Gregg
155 posts
Aug 13, 2007
1:24 PM
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If I dig back into the archives I will probably find this thread as I am sure that I am not the first to think about it. But I'm too lazy to go looking.
Curious as to what percentages of quality birds you raise and fly to(or should I say survive to) maturity, say age two, of cocks versus hens. And I know the BOP's probably affect the number. What I am looking for is how many would be stockable. I've always had more hens than cocks survive those years. I am hoping to keep enough birds in the air again to see some of the results for myself.
Gregg.
Last Edited by on Aug 13, 2007 1:29 PM
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motherlodelofts
1926 posts
Aug 13, 2007
3:40 PM
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Gregg , I get far more good hens.
Scott
Last Edited by on Aug 13, 2007 3:40 PM
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nicksiders
2058 posts
Aug 13, 2007
4:21 PM
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Gregg,
You will probably find that all of us get a higher percentage of good hens. A good cock birds is priceless. I really don't have a handle on what the percentage differences is between the good hens and cocks. Over-all percentage of keepers fluctuates from year to year. I do keep some that maybe others would cull and I see in other lofts some that I would cull that that breeder is keeping.....you know what I am saying. I will cull maybe 15%; loose 35% to BOP; overflys; etc; etc. I won't sell birds and I give a few away. This year I had my best reproductive year that I probably ever had so I am happy. I will breed much fewer birds next year.
Sorry about the rambling....kinda thinking out loud.
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Nick
Last Edited by on Aug 13, 2007 4:34 PM
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RUDY..ZUPPPPP
133 posts
Aug 14, 2007
6:41 PM
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I herd Hens are a better percentage
I will find out this year
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Donny James
20 posts
Aug 14, 2007
8:08 PM
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hay gregg,
i get both good hens and cocks............donny james
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smoke747
614 posts
Jan 24, 2008
3:35 PM
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I get good hens and cocks but more hens make it to the #1 and #2 kits. Cocks tend to give you other problems, most of them natural but still can cause problems.
..being strong in flight
..wanting to mate
smoke747
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Fire_Baller_916
75 posts
Jan 24, 2008
3:44 PM
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I get more hens...Cock seems to take alittle longer to develope but majority wise hen are better from my family...
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Chai
Raining Fire Loft
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wishiwon2
26 posts
Jan 24, 2008
8:42 PM
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I also tend to end up with more hens than cocks that are good enough to pass through all the cull criteria. I also typically find henns to be on average more frequent performers and more consistant from day-to-day.
I am curious though as to why this is so? Are hens bodies constructed enough differently?, Are cocks more mentally fit and therefore able to resist the roll more? Does sex drive alter the roll impulse?, if so can it be manipulated with light/darkness schemes such as used to enhance breeding activity or moult? This is a question Ive thought alot about and have come to very few conclusions. It makes little difference except that when I find a good quality cock bird I am more protective if it. I alos find I am a more harsh judge on my hens before moving to stock, likely because of sheer odds and variety of choices.
Anybody have any answers or hypotheses?
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CSRA
1228 posts
Jan 26, 2008
7:32 AM
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i am at about 50% with each
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tucknroll
1 post
Jan 26, 2008
7:42 PM
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Gregg,
Contrary to what the majority may have experienced it really depends upon what percentage of each sex one would raise per that year. The number one consensus on why most believe that they raise a higher percentage of hens for quality to meet thier stock pen is only because they raise more hens than they do cocks. Another reason is because hens aren't sexually as active as cock birds are and they tend to stick to the regimented program of the breeder and manager. Cock birds require a strong hand immediately at weaning stage and preferably seperated by thier sex in order to get the most from them and at the same time giving them the benefit of the doubt. As for me I would have to say that it depends upon the season from year to year. Personaly a good quailty hen is worth her weight in gold. One things for certain is that if you colony breed it is best to place your goals in your hens for it is a sure bet that at least you know that 50% of that mating came from her right! I can't help but think back about the guys that have won the W/C and what the number of cocks vs hens they flew. It would do you all some good to do your homework on this because you will find that most of the sucessful flyer that did well flew more cocks than they did hens. Dennis Burke comes to mind he flew 16 cocks to 3 hens in his world cup kit.Thier are others that did the same. Its been my personal experience that flying cocks that are somewhat dosial and bottom perchers are steady and easy to get maximun performance coupled with a few good working hens. I don't know if I answered your question I may have confused the mattter more than helped but I hope this can give somone food for thought.
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parlorfancier916
474 posts
Jan 27, 2008
9:11 AM
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Dave henderson brought this topic up once, he said something like "having a quality proven cockbird is the equivalent to having 10 quality proven hens." I would say that it is harder to find a quality cockbird..
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Nrhoua (Doua) Xiong
4581 25th ave. sacramento C.A. 95820
http://freewebs.com/parlorrollers
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