Which trait is the "easiest" to correct?

[shelleyb1969]

When working to improve your stock, which trait is the "easiest" to correct...comb type or feather lacing?

I realize that it takes a lot of time and effort when working towards the SOP...but which trait correction will result in the least amount of hair loss on my part?

 

[hinkjc]

I'm not familiar with lacing, however I do find comb easier to correct than color and body type in most cases, so I'd say comb is easier.

 

[shelleyb1969]

Thanks Hinkjc. I've got to make a decision between some Chantecler ladies that I have. They all came from John Blehm, and I knew up front that work is needed on them as a breed. I have 2 girls that have the correct comb, but very poor lacing. And then I have 2 girls that have gorgeously perfect lacing, but the wrong comb type...instead of a cushion comb, they have a pea comb. I'm trying to decide which 2 ladies to keep and which 2 to sell.

 

[CelticMoon1]

In my experience lacing can be a tricky trait! You can get bad lacing and smuttiness even if you start out with perfectly laced birds...

I'm no comb expert but I believe it goes something like this (any experts feel free to correct!):
Rose Comb: R-/pp
Pea Comb: rr/P-
Cushion Comb: R-/P-

I would go for lacing first, comb second (assuming they all have good type). Find them a roo with nice lacing & correct comb, and you should have a good start

If you're lucky you could get some pretty birds with nice lacing and correct comb in first generation

 

[shelleyb1969]

thanks, celticmoon. the thing with chanties is...the roos don't have lacing at all. With my roo, I've got correct type, comb, and color...but the lacing must come from the ladies.

 

[CelticMoon1]

Quote:
Really??? I'm used to Wyandottes and the roos have laced chests so that's what I was thinking of - never seen a Chantecler

(haven't heard of anyone who has them here)

I'd still go for the pretty laced hens

Since your roo has the correct comb you should get some offspring with correct combs too.

 

[shelleyb1969]

that's exactly what i was thinking/hoping. chantecler roos look nothing like the hens...they're very pretty but they have no fancy lacing like the gorgeous ladies do.

 

[flyingmonkeypoop]

What color variety of chantecler? I have seen many 'partridge' birds that have hens with ghost pencilling and mostly red roosters. If it is partridge the hens should have pencilling instead of lacing (well, pencilling is multiple lacing or something like that) but the roosters should basically be black breasted red looking, hens should be good pencilled red and black (think dark brahmas but red replacing the white). Can you post pictures?

 

[shelleyb1969]

Hi FMP! I have partridge Chantecler. By lacing, I meant their double lacing? or penciling as you suggested? I have a pic of a hen but it's not the greatest...but I think you can barely make out the lace pattern on each feather. I don't have a pic of my roo...he's still a juvenile. The roosters, however, are exactly as you described...basically black breasted red.

 

[tadkerson]

Quote:
Read this thread about combs. I have to go will discuss lacing or penciling when I get the chance.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=283767

Tim