Les Poules Happy

26/01/2025

25/01/2025

Lots of middle of the night thoughts.

I know I have asked these sorts of questions before. So many new people have followed this page I thought I would ask them again.

Is there one thought or piece of poultry information that you would like to pass on to those new to caring for, breeding, or showing poultry? What information is hard to get but essential in your opinion? I would like to read what your thoughts are on these questions.

Flip side of that is what would you have liked to have known before you got into this hobby?

If only closed minds came with closed mouths.

I seldom let my birds go to those making new varieties when so many of our varieties are in need of breeder/exhibitors to breed, improve, and preserve. Just how I feel when there are a limitied number of extras in some of the rarer varieties each year.

I write my thoughts. I don't expect everyone to agree with me. I hope I get you to think.

This is a mostly solitary hobby. Always something that could be cleaned or done. I am hatching some chicks every week this time of year. That doesn't mean I want to sell any of them.

Exhibition poultry is not for everyone. It has taken me places I never knew existed and allowed me to meet some very interesting people over the years. Some have become good friends.

25/01/2025

24/01/2025

22/01/2025

18/01/2025

BREEDING PRACTICES

When deciding to venture into breeding, it's natural to be eager to jump right in immediately. I know I was! Being patient & taking my time was soooo hard to do. Seriously! I was excited & I wanted to get going.....like yesterday 😂.
But...
Here are some things I learned along the way.

*Breed with intention. What are your flock goals? This doesn't have to be anything complicated, but having a clear vision of that & making a plan helps you better reach them. Keep notes!

*Whether you are showing or raising birds for backyard flocks, learn everything you can about the breed(s) you choose. You are shaping the future of the breed with the birds you share. Make sure they are the best possible representation of that.

*How do you want to raise your birds? I wanted mine in family style flocks, outside on pasture & to spend alot of time with them. This was non negotiable for me.
(Start small...it's easier to grow as you learn).

*If you're planning on sharing your flock with others, decide what you want to offer. I chose hatching eggs & chicks to order. I don't grow out pullets for others because I don't have the time or space to do that & still raise & know my birds the way I want to.

*Maintain good genetic diversity & know your lineage. Learn about different breeding methods & chose the methods that work best for you to ensure this. Source genetics carefully. Choose good representations of the breed from more than one source. This is especially important in breeds where the gene pool is smaller.

*Wait for your birds to mature before using them for breeding. By hatching from mature birds, you can choose the ones with the best health and vigor. This also lets you make your lines uniquely your own.

*Grow out your birds. Not every chick you hatch is going to be a suitable breeder. If you don't grow out birds at home before sharing them with others, you have no idea what you're producing or what changes you may need to make. Take the time to know your birds!

*Last of all, chose a breed(s) YOU love. Breeding is a big commitment & a ton of work, but can also be the most rewarding thing you can imagine. Follow your heart.

18/01/2025

TORTUROUS BEAUTY IDEAL

No one (breeder) can see what is under the crest of their Silkie and if it dies from brain damage or has to be put down because of neurological problems that make life impossible, it has already been used for breeding. This perpetuates the inadequately protected brain under the (too) large crest. In Silkies it is impossible to select for enough and strong bone of the protuberance.

Because so-called 'beauty' and a 'big pompon' are more important than the welfare of the Silkies, this torture breeding will not stop until the breeders or their organisations (ABA for the USA) ban the vaulted skull.

Even before the 2000's the vaulted skull was banned in Silkies in Europe. As a result, brain injuries due to exposed brains are non-existent in European Silkies.
Sadly, this scourge has returned with the importation of vaulted American Silkies. Not to mention the lack of vision due to extreme crests and beards and the resulting increased risk of accidents. They cannot see danger coming. Another silkie might land on them and they cannot get away in time. Or they may bump their head in fright because they can't see. The vaulted skull is a form of torture, breeding for your own egocentric pleasure at the expense of the welfare of these supposedly 'so loved' Silkies.

In my opinion, this whole misery is unnecessary, American Silkies are also born without vaults. It can be selected out, as was done in Europe some 25 years ago. There are also breeders of American type Silkies who are trying to get rid of the vault, because they are aware of the risks.

Yes, the crests will be slightly smaller without Cr2 and Cr3, the gene plus its alleles that cause the large crest with the vaulted skull. Silkies originally have Cr1, a medium sized crest, which can be quite 'big enough' if people adjust their standards of 'beauty' to the well-being of the Silkies.

chickencolours.com - sigrid van dort

17/01/2025

Pour ceux et celles qui voudraient démystifier la génétique voici un site qui vulgarise bien le tout. Il est en anglais mais peut passer facilement dans un traducteur.

Chicken breeding and genetics. Breeding chickens is the simple and easy practise…

17/01/2025

https://mailchi.mp/boutiquemouleesante.com/informationautomne2024-18247530

J’espère que vous avez passé un très beau temps des fêtes. Mon équipe et moi profitons de cette occasion pour vous souhaitez une merveilleuse année 2025. Santé, bonheur et beaucoup de fous rire. 🌈

16/01/2025

https://mamanpoule.blog/2025/01/14/la-coccidiose/

Qu’est-ce que la coccidiose ? La coccidiose est une maladie protozoaire qui provoque des diarrhées, une perte de poids et une baisse de production chez les volailles. Elle peut être mortelle.…