Hello again, I'd like some opinions on this if anyone can help me please. I have a 4-1/2 month old LF Wheaten Ameraucana Cockerel that I thought would turn out nicely. However, a fellow breeder just mentioned that the cockerel looked like he had "roach back". When I run my hand down the cockerels back, the spinal column isn't smooth. The spinal bones seem to separate at one point allowing the slight break where one vertebrae isn't as tightly knit to the other vertebrae. It's hard to explain in words. I've never seen it in any of my chickens before. I was going to breed him, but if this is genetic I don't want to use him. I'm attaching the best photo I have of him.
The only other cockerel I have to use now is one we've already discussed in a previous post "Body feather color". I've attached a recent photo of this one also. He has too much red in his tail but his chest is filling in. He's got very clean hackle feathers.
I was going to sell this latter cockerel today to a guy who just wants a pretty rooster. Now I'm having second thoughts because the clean hackle feather cockerel may be better than my 4-1/2 month old with the back issue.
With either one, I don't think I have a cockerel good enough to sell any chicks from this year. Should I get rid of both of these cockerels and wait for something better? Is the back issue likely genetic?
Any advice? All other cockerel possibilities I had are gone now for one reason or another. I have two Wheaten Cockerels that hatched Valentines Day this year that were sired by my Blue Wheaten Cockerel who did very well in the Stockton Poultry Show this year. Maybe I should wait for them to grow up. Thanks for the help. Linda
