Wyandotte Rooster Question

[fancywyandottes23]

I have Silver and Gold laced wyandotte pullet runs, and I recently bought them each their specific rooster for hatching purposes next year. However, noticing throughout the process that about 1 in 5 hens has a single comb from Ideal hatchery. Now that the roosters are growing up, the gold lace rooster has grown a single comb. I have read through here the reasons and the purposes for the hatcheries breeding these characteristics into their batches; however, what is the consensus on using the single comb for breeding purposes in backyard flocks? Should I avoid it? Or should I try again for another gold laced rose comb rooster (and send the single comb to the mix flock)?

 

[DobieLover]

breeding purposes in backyard flocks

For this, it doesn't matter one little bit. The birds are for entertainment/egg/chick sale use only. Not exhibition. You can also cross breeds and make pretty little mutts. People not interested in showing will still buy them.

 

[3KillerBs]

Since you're in Texas,

I found that my SLW had a harder time with summer heat here in central NC than most of my other birds so I was glad to get a single-combed bird in my Ideal SLWs this spring.

If you want to sell chicks as Wyandottes you probably want to select against the single comb. But if you want better heat hardiness and are upfront about non-adherence to the SOP when selling chicks you might want to keep the single combs.

 

[gimmie birdies]

I have seen that happen with wyandottes. I had hatchery ones before I was not pleased with mostly the SLW, I didn't think they were lacing well, but I think chick feathers and adult feathers look different, one SLW I was complaining about started to get his good lacing. But he was a rooster, and I didn't keep him because I don't want all black chicks. (My hens are different breeds.)

 

[fancywyandottes23]

I have seen that happen with wyandottes. I had hatchery ones before I was not pleased with mostly the SLW, I didn't think they were lacing well, but I think chick feathers and adult feathers look different, one SLW I was complaining about started to get his good lacing. But he was a rooster, and I didn't keep him because I don't want all black chicks. (My hens are different breeds.)

About half of mine from Ideal aren't lacing very well either, gold and silver (although I do have one gorgeous silver pullet that is coming in really nicer than all of the rest).

 

[3KillerBs]

About half of mine from Ideal aren't lacing very well either, gold and silver (although I do have one gorgeous silver pullet that is coming in really nicer than all of the rest).

One of the reasons to buy twice as many as you want, choose the best, and sell off the rest.