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Post by Woodsy on Jun 1, 2013 2:20:19 GMT
I am really enjoying my Cayugas. Just wondering how everyone's hatch is going this spring? I think I might of started too early. I must of collected 60 eggs at least since February and they are only now starting to be highly fertile. I was planning on hatching around 60-70, but now looks like it will only be 30-40. Runners on the other hand are popping out like crazy! I have hatched many black and have had some nice surprises with my project. Crossed some white with the black and got blue, chocolate and 1 really nice mallard. I really need to figure out the genetic part of this project.
My plan is to try and improve type and colour on my blacks by injecting some quality white genes. Don't know if it will work but sure is fun when you have no idea the colour coming out of the eggs. I hope to cross for 2 generations and than bring back to original source.
If anyone wants to comment, please feel free! I'll try to add some pics in the next few days.
Have a great weekend!
Woodsy
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Post by darrensmale on Jun 1, 2013 11:23:27 GMT
That there sir is one of the joys that lies with standard bred poultry, having an ideal, putting the pieces together and then seeing the end result (especially something you have set a goal for)
Glad you see it as a work in progress. There is another fella we know whos got a runner project on the go....
Nice job man!
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Post by Woodsy on Jul 20, 2013 1:14:17 GMT
Here are some pics from this years Cayugas' hatch. Altogether, I have 36. Not the hatch I was hoping for. Hopefully I will have better luck next year. Cheers, Woodsy    |
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Post by youngbreeder77 on Aug 9, 2013 23:50:26 GMT
I am still kind of knew the Cuyuga breeding aspect of things... What makes a good Cuyuga a good Cuyuga? What are some of the major traits that one should look for in this breed? Looking to learn as much as I can..
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Post by darrensmale on Aug 10, 2013 1:38:51 GMT
daniel, great question.
in those pics brian has posted i see prob 6-8 birds right away that have caught my eye. even though young, they show what I call a stove pipe look, meaning they have this typey looking nuianse to them. see in brians avatar, the lines and shape of that bird, thats something I can for sure see in some of those pics and something I have seen in brians birds first hand.
as they mature, the green emerald shiny color is also important and much like an indie best have green on the underside of the wings all the way to the end of wing tip. they should also have that true green sheen under the butt area, this is an area where I have seen this slipping in cayugas and indies in the past, probablly due to people focusing on the wrong traits/characteristics when breeding ie: egg color versus type.
another thing to watch on cayugas that all judges will look for are stubs on legs. not sure what has cause that over time, but I cant recall one breeder that hasnt run into atleast one bird in their flock that has stubs.
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Post by youngbreeder77 on Aug 10, 2013 15:26:00 GMT
Is the size of the cuyuga mean anything? I see in pekins that the bigger the better, (provided the type is there). Is this the same way with cuyugas?
What do you mean by stubs?
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Post by darrensmale on Aug 10, 2013 17:19:52 GMT
bigger is not always better no. keep in mind that cayuga ducks are a medium duck and should fall within a certain weight, same as all standard bred poultry. Yes, I agree there are some massive pekins out there, but I would not be breeding to get those mammoths. In my opinion, pekins, and large fowl white rock males are two of the breeds that come to mind that are way to large.
In regards to stubs, its basically a single feather or two on the shaft of the leg, which is a dq for cayugas. Its not a big feather at all, but a short little stumpy feather. I have seen some cayugas covered with them and not groomed before a show and the judge tossed them out right away. if you plan on showing them this fall, but all means if Brian or myself are there I would be more than happy to show you what I'm talking about in person and talking more about cayugas or any poultry for that matter.
also want to make sure i have answered what you asked. dont get caught with the bigger is better mantra.
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Post by Don Harrington on Aug 10, 2013 19:06:41 GMT
Daniel i'll be the first one to say if you ever have the time to talk to Darren or Brian make sure you do. These guys can give you a lot of knowledge. Darren was kind enough last fall to spend 2 hours at the national show going over grey call ducks and that still wasn't enough time to try and pick his brain. I'm always bugging him asking him questions. But for sure these guys know what they are talking about and would love to help out.
Don
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Cayugas
Aug 10, 2013 22:32:21 GMT
via mobile
Post by youngbreeder77 on Aug 10, 2013 22:32:21 GMT
I'll probably be seeing you at napanee if you guys will be showing. Im looking forward to talking cuyugas with both of you. I'm hoping a few of my young cuyugas willnbe ready for the late shows.
Don, thanks for the input. I know they both there stuff and can probably answer most if not all of my questions I will have.
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Post by darrensmale on Aug 11, 2013 1:40:10 GMT
I was under the impression no napanee show this year..??thought last years was the last one...
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Cayugas
Aug 11, 2013 9:40:51 GMT
via mobile
Post by youngbreeder77 on Aug 11, 2013 9:40:51 GMT
I must have missed that notification...thats the first time I've heard of that...
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