She used to go riding over the hills for a day at a time.

I'm noticing several problem birds during moulting, really. There's one hen in particular that keeps going after the pullets; noticed her doing it twice today. She'll come up and pull out a hunk of feathers, no warning, no pecking, just a plucking. Such jealousy!

There is something so fullfilling about rescue animals. I have my ex batts. There not laying anymore but to see them happy and acting naturally is good enough for me. Considering humans are top of the food chain I do think that we should respect the 'lesser' ones. We make them what they are and have a duty to care and protect them. Have you heard of bransby home for horses? They are not too far from me and we go on occasion. They take rescue horses and some can be adopted.

 

[Sneebsey]

I haven't, but have just looked at their website. It's heartening to see people devoting their time to promote the welfare of animals. My Grandfather, in the 60s or so, once stole an emaciated mare from a paddock adjacent to his fields due to her poor condition and police disinterest. Turned out she was full of worms and foaled only a couple months after.

I do worry about welfare in other ways, however; although small farmers are held to strict restrictions on housing, feeding, and care of their stock, big business seems to get a lot of breaks. They don't even keep cows outside anymore, which makes me feel uncomfortable, and "free range" eggs... aren't.

 

[Shadrach]

@Sneebsey.
May I ask where and why you learn't about breeding genetics?
I've been watching your responses on another thread.

 

[Sneebsey]

@Sneebsey.
May I ask where and why you learn't about breeding genetics?
I've been watching your responses on another thread.

Mostly from here, and from sites linked here, as well as observations from my own birds. I just find it incredibly interesting to know the genetics behind our birds, and once you get into it, it seems so simple. I think the root of it was when, as a child, I was given a perfect type Araucana cockerel by a neighbour, now passed, but formerly a very respected Araucana breeder. The only issue was that he was from a Black x Black-Red outcross. She sold me a black-red pullet to go with him, and I already had a black hen from the previous year. If I had known what I do now, I would have realised what a great start she was giving me.

At the moment, I'm trying to collect as many different genes as I can into the mixed flock; should make for quite the spectacle in a few years time. My big joy this year was bringing in dun, which is quite hard to find here in the UK.

Here are some links on genetics (each word is different).

 

[Shadrach]

I know so little about breeds it's laughable.

 

[Sneebsey]

Honestly, Araucana are the only purebreed I've ever been entirely satisfied with. Everything else is lovely to look at, but has some flaw for my personal preference, be that in appearance or practicality. Feathered legs may look nice, but both of my FBCM cockerels have had impacted follicles in their feet this year, free range in damp and muddy hill country.

I'm working on a few mixed-up projects, but need to get more houses built to separate out my three desired groups; they'll never become true breeds as I want there to be so much variety in each one, but there will be several constants that hold them all together. Similar to landraces, but tailored to my own needs.

 

[CCUK]

Honestly, Araucana are the only purebreed I've ever been entirely satisfied with. Everything else is lovely to look at, but has some flaw for my personal preference, be that in appearance or practicality. Feathered legs may look nice, but both of my FBCM cockerels have had impacted follicles in their feet this year.

I'm working on a few mixed-up projects, but need to get more houses built to separate out my three desired groups; they'll never become true breeds as I want there to be so much variety in each one, but there will be several constants that hold them all together. Similar to landraces, but tailored to my own needs.

I love the araucanas. To me they have the best temperament of all my hens. I'll be interested to see how you breeding program works out. I want my araucana cockerel to cross with my whitestars and hatch some eggs. I'm hoping for nice big blue eggs and white hens!

 

[Sneebsey]

Although the Araucana have been used in the mixed group, I'll likely be breeding them pure from now on. The main reason for wanting to separate out to three groups is to focus certain aspects. In one group, I'll be going for a long light Mediterranean type, with the other two being more dual purpose.

They do seem to have a special attitude to them; One of mine, Maya, will come up and gently peck my hand whenever I'm filling the feeders.

I can't seem to find any info as to whether white stars are Dominant or Recessive white. If Dominant, then you'll get white offspring with black marks, with leakage if the father is not solid-coloured. Recessive, and they could be basically anything; it hides it all. You never know until you try it; going to try for a Christmas hatch?

 

[PouleChick]

Unfortunately they met an untimely end. We had a tournament in cottbus, East Side of Berlin. A lorry driver fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into the back of the transporter and killed both of them. It ruined me. I finished grooming not long after. I still well up today when I think about them.

OMG I'm so sorry, what an awful story, totally get why you still well up

she growled and went to peck me

I bought 2 silkies in March to be my mummy's and Hermione the Warrior Silkie went broody within about 2 weeks of getting her, she didn't know me, didn't trust me and was very pecky! The 2nd brood of the summer she was much more patient with me!

Mostly from here, and from sites linked here, as well as observations from my own birds. I just find it incredibly interesting to know the genetics behind our birds

I'm starting to feel the same way!

Honestly, Araucana are the only purebreed I've ever been entirely satisfied with

I'd love to see what you think about my 2. I got them from a breeder near me and Edwina is a gorgeous (insanely timid) pullet who started laying a while back and layed me about 10 eggs and has now stopped (or they are somewhere as yet undiscovered in the garden!). William is the most stunning pure white cockeral. He has just kicked his hatch brother King Louis (1/2 Orp 1/2 not sure!) who is huge off the top rung, I thought they had sorted it out when they were tiny but W had King L cornered and bleeding the other day - nothing since other than King L now being 2nd - wan't nic eto watch though (I did actually go after them to separate with a mop until I remembered all I have read on here and stepped away!). He is a bit cocky when he wants a bonk with the girls but over all for young birds I think they are all pretty calm (the breeder only had nice calm roos) but hoping it keeps going well as really want to breed him to make easter eggers!

I'll try to get some pics tomorrow.