The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club > Breeding

feathered legs in wheatens

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Birdcrazy:
Susan, reading your post on Wayne's reply to your questions got me to thinking. About 6-7 years ago I got my start in LF Wheaten and Blue Wheaten chicks from Wayne. I ordered 25 chicks from him and he shipped me 30. Since Blue Wheaten chicks are slow developing their color, I kept all the Blue Wheaten cockerels until they were about 7 months old to pick the best 2-3. I will say this for Wayne's birds. All 7 were marked great with various shades of Blue and edging. As you would guess, the best cockerel had stubs. there was not many, just about 8-10 single feathers on each leg and pretty small. I hated to cull him since he was the best built and best colored bird, but I did. I used these chicks for the base of my breeding stock for about 3 years with no chicks hatched with stubs. Since then I have ordered twice from Paul Smith to mix into my breeding program to develop better combs and egg shape. Yes, I was sad to see that cockerel go at the time. Looking back I guess it was for the best as I have not had a chick that I hatched with stubs. I can understand the tough choice you are going through.

Susan Mouw:
Well, I am very happy to report that, with about 200 wheaten/blue wheaten chicks hatched so far - 1 had leg stubs!  I knew which hen the egg came from and was able to isolate those eggs.  None of the eggs coming from the other hens have had leg stubs.  Yayy!

BTW, those eggs have made great Sunday omelettes!

Birdcrazy:
Susan, now that's progress. It sounds like you are getting a handle on those leg warmers!

Susan Mouw:
I think so.  Now if I can just get a handle on removing the black from the hackles...

Birdcrazy:
Well, at least you are attacking an area all of us Wheaten/Blue Wheaten breeders have faced at sometime.

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