I have two buff orpington cockerals - hatched March 21. One matured very early (roo1) - he is currently the king of the ark (2pullets, 3 roos). The other bo roo (roo2) is still rather gangley, but obviously a bigger bird. Roo1 looks like an adult rooster. Roo2 has longer tail feathers - just a few, and just looks rather rangey - kind of like a teenager who hasn't fully developed yet. Roo2 does not challenge Roo1's authority - seems a bit more laid back. I can only keep one. Which one would be the best to keep for breeding more little buff orpintons?
I'd say keep whichever one has the physical traits you care most about in breeding; or if you aren't really vigorously trying to select for particular traits, pick the one with the best temperament (which in this case since there's jsut two and they're different ages will involve a little guesswork) Good luck, have fun, Pat
Roo 1 is the one you want for breeding. These guy's are almost 6 months old and should look like adult Roo's. Even though roo2 is bigger he isn't feathering out well ... he may have thin feathers and it is very hard for these chickens to completely feather out. This causes them to use a lot of energy keeping themselves warm instead of being Roo or hens (you don't want him to father your flock) this is probably why is gangley looking. He may not be able to father chicks in a vigorous manner and you could have a low hatch rate. If he was able to produce chicks and they have this problem the hens will be very poor layers. Roo 1 is by your observation King of the arc. The hen's are going to prefer him also.
