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Selection
Selection
With a strict system of selection you will weed out the weaklings
and provide more room for those with promise.
Eggs
Should be perfectly ovoid in shape, shiny and free from blemishes.
Young (Hatching to Weaning)
Should be cleanly hatched with all the yolk absorbed and a well-developed
navel. They should be quiet in the nest but aggressive when approached.
Growth should be normal with no obvious setbacks and they should
be well feathered under the wings at 24 days old. Watch the droppings;
they are a good indication of progress--no sloppiness.
Young (After Weaning)
Should be quick to show independence--feeding, drinking, flying
to perch, etc. Should settle to the loft easily and be ready fliers.
They should respond readily to the feeding signal. Watch for the
wattles whitening normally and moult of first flights. (Depends
on the system, e.g. Darkening.)
Old Birds
If you are new to the sport you should get some help from experienced
fanciers and read all you can about the subject. Opinions vary and
these are my ideals:
- Strong back--no hollow near tail. I like to see the tail straight
out in line with the body and not popping up or down.
- Well shaped keel and not too deep, but I would not reject a
bird on this account until I have tested it.
- Strong bone--the skeleton should appear strong and not weak
and yielding.
- Good wings--last three primaries long and almost matching in
length, step down from primaries to secondaries. In long distance
birds, look for a short forearm bone.
- Good feather quality (soft and silky).
- Body ovoid in shape and well balanced (all parts of body should
appear to fit together nicely).
- Well developed muscle.
- I am not an eyesign expert but I believe that eyesign is one
of the tools of selection.
There are many theories on selection but practice makes perfect
and time spent handling good birds will pay off. If you are in doubt
about any bird just test it in the races. If it wins it will appear
to handle beautifully.
Email
me at laurholb@telus.net.
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