Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
hatching for
a full two weeks
. Hens are capable of storing sperm in their bodies for up
to two weeks without much of a problem. If the rooster the hens have been with previ-
ously was an aggressive and frequent breeder, and you start saving eggs too soon, you'll
have a considerable number of chicks running around with unknown parentage. You'll
be asking yourself, “Are these chicks from the old rooster or the new one?”
BREEDING TERMINOLOGY
Selection.
A process all breeders must undergo that involves choosing the spe-
cimens for breeding that conform to and match the desired traits outlined in
the APA or ABA standard. If selecting for breeds not listed in the standards,
breeders use guidelines established by reputable organizations such as the
SPPA or ALBC. Breeders might also select for traits that don't necessarily
match those outlined in the guides, to create their own breed or to minimize
certain characteristics and highlight others.
Culling.
The act of removing specimens from the breeding flock that don't
meet the established criteria for the breed. Culling does not necessarily mean
killing. You can take pullets that don't conform to the required color patterns
or size and use them for egg production. As a general rule, though, culling
roosters means killing (and often eating) them.
True breeding.
If a bird or pair breeds true, the offspring resemble their parents
in all color and physical traits. For most breeds, true breeding is required for
inclusion in the APA, but there are exceptions where known genetic variations
do occur and selections must be made. For example, the color Red Pyle does
not breed true and it is understood that you will have to cull some of the off-
spring.
ORGANIZING CHICKENS
Class.
A division of chickens with similar types grouped together because they
have a common ancestry or point of origin. An example of a class is the
American, which includes all breeds developed in America, typified by yel-
low skin and legs. Representatives from the American class are Rocks, Wyan-
dottes, Reds, and New Hampshires. The English class includes Sussex, Orp-
ingtons, and Dorkings, which are usually characterized by white skin and
legs. Leghorns and Minorcas are of the Mediterranean class.
