Welsummer Rooster Pick - Which One?? Pics Included

[FrizzleFreak]

I am assuming no stubs?That's a big problem with Wellies.
Man, I forgot how ugly they were when they're young!

Don't worry, they're gorgeous.
I agree with everybody else. If you can save yourself little problems, do it!

 

[CountryMom]

chookster I understand your idea and can appreciate that you can't see #3 build at all in such a silly stance. His neck however should show you how less arked it is compared to #1. I will try tomorrow to get pics of those two side by side.

Frizzle what do you mean by stubs? And yes, I agree they are really in a horribly ugly stage! LOL Wall-E is just now getting decent and I can see him filling out. Still a long way to go though.

 

[FrizzleFreak]

Stubs are little tiny feathers on the feet-DQ. Some people pluck them, but that is BAD!!!!!!
I forgot why so much of the Welsummer stock in the U.S. has them, but they do. It's hard to get rid of, it's really dominant, and a bird may pop up with it EVEN IF BOTH PARENT'S ARE STUB FREE!

 

[CountryMom]

Quote:
Nope no stubs. I had read somewhere that someone hatched out a bunch from a breeder and they had stubs and actual feathers coming in. For me it wouldn't matter either way as I enjoy these and won't be showing. However I can honestly say I looked and no feathering on the legs.

Thanks for the clarification! It is nice to learn.

 

[Faverolle]

I'm not sure how long from now before you make you decision but I would keep them all for a while until they mature more so that you can really get a better idea as to what each has to offer.

 

[Msbear]

Quote:
Good Point. Unless you've raised a ton of these and absolutely know what to look for at this age, you could be making a mistake. It's best to wait a couple more months. ...

 

[McSpin]

They change an awful lot and I think you're deciding too soon. There are many aspects to look at and no one roo is going to be perfect at all of them. If you're showing the birds, your decisions will be different than if you're looking for improving egg color, which will be different if you're looking for production, which will be different if you're looking for a combination of all three.

I just had my best looking roo develop a single partial white primary feather at the age of two- which is a show defect. However, this bird produces hens that lay very dark eggs, so he's a keeper in my book. The point is, it took until two years of age for this defect to show. Wait as long as you can before making your decision and then base it on your goals, not someone else's.

 

[CountryMom]

Quote:
Very good point McSpin, Faverolle and Msbear. I do not plan on showing only breeding for me and for production. They did come from very dark eggs. I was going to wait a couple more months (unless a good home comes along), but won't be keeping them until they are 2 by any means! LOL I just can't manage that many roosters as this is not my only breed. I am still working on pens and coops.

Like another rooster of mine, I am posting pictures to learn and see what is thought of them. Good or bad they are what I have to work with.

Thanks!