Oldfart
GOLD MEMBER
1497 posts
Nov 04, 2009
3:39 PM
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I'll say it once, O.K. twice, alright three times! Performance, performance, Performance! Now what qualities are desirable in a bird worth being called "stock" other then performance?
Thom
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wishiwon2
222 posts
Nov 04, 2009
10:53 PM
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A couple of things I consider after they've met the performance criteria.
1) I dont like 'wild birds' in my loft. To make it as a breeder they have to be well behaved in the loft, not bouncing off the walls and windows when I enter. I dont care if they're freindly or not, but just not all stirred up all the time.
2) They gotta look good. I dont care about color or markings, but there is a look of quality that I want. I cant describe it, but I can pick it out in my birds. Its more than a length or size and feathering, Its an appearance of health and vitality. It also is a feel in the hand. I only use this criteria after they have proven themselves in the air to select between birds that perform well.
3) They cant have any structural defects. No crooked beaks or legs, mis-shaped heads, odd feathering, etc.
4) I like an eye that is bright and clear. A centered pupil that is active, like a camera lens always zooming in and out. I prefer eyes that are rich in color and have alot of 'gravel' in the iris.
5) They must be good parents to stay in stock. I will not tolerate those parents that abandon babies or eggs. They must be able to feed and raise their own (2) young.
6) I dont like cocks that are overly aggressive in the loft. Those that are always fighting for new territory usually find themselves hobbled or back in the kit box. I prefer cocks that are even a little hennish acting.
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Jon
If it were easy, everybody would do it
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JDA
GOLD MEMBER
580 posts
Nov 05, 2009
3:15 AM
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Jon.... Thous are fine quality,s you have in your birds and your eye sign is wright on. Bird stance with a slight crouch and all of your above is what I was tough years ago by a true master of the sport Bill E. Patrick. Patrick,s birds were all of Bill Pensom pure. I met Dirk Deboer year ago.Liked his setup behind his house up on a hill side.My friend Bill Ingels took me on a fly in Boise back in the 80,s where I met Dirk.
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Sunflower
GOLD MEMBER
553 posts
Nov 05, 2009
4:25 AM
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Jon,
I think your qualities are right on the mark. My preference for eye is a distinct orange or pearl eye that conveys a look of confidence.
Thanks again for taking the time to judge our region. Glad I got the chance to meet you.
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Keep em Spinning
Joe
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Oldfart
GOLD MEMBER
1498 posts
Nov 05, 2009
7:26 AM
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Hey All, Thank you for responding.
Jon, hit all the marks with the exception of fertility and Pete covered that base. I am in total agreement with Jon and Pete and we would all do well to keep a copy of their responses. I think we sometimes overlook qualities other then those involving performance.
Thom
Last Edited by on Nov 05, 2009 7:27 AM
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