THE ORIGIN AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT
From the first, White Plymouth Rocks came as white chicks from Barred Plymouth Rock parents. This departure from the general appearance, expected according to the laws of heredity, has been variously explained.
THEORETICAL EXPLANATIONS
Atavism
One claim is that it is due to a phenomenon known as "atavism." This phenomenon consists in the recurrence in a descendant of characters that were possessed by a remote ancestor, instead of characters found in an immediate or near ancestor. The word is derived from the Latin atavus, which originally meant the father of a great-great-grandfather, but which was later applied to any remote ancestor. This tendency of ancestral characters to reappear in offspring, either immediately or after laying dormant for several generations, is due to a mysterious vital principle known as heredity. If the qualities appear after a long dormancy, the heredity is atavistic. Atavism implies that the recurring characteristics were actually found in a remote ancestor or in several of them ; otherwise, their appearance would not be a manifestation of heredity, but of an effort without a cause an ''absolute commencement."
Possible Influence of Black Fowls
However, in the attempts to account for white chicks from Barred Plymouth Rocks, other theories have been propounded. It was even suggested that they resulted from the influence of Black Java or Black Cochin whichever may have been ancestors. This theory, however, is in contravention of the well known laws of heredity; unless, indeed, it is a case of atavism from a white ancestor far back along the line of descent of the Black Javas or Cochins.
The Influence of White Fowls
Another explanation is that white fowls known as Birminghams were the determining factor, upon the supposition that they had been bred into one strain, at least, of Barred Plymouth Rocks.
Edward Brown's Explanation
Still another and quite reasonable explanation is that offered by Edward Brown in "Races of Domestic Poultry," page 153, as follows: "This breed is a sport from the Barred variety. It is easily seen that a failure of pigments, so far as the black marks are concerned, would yield white plumaged fowls, and wherever we have the mixed markings, which is sometimes known by the term "cuckoo" there will occasionally be specimens which either show pure white on the one hand, or are entirely black. It is in this way that many of the varieties have been secured, and the tendency to variation is very great in every kind of poultry."
D. A. Upham's Statement
The following facts would substantiate Mr. Brown's explanation. As first bred, Plymouth Rocks came with the males very light and females very dark in color. We have Mr. Upham's statement that most of the pullets of the Spaulding cross were black and all the cockerels grey, but that he succeeded in finding a certain number of grey pullets to go with a grey cockerel he selected. Rev. D. D. Bishop in his book, "The Development of the Plymouth Rock," calls attention to the light males and darker
females as "the law of Dominique color" and makes this statement: "The most important and striking characteristic that presents itself to a student of Plymouth Rocks is the peculiar difference in the color effect in the two sexes. First, last and always the males come lighter than the females. It is a thing
we must never forget in dealing with this breed. It will beat us if we do but we shall never beat that. It is in the birds, it is the law of this color that the males will not only be several shades lighter in color, but the width of the bars wi1 ! be about one-third of the light spaces between them. It is a very light
pullet that has the space between the bars equal in width to the bars themselves, and from that the spaces grow less all the way down to no space at all, or solid color.
The Editor's Experience and Observations
Moreover, the fact that males from the same matings, even though the matings be restricted to pairs, are of much lighter shades than the females is known to all those who are in the least familiar with the characteristics of Barred Plymouth Rocks. This difference was, in the recollection of the writer, much greater in years past than at the present time. It is, then, reasonable to suppose that in their endeavor to get the females lighter, which endeavor naturally followed where too dark females were in the majority and even black ones sometimes appeared, lighter and lighter matings were used. In fact, within the Editor's recollection, males nearly white in color were used by breeders in their efforts to produce
exhibition pullets of the desired shade. The result was what might have been expected, a few white chicks. As an instance of such an occurrence, a certain mating of Barred Plymouth Rocks made by the Editor in 1895 produced five white chicks, four cockerels and one pullet. During the season, following the advice of a prominent breeder, the male had been changed. No white chicks were produced by the first male, a much darker one than the second, which was very coarsely barred and very light colored. The year previous, the writer saw three white sports in the yards of Mr. D. J. Lambet, of Rhode Island, well known as a breeder of Barred Plymouth Rocks exclusively. The same year another prominent breeder won first, fourth and fifth on White Plymouth Rock cockerels which he said were sports from his Barred Plymouth Rock pullet matings. The Editor assisted him in showing these birds, and
that they were found in the same flock or pen as the pullet breeding Barred Plymouth Rock males, he can attest. Furthermore, these spirts were of the same strain as the five bred by the Editor. That white sports did occur from the lighter or pullet matings was well understood by the breeders of Barred and
White varieties of that period. This much can be noted all species or nearly all have produced an albino, some frequently, others very rarely. An albino from Barred Plymouth Rocks is, for that reason alone, not to be considered an improbability, even though a white ancestry is not proved.
FACTS ABOUT THE ORIGIN
The Originator
The credit for having originated the White Plymouth Rocks has been accorded to Mr. Oscar F. Frost of
Monmouth, Maine. This has been, perhaps, because he was the first to proclaim their appearance. Directly following his admission of their existence, other breeders began to report their presence in their flocks. One breeder in Indianapolis wrote to me prior to 1876, telling of the hatching of white chicks from Barred Plymouth Rocks. I went to see them and induced him, quite against his will, to mature and mate the white chicks. The greater part of all the white chicks obtained from the Barred
Plymouth Rocks came from the Essex or Drake strains, originated through the union of several kinds of fowls.
An Early Account
From "Barred and White Plymouth Rocks," by Joseph Wallace, 1888, we obtain in substance the following account of the foregoing occurrence. Mr. Frost received a pair of these White Plymouth Rocks (sports of Barred Plymouth Rocks) of a neighbor who was breeding the Essex strain of Barred Plymouth Rocks. These he bred the first year and according to several accounts he had a poor looking lot for some years, but finally succeeded in producing very fine flocks of fowls. According to some authorities quoted in that work, 1878 is the date that Mr. Frost started to breed them, though it is generally thought that white sports from Barred Plymouth Rocks had not been an infrequent occurrence. The same author pays this nice tribute to the new variety : "The mind cannot conceive of a more handsome and appropriate companion for the Barred Plymouth Rock than the White Rock. Often in our boyhood days, while reading the stories of Sinbad, the Sailor, in the 'Arabian Nights' Entertainments,' we pictured to ourselves the size, strength and power of flight of that formidable and fortuitous bird, the White Roc, that was capable of lifting elephants from the plains, that rescued so many travelers, heroes, cast-aways and adventurers from the jaws of death, and carried them in its huge talons over seas and mountains to other lands, where pleasure, wealth and beauty
awaited them. Little did we think then that the day would come in our time when the great White Rock of the western world would carry off thousands at a time, not in its talons, but in admiration of its grandeur, beauty and usefulness."
Clamor for Recognition.
Directly following the public announcement of the presence of these fowls, there was a persistent
clamor for recognition as the originators of them, and for the right to name them. This claim was conceded to the person who could prove that he was the first to see and breed them. They were variously named White Plymouth Rocks, Puritans, Dirigos, and other names for the less important strains. The real strife for supremacy came when admission to the Standard of Perfection was sought for them. Then began their official existence, as told in the records of the proceedings of the Indianapolis meeting of the American Poultry Association, January, 1888.
RECOGNITION BY THE AMERICAN POULTRY ASSOCIATION
The Committee on New Breeds reported to the convention Wednesday morning, January 25, 1888, that they would recommend the admission of the White Wyandottes, White Plymouth Rocks, White Minorcas, White Javas and Dirigos. As to the fundamental difference between White Plymouth Rocks and Dirigos, George P. Coffin, of Freeport, Maine, writes as follows : "Replying to your letter of May the 28th, would say the first White Plymouth Rocks that I knew of were those bred by Mr. Oscar F. Frost, Monmouth, Kennebec County, Maine, who is generally considered the originator of the breed. As early as 1880 these were called White Plymouth Rocks, as I remember of my father having some of them when I was a small boy. While I am not positive about the matter, I incline to the belief that the Dirigo was the same strain of birds. The name, Dirgio, which is the motto on the State seal of Maine, would indicate the breed to be of Maine origin. At that time the idea of sports had not come to be understood and there were many of the breeders who doubted the sport origin of the breed. At the same time, as often occurs when a new breed is in the making, others besides the originator attempted by cross-breeding or in other ways to produce birds with similar characteristics, yet with different or partially different blood lines, and then, as sometimes happens, if these birds are bred with the originator's stock, it makes it much more difficult to trace the breed history." Other breeds and varieties were included in that report, a little of which should be mentioned here. The presentation of five new varieties of white fowls for admission to the Standard was a matter of vital importance, and there was considerable opposition to the admission of the White Plymouth Rocks, the Dirigos, and the White Javas. This was because it was plain that there could not be so many kinds, all true to breed characteristics. Ultimately, White Wyandottes, Golden Wyandottes, White Plymouth Rocks, Jersey Blues, White and Black Minorcas and Pea-comb Plymouth Rocks were, all of them, admitted to the Standard under one resolution. Later, a resolution was offered asking for the admission of the Dirigos to the Standard, although they were the same as the White Plymouth Rocks. A memorial was presented to the meeting demanding their admission, and great claims were made for their qualities. An argument developed the fact that Mr. Ferris had first shown these fowls in Bangor in 1875. They were judged and admitted to be the first White Plymouth Rocks ever shown. They came frcm the farm of Mr. Ferris, this being called Dirigo Farm. Mr. Beal, Mr. Ferris and others claimed the credit of originating the fowls and the right of naming them. An attempt was made to read the memorial. This, however, was denied and the document was never admitted to the records of the meeting. I now regret that it was not preserved, although at that time I objected to its admission to the record. It would doubtless reveal some interesting facts concerning the origin of this fowl. The objection raised to the admission of all these fowls was that they had been shown as three separate breeds White Plymouth Rocks, White Javas and Dirigos whereas they were in reality three separate strains only. About the only difference
between them was that the White Plymouth Rocks and Dirigos had yellow shanks; some of the Javas had shanks of willow color like those of the Game Fowls ; still others had yellow shanks. By agreement, both the White Plymouth Rocks and the White Javas were admitted, the White Javas to be disqualified for shanks of any color but yellow. The White Plymouth Rocks were required to have yellow shanks. These disqualifications supplied a method for and influenced a speedy separation
between the two. The White Plymouth Rocks have improved continually since their admission to the Standard, while the White Javas have become obsolete.
The Result of Recognition
The admission of so many white varieties to the Standard of Perfection was the signal for unusual activity among those who bred white-plumaged fowls. This influence extended even to turkeys, ducks and geese. So much was written about them that many who had kept or were keeping other fowls forsook them, and turned to the breeding of white-plumaged fowls. The advocates of the White Plymouth Rock were so ardent and so apt in presenting the merits of that variety to the public that there was a general reaction in favor of them During the years that followed, many efforts were
made in behalf of other varieties, but in the melting pot of public opinion, the White Plymouth Rock has continued to gain until its true value is recognized in every land. It is certainly true that there is no one best breed or variety of fowls ; the best for all is the kind best suited to the needs and pleasure of the one who selects them. The real quality of any breed or variety has been, and will continue to be, built up by the energy and skill of those who breed it. Those who have chosen the White Plymouth Rock have chosen well. They have succeeded in satisfying their ambition as well as in gaining the favor of the general public. However, no one breed or variety ever gains unchallenged supremacy, although the White Plymouth Rock has become a favorite as a fowl for exhibition, for table purposes, and for profitable egg production. (T. T. McG.)
taken from The Plymouth Rock Standard Breed Book
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
COMMON DEFECTS OF PLYMOUTH ROCK SHAPE
Common Defects
The shape description already given of Plymouth Rocks, from the American Standard of Perfection, is that of a perfect bird, and the further original treatise found in this work is merely for the purpose of clarifying and amplifying that found in that more general work. Admittedly, however, no specimen, male or female, is perfect, which means that every specimen is defective in some way in nature and degree ; that is, two individuals may have defects, but of different nature, or they may have the same defect, but in different degrees. One is, then, more defective than another because it has more defects, or because it has greater defects, as the ease may be. It is the purpose of this work to point out the more common defects, and so explain their nature, that they may be readily detected and the seriousness of their nature accurately computed ; also, how to mate, according to the practices of the most successful
breeders of Plymouth Rocks, so that such and such defects of the parents may be eliminated in the progeny.
THE MALE
Comb
The reader is advised to make himself at this point familiar with the nomenclature of the comb and head points. The most noticeable feature of the head is the comb. This, the high point of the head, the
top-piece, and, like the hat on a well dressed man or woman, creates a good or poor impression according to its own quality. Unless harmonious proportions between the comb and the head exist, an unfavorable impression is created immediately. For these reasons breeders pay more attention to it than to any other adjunct of the head. The description in the Standard is clear and is generally understood, but often too much importance is attached to the clause which requires five points, evenly spaced, with the front and rear points a little smaller than the other three, and each of the right length to look proportionate to the base, which should be firm, smooth, straight, free from folds, wrinkles, indentures, or thumb marks.
Carriage of Comb
It is a matter of first importance that the comb should set firmly on the head, as a thin or limber comb
is apt to droop and if a comb droops too much it becomes a disqualification, which clearly intimates that a drooping comb is a serious defect. Turning to one side at either front or rear is also a defect. Thumb marks or wrinkles over the beak are quite serious defects, as the rules for cutting the same clearly show. These faults usually occur when the blade is too large or too heavy. What are expressively termed "beefy" combs are inclined to this fault. Twisted combs are very unsightly and undesirable.
Size Outline
If the features are to be considered in the order in which they affect the appearance of the bird, size and
outline must be next discussed. A comb should not be so large as to look top heavy or coarse. On the contrary, it should not be so small that the male seems effeminate, or that the female appears to lack health or vigor. Refined heads are demanded of both sexes in all Plymouth Rocks. The outline of all combs should be symmetrical ; that is, all parts of the comb, the blade, the base and the points should be in proportion to give proper balance between all these parts.
Base
The base of the comb should be straight, first of all, from front to rear, heavy enough to hold the points from drooping and the blade from turning to one side or the other; though extremely and unnecessarily heavy bases are not wanted, as should be understood from the Standard description. This description
precludes thumb-marks, wrinkles and indentures as mentioned, heretofore.
Blade
The width or depth of the blade should be about the same as the length of the longest points or a little more to give the best setting, and the line formed by the base of the serrations or what might be termed the top-line of the blade should be nearly horizontal, or conforming a little to the top of the skull and at the same time with the outline made by the top of the serrations, and thus help to harmonize all the parts. The blade may be taken as part of the base, and much that has been stated about the latter is true of the former; more than that, it must follow the skull somewhat to give the appearance of setting
on the head gracefully and it should be of such length as to balance with the other parts so that the comb, all in all, completes its symmetrical outline.
Points
These should be five in number and evenly spaced. The front and rear points a little smaller than the other three so as to obtain a regular and symmetrical outline. Besides even spacing, the right proportion in length of points and depth of blade should exist. Of this, the eye is the best judge, rather than a mathematical calculation. As a rule, the blade should be slightly deeper than the length of the points, but sometimes combs that are pronounced good by competent judges have points a trifle longer than the depth of the blade and other good combs have points that are perceptibly shorter. Of
this feature, the first impression given to the practiced eye is usually the correct one. A phenomenon known as the double-point occurs when the serration between two points is not as deep as between the other points of the same comb. Sometimes the serration referred to is very shallow, which gives the appearance of one broad point. This defect destroys all balance between the serrations and the points, and is a most marked blemish when viewed from the side. In order to obtain a thorough understanding of what constitutes an ideal single comb, one should make a careful study of
the life size illustration of a perfect Plymouth Rock male head,
Other Head Adjuncts
Not nearly as much attention is paid to defects of the other appurtenances of the head as to those of
the comb. The shape of the eyes, wattles and lobes are clearly defined in the Standard, but unless they are very noticeably defective in shape, little cutting is practiced. Wattles may be of unequal length even too short, misshapen, coarse in texture but even so, unless very noticeably so, deductions from the score are not often made. Wattles are most often cut for injuries from fighting, freezing, or tearing in one way or another. These are not natural defects and should not be discounted as heavily as though they were. Such injuries mar the good appearance of the bird most seriously. Ear-lobes in Plymouth Rocks are good as a rule and seldom cut for shape.
Skull
Occasionally the head proper, also the beak, is too long and not nearly deep enough, and for these defects are cut, but not heavily numerically, because the allotment to these sections for shape is very small. The following shape sections are important because many of these denote practical qualities or the absence of them.
Neck
First impressions are very often convincing, especially in a large class. One of the most important factors in making an impression is style, and style depends much upon the length and arch in the neck, for the latter gives the head its poise. If lacking in arch, it is usually because the head is carried
too far forward. Note the position of head in ideal illustrations, with front of beak falling vertically back of the front of the breast. The vertical position of the head relative to the front of breast is one of the distinctive breed characteristics in the American class. Length is important ; if the neck is too short, the bird lacks style, and the neck is also probably too thick and has too much arch ; if too long, it is probably too slender and lacks arch. Too long necks generally accompany birds too long in other sections, especially legs. A well-arched, full neck indicates vitality and is desired. Necks of males should carry an abundance of long, flowing hackle feathers. Without these, neck and shoulders will
show an angle at the junction, which should not appear. With long, flowing hackle feathers extending well over shoulders, neck and back seem to merge together, a necessary feature at a vital point in a beautiful top contour.
Wings
The most common fault at the present time in this section is deformed feathers. While this deformity usually takes the form of twisted feathers, other defects such as these are not as unsightly, as the twisted feather or feathers nearly always protrudes more or less. Twisted wings take on several peculiar and abnormal forms. Occasionally the end of the flight or secondaries are affected, and
as in this case the defect is most noticeable. Again, the bone of the wing, at or beyond the joint furthest from the body is turned in so that the flight feathers face wrong side out. Occasionally wings do
not fold together properly, and remain open by the side. This is what is known as a slipped wing. This undesirable phenomenon, known as the slipped wing, has of recent years become common in many strains of purebred fowls. This appears when the flights fold in reverse rather than in the natural order; those nearest the body dropping from their natural position just inside the secondary farthest from the
body and appearing outside of the lower secondaries instead of inside; thus leaving a space between the folded secondaries and the primaries, which give rise to the name "slipped wing" theprimaries have the appearance of having slipped down. The name is applied in such a case whether the primaries are reversed or not. The outside appearance of such a wing is not altogether unlike that of what is known as the split-wing. The latter is, however, different as the flights, though folded, are not covered by the secondaries. This split is caused by the primaries most adjacent to the secondaries or the secondaries, most adjacent to the primaries, taking the wrong direction, with the result that the secondaries fail to cover the flights when folded. If such a wing is spread or open, a space, sometimes a wide one, is noted between the flights and secondaries. In some lines of blood, the flight feathers, instead of being twisted or following the wrong direction, are short and narrow and do not fold properly. Large or long wings are not called for by the Standard, but the wing should be of moderate length, sufficient to reach the saddles in the male, and a corresponding position in the female. They should be well-tucked up and covered by the saddle or back feathers, according to sex. Drooping shoulders indicate a looseness or weakness of the shoulder muscles. Another and equally undesirable defect is of the high or too prominent shoulder with the large wing feathers held at the wrong angle, bringing the points too low. This wing is too large and the point is not tucked up or covered as it should be.
Back
This section affords an opportunity for sharp distinction between the breeds of the American class. Plymouth Rocks' backs should be broad and of moderate length. When joined to a fully feathered, correctly arched neck, and a well-furnished, well-spread tail, carried at the proper angle, the back, with these sections, forms a beautiful top contour. The curves connecting back and neck, and back with tail, are so mild and gradual as to be most graceful and finished. To obtain this pleasing effect, the back must be just as it is described and portrayed in the Standard. Faulty backs, and there are many of them, as it is a hard section to breed as it should be bred, make obviously faulty birds. The back may be too short; this means a short body, and the birds must lack true breed type. Shortness of body means lack of weight or even a greater variance from true type. Too long backs mean too long bodies, and a variance from true type. Such birds are apt to be too flat on the sides as well as on the back. They lack grace and typical carriage. As Plymouth Rocks they are plain and unattractive. Too long backs usually
lack the curve needed, to finish a good specimen, between the back and tail. They are usually too narrow and round from side to side, and again are much more apt to be "roached," that is, have a tendency to make the black line convex rather than concave. Breadth is needed in this section to give the sturdy appearance characteristic of this breed.
Tail
This is one of the most ornamental sections of the bird. Aside from the head, it is the most striking feature of the male. With a beautiful tail, a bird is finished ; but, with the tail lacking or faulty, the specimen is deficient. The tail must be-carried at the proper angle or the beauty of the top contour is marred or entirely lost. If carried too high, the curve between back and tail is destroyed and an unsightly angle substituted. If carried too low, style and the appearance of life and action are gone. Too long tails destroy good balance, because they are out of proportion. They give too much length
to the bird. The tail should be of such dimensions as to length, lateral spread and vertical spread that it balances the head and neck. Pinched tails, or tails that do not spread vertically, are very faulty, as a bird that has one is never finished or balanced. A good spread between the lower or rear pair of feathers, horizontally, is desirable, as without it the body and back appear too narrow. A fully furnished tail is a rare ornament, therefore highly prized by exhibitors. The contour formed by back and tail have so much weight when breed type is determined that it is very nearly impossible to disassociate these two sections.
Breast
The best liked meat of a fowl is found on the breast; therefore, for this reason breasts that carry as much meat as possible and still retain symmetrical lines are desired for all breeds. The descriptive terms, "broad," "deep," "full," are comparative, however, and, when used to describe Plymouth Rocks, refer to Plymouth Rocks only. Breasts are frequently faulty as to shape. Some are too narrow, nearly all are not deep enough. Many are not sufficiently full to present the "front" most breeders like to see. Few breasts are full just in front and above the end of the keel-bone. This defect is very noticeable, as it is one of the first points of observation, if not the very first, when in the show coop. By the above description we are led to expect a breast outlined by a series of broad, symmetrical curves from side to side, merging into the body on either side with no sharp line of distinction between the sides of the breast and the sides of the body. The same description holds nearly true when applied vertically. In this direction the breast should be full and round. The breast should be deep, so that it forms a broad, widecurve from top to bottom which gradually merges into the line of the body formed by the bottom of the keel-bone. Thus, both horizontally and vertically, the outline of the breast should make
a broad, symmetrical curve that merges into the body without breaks or apparent angles.
Body and Fluff
Technically, body does not refer to the whole carcass, as in common phraseology. It refers in this connection merely to the lower part of body extending back from the front end of the keel-bone. The fluff is composed of the small, soft feathers found between and to the rear of the thighs, though the body feathers at rear of the thighs are often spoken of as such. The body must have depth, breadth and length. Defects in one or all of these three dimensions are common. Defects in body shape are found more often in the front than in the rear. Shallow breasts are often associated with shallow bodies, especially in front of the thigh. Very often, too, the body, in front of the thighs is too short. Neither must it be too long, for the body must be well balanced. Keel-bones that are too short in front of the thighs carry breasts that lack in fullness. Narrow bodies are generally accompanied by narrow backs
that are often long, flat lengthwise, and what are termed "ridgy,"that is, too much rounded on the sides.
Shanks and Toes
Legs that are set well apart, shanks that have plenty of bone, but are not over large and coarse, are desired, because they indicate strength and vitality. Shanks that are rather large and strong are found only with large and strong specimens. Breadth in back and body indicates a strong constitution, and legs that support a broad body are set well apart. The toes on each leg are generally stout, straight and
comparatively short. Crookedness is the most common defect in toes. Sometimes this is accidental, but more often it may be regarded as one of the surest signs of inherent weakness. When the general appearance of a bird confirms this symptom, the akinship of the opposite sex should be carefully considered.
THE FEMALE
In but a few sections does the shape of the female so radically differ from that of the male that it requires a different treatise. What follows applies to those sections.
Comb
The description of comb for male and female coincides, except that the comb of the female is much smaller. A female comb may easily be too large, and while small combs are preferred, they should not be so small as to be difficult to observe, in which case this may indicate constitutional or sexual weakness, which is, however, readily determined in other ways.
Head and Adjuncts
These sections differ in size only.
Neck
In this section the feathers differ in character and form, one of the most noticeable sex differences in most varieties. In some breeds hen-feathered males are disqualified, the presence or absence of long, narrow hackle feathers is one of the tests that distinguish between properly feathered and hen-feathered
males. In shape, the neck of the female is shorter comparatively, and not as heavy and is not as fully arched as those of the males.
Back
Here, also, we find the same difference in the construction of the male and female feather. The long feathers from the saddle or back of a male, called expressively saddlehangers, are not found on females or hen-feathered males. (Henfeathered males occur only in a few breeds, and only sufficiently often to be considered.) These differences of feather construction between males and females creates also a different conformation of back in the two sexes. The variation, however, is more of degree than kind. The concave is not as sharp, as the back lacks the long, ornamental saddle feathers and tail coverts of the male, and the concave curve is not nearly as short. On this account and because of the lower carriage of the tail, the body of the female appears longer than that of the male, and the effect is that of a rather long, broad, straight back, rising very gradually in a slightly depressed incline to the tail.
Tail
This section affords opportunity for distinction between male and female. The long, curving sickles, smaller sickles, and tail coverts of the male are of a different character from any feathers found on the female. The tail of the female is carried at a five degree lower angle than with the male and
appears even lower because of the difference in character of the tail furnishings. The tail may possess the same defects as the tail of the male, but it should have the same good qualities ; namely, well spread base, of sufficient width vertically to avoid a pinched appearance, and should be furnished with an abundance of tail coverts of the same general character as the feathers of the back, though both
broader and longer.
Slow-Feathering
Of late years some lines are slow in feathering. The reason for the development of this phenomena is
not known, but some breeders have observed that slow feathering has made its appearance coincident with the fine barring. It has been observed, too, that fine barring and narrow feathers are intimately associated. The two facts have led to the idea that when breeding for fine barring, narrow feathers are also bred, and by so doing, unwittingly, feather producing tendencies are reduced. The effect of slow feathering and of feathers that do not grow normally or are of irregular formation upon the shape of
the fowls and especially upon the shape and appearance of such ections as wings and tail is considerable.
Type vs. Shape
Usually about the same ideas occur to us whether we hear the word "type" or the word "shape." However, they may or may not convey the same meaning. Shape may be more specific, as when used with reference to a part of the bird ; that is, to one section or perhaps to more than one ; while type, as generally used, refers to the bird as a whole. We have distinctions here, also, as breed types and commercial types ; that is, types designated according to adaptability for certain uses ; as egg-types, meat-types, general- or dual-purpose types, ornamental types, etc.
Faulty Types
We speak of a bird as having faulty shape when one or more sections are defective ; of having faulty type when one or more sections are defective in such a way as to change the typical appearance of the bird from one breed-type to another. A Plymouth Rock female by a combination of faulty back and leg shape might become more of a Wyandotte than a Rock ; that is, if too short in both sections ; by faulty back and body shape, more the character of the Rhode Island Red, if too long and flat in back and too shallow in body ; a Plymouth Rock that was too broad and deep in body and short in legs might assume somewhat of the Cochin type. But enough has been related to show the importance of correct type in the bird as a whole, and what is necessary to secure it good shape in every section.
taken From The Plymouth Rock Standard Breed book
The shape description already given of Plymouth Rocks, from the American Standard of Perfection, is that of a perfect bird, and the further original treatise found in this work is merely for the purpose of clarifying and amplifying that found in that more general work. Admittedly, however, no specimen, male or female, is perfect, which means that every specimen is defective in some way in nature and degree ; that is, two individuals may have defects, but of different nature, or they may have the same defect, but in different degrees. One is, then, more defective than another because it has more defects, or because it has greater defects, as the ease may be. It is the purpose of this work to point out the more common defects, and so explain their nature, that they may be readily detected and the seriousness of their nature accurately computed ; also, how to mate, according to the practices of the most successful
breeders of Plymouth Rocks, so that such and such defects of the parents may be eliminated in the progeny.
THE MALE
Comb
The reader is advised to make himself at this point familiar with the nomenclature of the comb and head points. The most noticeable feature of the head is the comb. This, the high point of the head, the
top-piece, and, like the hat on a well dressed man or woman, creates a good or poor impression according to its own quality. Unless harmonious proportions between the comb and the head exist, an unfavorable impression is created immediately. For these reasons breeders pay more attention to it than to any other adjunct of the head. The description in the Standard is clear and is generally understood, but often too much importance is attached to the clause which requires five points, evenly spaced, with the front and rear points a little smaller than the other three, and each of the right length to look proportionate to the base, which should be firm, smooth, straight, free from folds, wrinkles, indentures, or thumb marks.
Carriage of Comb
It is a matter of first importance that the comb should set firmly on the head, as a thin or limber comb
is apt to droop and if a comb droops too much it becomes a disqualification, which clearly intimates that a drooping comb is a serious defect. Turning to one side at either front or rear is also a defect. Thumb marks or wrinkles over the beak are quite serious defects, as the rules for cutting the same clearly show. These faults usually occur when the blade is too large or too heavy. What are expressively termed "beefy" combs are inclined to this fault. Twisted combs are very unsightly and undesirable.
Size Outline
If the features are to be considered in the order in which they affect the appearance of the bird, size and
outline must be next discussed. A comb should not be so large as to look top heavy or coarse. On the contrary, it should not be so small that the male seems effeminate, or that the female appears to lack health or vigor. Refined heads are demanded of both sexes in all Plymouth Rocks. The outline of all combs should be symmetrical ; that is, all parts of the comb, the blade, the base and the points should be in proportion to give proper balance between all these parts.
Base
The base of the comb should be straight, first of all, from front to rear, heavy enough to hold the points from drooping and the blade from turning to one side or the other; though extremely and unnecessarily heavy bases are not wanted, as should be understood from the Standard description. This description
precludes thumb-marks, wrinkles and indentures as mentioned, heretofore.
Blade
The width or depth of the blade should be about the same as the length of the longest points or a little more to give the best setting, and the line formed by the base of the serrations or what might be termed the top-line of the blade should be nearly horizontal, or conforming a little to the top of the skull and at the same time with the outline made by the top of the serrations, and thus help to harmonize all the parts. The blade may be taken as part of the base, and much that has been stated about the latter is true of the former; more than that, it must follow the skull somewhat to give the appearance of setting
on the head gracefully and it should be of such length as to balance with the other parts so that the comb, all in all, completes its symmetrical outline.
Points
These should be five in number and evenly spaced. The front and rear points a little smaller than the other three so as to obtain a regular and symmetrical outline. Besides even spacing, the right proportion in length of points and depth of blade should exist. Of this, the eye is the best judge, rather than a mathematical calculation. As a rule, the blade should be slightly deeper than the length of the points, but sometimes combs that are pronounced good by competent judges have points a trifle longer than the depth of the blade and other good combs have points that are perceptibly shorter. Of
this feature, the first impression given to the practiced eye is usually the correct one. A phenomenon known as the double-point occurs when the serration between two points is not as deep as between the other points of the same comb. Sometimes the serration referred to is very shallow, which gives the appearance of one broad point. This defect destroys all balance between the serrations and the points, and is a most marked blemish when viewed from the side. In order to obtain a thorough understanding of what constitutes an ideal single comb, one should make a careful study of
the life size illustration of a perfect Plymouth Rock male head,
Other Head Adjuncts
Not nearly as much attention is paid to defects of the other appurtenances of the head as to those of
the comb. The shape of the eyes, wattles and lobes are clearly defined in the Standard, but unless they are very noticeably defective in shape, little cutting is practiced. Wattles may be of unequal length even too short, misshapen, coarse in texture but even so, unless very noticeably so, deductions from the score are not often made. Wattles are most often cut for injuries from fighting, freezing, or tearing in one way or another. These are not natural defects and should not be discounted as heavily as though they were. Such injuries mar the good appearance of the bird most seriously. Ear-lobes in Plymouth Rocks are good as a rule and seldom cut for shape.
Skull
Occasionally the head proper, also the beak, is too long and not nearly deep enough, and for these defects are cut, but not heavily numerically, because the allotment to these sections for shape is very small. The following shape sections are important because many of these denote practical qualities or the absence of them.
Neck
First impressions are very often convincing, especially in a large class. One of the most important factors in making an impression is style, and style depends much upon the length and arch in the neck, for the latter gives the head its poise. If lacking in arch, it is usually because the head is carried
too far forward. Note the position of head in ideal illustrations, with front of beak falling vertically back of the front of the breast. The vertical position of the head relative to the front of breast is one of the distinctive breed characteristics in the American class. Length is important ; if the neck is too short, the bird lacks style, and the neck is also probably too thick and has too much arch ; if too long, it is probably too slender and lacks arch. Too long necks generally accompany birds too long in other sections, especially legs. A well-arched, full neck indicates vitality and is desired. Necks of males should carry an abundance of long, flowing hackle feathers. Without these, neck and shoulders will
show an angle at the junction, which should not appear. With long, flowing hackle feathers extending well over shoulders, neck and back seem to merge together, a necessary feature at a vital point in a beautiful top contour.
Wings
The most common fault at the present time in this section is deformed feathers. While this deformity usually takes the form of twisted feathers, other defects such as these are not as unsightly, as the twisted feather or feathers nearly always protrudes more or less. Twisted wings take on several peculiar and abnormal forms. Occasionally the end of the flight or secondaries are affected, and
as in this case the defect is most noticeable. Again, the bone of the wing, at or beyond the joint furthest from the body is turned in so that the flight feathers face wrong side out. Occasionally wings do
not fold together properly, and remain open by the side. This is what is known as a slipped wing. This undesirable phenomenon, known as the slipped wing, has of recent years become common in many strains of purebred fowls. This appears when the flights fold in reverse rather than in the natural order; those nearest the body dropping from their natural position just inside the secondary farthest from the
body and appearing outside of the lower secondaries instead of inside; thus leaving a space between the folded secondaries and the primaries, which give rise to the name "slipped wing" theprimaries have the appearance of having slipped down. The name is applied in such a case whether the primaries are reversed or not. The outside appearance of such a wing is not altogether unlike that of what is known as the split-wing. The latter is, however, different as the flights, though folded, are not covered by the secondaries. This split is caused by the primaries most adjacent to the secondaries or the secondaries, most adjacent to the primaries, taking the wrong direction, with the result that the secondaries fail to cover the flights when folded. If such a wing is spread or open, a space, sometimes a wide one, is noted between the flights and secondaries. In some lines of blood, the flight feathers, instead of being twisted or following the wrong direction, are short and narrow and do not fold properly. Large or long wings are not called for by the Standard, but the wing should be of moderate length, sufficient to reach the saddles in the male, and a corresponding position in the female. They should be well-tucked up and covered by the saddle or back feathers, according to sex. Drooping shoulders indicate a looseness or weakness of the shoulder muscles. Another and equally undesirable defect is of the high or too prominent shoulder with the large wing feathers held at the wrong angle, bringing the points too low. This wing is too large and the point is not tucked up or covered as it should be.
Back
This section affords an opportunity for sharp distinction between the breeds of the American class. Plymouth Rocks' backs should be broad and of moderate length. When joined to a fully feathered, correctly arched neck, and a well-furnished, well-spread tail, carried at the proper angle, the back, with these sections, forms a beautiful top contour. The curves connecting back and neck, and back with tail, are so mild and gradual as to be most graceful and finished. To obtain this pleasing effect, the back must be just as it is described and portrayed in the Standard. Faulty backs, and there are many of them, as it is a hard section to breed as it should be bred, make obviously faulty birds. The back may be too short; this means a short body, and the birds must lack true breed type. Shortness of body means lack of weight or even a greater variance from true type. Too long backs mean too long bodies, and a variance from true type. Such birds are apt to be too flat on the sides as well as on the back. They lack grace and typical carriage. As Plymouth Rocks they are plain and unattractive. Too long backs usually
lack the curve needed, to finish a good specimen, between the back and tail. They are usually too narrow and round from side to side, and again are much more apt to be "roached," that is, have a tendency to make the black line convex rather than concave. Breadth is needed in this section to give the sturdy appearance characteristic of this breed.
Tail
This is one of the most ornamental sections of the bird. Aside from the head, it is the most striking feature of the male. With a beautiful tail, a bird is finished ; but, with the tail lacking or faulty, the specimen is deficient. The tail must be-carried at the proper angle or the beauty of the top contour is marred or entirely lost. If carried too high, the curve between back and tail is destroyed and an unsightly angle substituted. If carried too low, style and the appearance of life and action are gone. Too long tails destroy good balance, because they are out of proportion. They give too much length
to the bird. The tail should be of such dimensions as to length, lateral spread and vertical spread that it balances the head and neck. Pinched tails, or tails that do not spread vertically, are very faulty, as a bird that has one is never finished or balanced. A good spread between the lower or rear pair of feathers, horizontally, is desirable, as without it the body and back appear too narrow. A fully furnished tail is a rare ornament, therefore highly prized by exhibitors. The contour formed by back and tail have so much weight when breed type is determined that it is very nearly impossible to disassociate these two sections.
Breast
The best liked meat of a fowl is found on the breast; therefore, for this reason breasts that carry as much meat as possible and still retain symmetrical lines are desired for all breeds. The descriptive terms, "broad," "deep," "full," are comparative, however, and, when used to describe Plymouth Rocks, refer to Plymouth Rocks only. Breasts are frequently faulty as to shape. Some are too narrow, nearly all are not deep enough. Many are not sufficiently full to present the "front" most breeders like to see. Few breasts are full just in front and above the end of the keel-bone. This defect is very noticeable, as it is one of the first points of observation, if not the very first, when in the show coop. By the above description we are led to expect a breast outlined by a series of broad, symmetrical curves from side to side, merging into the body on either side with no sharp line of distinction between the sides of the breast and the sides of the body. The same description holds nearly true when applied vertically. In this direction the breast should be full and round. The breast should be deep, so that it forms a broad, widecurve from top to bottom which gradually merges into the line of the body formed by the bottom of the keel-bone. Thus, both horizontally and vertically, the outline of the breast should make
a broad, symmetrical curve that merges into the body without breaks or apparent angles.
Body and Fluff
Technically, body does not refer to the whole carcass, as in common phraseology. It refers in this connection merely to the lower part of body extending back from the front end of the keel-bone. The fluff is composed of the small, soft feathers found between and to the rear of the thighs, though the body feathers at rear of the thighs are often spoken of as such. The body must have depth, breadth and length. Defects in one or all of these three dimensions are common. Defects in body shape are found more often in the front than in the rear. Shallow breasts are often associated with shallow bodies, especially in front of the thigh. Very often, too, the body, in front of the thighs is too short. Neither must it be too long, for the body must be well balanced. Keel-bones that are too short in front of the thighs carry breasts that lack in fullness. Narrow bodies are generally accompanied by narrow backs
that are often long, flat lengthwise, and what are termed "ridgy,"that is, too much rounded on the sides.
Shanks and Toes
Legs that are set well apart, shanks that have plenty of bone, but are not over large and coarse, are desired, because they indicate strength and vitality. Shanks that are rather large and strong are found only with large and strong specimens. Breadth in back and body indicates a strong constitution, and legs that support a broad body are set well apart. The toes on each leg are generally stout, straight and
comparatively short. Crookedness is the most common defect in toes. Sometimes this is accidental, but more often it may be regarded as one of the surest signs of inherent weakness. When the general appearance of a bird confirms this symptom, the akinship of the opposite sex should be carefully considered.
THE FEMALE
In but a few sections does the shape of the female so radically differ from that of the male that it requires a different treatise. What follows applies to those sections.
Comb
The description of comb for male and female coincides, except that the comb of the female is much smaller. A female comb may easily be too large, and while small combs are preferred, they should not be so small as to be difficult to observe, in which case this may indicate constitutional or sexual weakness, which is, however, readily determined in other ways.
Head and Adjuncts
These sections differ in size only.
Neck
In this section the feathers differ in character and form, one of the most noticeable sex differences in most varieties. In some breeds hen-feathered males are disqualified, the presence or absence of long, narrow hackle feathers is one of the tests that distinguish between properly feathered and hen-feathered
males. In shape, the neck of the female is shorter comparatively, and not as heavy and is not as fully arched as those of the males.
Back
Here, also, we find the same difference in the construction of the male and female feather. The long feathers from the saddle or back of a male, called expressively saddlehangers, are not found on females or hen-feathered males. (Henfeathered males occur only in a few breeds, and only sufficiently often to be considered.) These differences of feather construction between males and females creates also a different conformation of back in the two sexes. The variation, however, is more of degree than kind. The concave is not as sharp, as the back lacks the long, ornamental saddle feathers and tail coverts of the male, and the concave curve is not nearly as short. On this account and because of the lower carriage of the tail, the body of the female appears longer than that of the male, and the effect is that of a rather long, broad, straight back, rising very gradually in a slightly depressed incline to the tail.
Tail
This section affords opportunity for distinction between male and female. The long, curving sickles, smaller sickles, and tail coverts of the male are of a different character from any feathers found on the female. The tail of the female is carried at a five degree lower angle than with the male and
appears even lower because of the difference in character of the tail furnishings. The tail may possess the same defects as the tail of the male, but it should have the same good qualities ; namely, well spread base, of sufficient width vertically to avoid a pinched appearance, and should be furnished with an abundance of tail coverts of the same general character as the feathers of the back, though both
broader and longer.
Slow-Feathering
Of late years some lines are slow in feathering. The reason for the development of this phenomena is
not known, but some breeders have observed that slow feathering has made its appearance coincident with the fine barring. It has been observed, too, that fine barring and narrow feathers are intimately associated. The two facts have led to the idea that when breeding for fine barring, narrow feathers are also bred, and by so doing, unwittingly, feather producing tendencies are reduced. The effect of slow feathering and of feathers that do not grow normally or are of irregular formation upon the shape of
the fowls and especially upon the shape and appearance of such ections as wings and tail is considerable.
Type vs. Shape
Usually about the same ideas occur to us whether we hear the word "type" or the word "shape." However, they may or may not convey the same meaning. Shape may be more specific, as when used with reference to a part of the bird ; that is, to one section or perhaps to more than one ; while type, as generally used, refers to the bird as a whole. We have distinctions here, also, as breed types and commercial types ; that is, types designated according to adaptability for certain uses ; as egg-types, meat-types, general- or dual-purpose types, ornamental types, etc.
Faulty Types
We speak of a bird as having faulty shape when one or more sections are defective ; of having faulty type when one or more sections are defective in such a way as to change the typical appearance of the bird from one breed-type to another. A Plymouth Rock female by a combination of faulty back and leg shape might become more of a Wyandotte than a Rock ; that is, if too short in both sections ; by faulty back and body shape, more the character of the Rhode Island Red, if too long and flat in back and too shallow in body ; a Plymouth Rock that was too broad and deep in body and short in legs might assume somewhat of the Cochin type. But enough has been related to show the importance of correct type in the bird as a whole, and what is necessary to secure it good shape in every section.
taken From The Plymouth Rock Standard Breed book
Saturday, November 20, 2010
PRINCIPLES OF BREEDING FROM POULTRYMAN'S STANDPOINT
Whatever progress has been made in the development of different races of fowls, and from the Jungle Fowl to nearly one hundred and fifty distinct varieties, all of which have distinguishable and distinct symbols of beauty, marks as great progress as has been accomplished in any branch of animal breeding, has been the result of the application of only a few elementary and fundamental principles.
"Like Begets Like"
Upon this principle as a foundation has rested the entire structure of standard-bred poultry breeding.
Coupled together with another principle quite as elementary and possibly quite as fundamental, namely, that defects in one parent may be corrected by selecting for the parent of the opposite sex one that excels in the same character in which the first was defective, or one that fails in the same character as the first, but in the opposite direction, it is responsible for the progress made thus far.
This amounts to the following precepts : When two birds of the opposite sex having like characters are mated, the progeny will be like the parents with respect to these like characters; when the characters are unlike in the parents, these characters in the progeny will vary between the extremes exemplified by the parents, with a tendency for the greater number of the progeny to show a mean between these extremes. Together these simple rules account for the development of the different breeds, the creation of the new varieties of the same breed, and the improvement and development of those varieties already established
Why Like Begets Like
Of this precept no fundamental or scientific explanation can be offered. It is accepted as an axiom
to a certain extent, though to the full extent it does not, perhaps, quite conform to modern theories. It is as fundamentally true in the breeding 'of all other forms of life as in the breeding of poultry. One of the first facts that any student of either plant or animal life observes is that every seed produces after its
kind. The maxim "like begets like," then, is in a general way axiomatically proved. In animal breeding, the reproducting sex cannot fertilize itself, hence the proof of the maxim in its entirety cannot be expected. Breeders of poultry go this far, however, when male and female alike in certain particulars are mated together, that it is expected that the progeny will be like the parents in these particulars. For instance, when a male and female both have a comb with five points, a majority of the chicks from the pair would be expected to have five-pointed combs. What deviation did occur would be attributed to the ancestry of one or the other, or both, of the parents. Another example, specimens of the four-toed variety mated together produce four-toed varieties in all cases, while those of the five-toed variety when mated together produce five-toed chicks in nearly all cases. The same applies when two specimens of the opposite sex with reddish-bay eyes are mated together. Deviation would be accounted for by those of the ancestors that did not have red eyes.
To Offset Defects
As an example of the second principle in general use by poultry breeders everywhere, that of correcting a defect by mating with specimens of the opposite sex that fail in the opposite direction, a male with a four-point comb, one point short of standard requirement, would be mated with a
female with six points on her comb, and vice versa. If one of the mated pair had light eyes, it would be mated to a specimen with very dark reddish-bay or even with deep red eyes. A specimen of a breed which is required to have five toes that has but four would be considered so faulty that it would not be used as a breeder; it is a disqualified bird. It is just as serious a matter when the specimen of the four-toed variety has five toes. It is discarded for the same reason. In many cases this principle is modified to the extent of mating birds that are faulty in certain respects to the opposite sex that are as near perfection as it is possible to obtain. Faults may not be corrected as speedily in this way as by the other, but the method is more secure in the long run, because it is better that the fowls should inherit one excellent feature than two faults, even though they be of opposite tendencies.
Pedigrees
Broadly speaking, these rules for mating have been very largely depended upon by breeders of standard-bred poultry, whether for exhibition or commercial purposes. In practice, the pedigrees for many generations are also usually kept to help the breeder in applying these precepts, especially of
the male side, as that is much more easily recorded than the female side, though when a line of heavy egg-producers are sought, the record of the dam becomes paramount and is invariably kept as it is, or should be, in the female line when double matings are used to produce exhibition specimens. Pedigrees
are ot great assistance, especially if the characteristics of each generation can be kept in mind, because the more generations in which a certain character appears the more fixed this character becomes, whether it is meritorious or defective. Word descriptions, feathers and photographs of each sire
and dam are the most common means of keeping the individuality of each generation in mind, some depending upon one or two ways, while others use all three. However it is done, it is essential, not only to know the pedigree for several generations, but it is equally essential to have an accurate recollection of each sire and dam for a number of generations, as it is the only way to know how the line is producing for this or for that desired quality.
Uniformity
Uniformity is also desired, not only in each breeding pen, but in the ancestry as well. The more the chicks resemble the parents and the parents resemble their parents, the greater is the proportion of exhibition birds to be found in the flocks year after year, provided, of course, that the early ancestry
was such. The desire on the part of breeders has been to produce uniformity in their flocks, and to do so, they have often bred from single pairs of birds, though the same results may be accomplished by keeping a record of both sire and dam, even though more than one female is allowed with the male ; the offspring are then full brothers and sisters, or half-brothers and sisters, and can be recorded as such. By this method of mating closely related individuals, but few generations are required to establish most uniform flocks, the quality of which is, however, determined largely by the quality of the parent stock and the breeder's knowledge of this particular line of birds, and his skill in properly weighing the power of transmission of each individual.
Prepotency
The power, which it is admitted some birds possess and some do not, to transmit their own characteristics to their offspring is called prepotency. In reality, it may be said to be the difference in the ability or power to transmit that exists between the parents. We sometimes hear of an application differing slightly from the above, because there is occasionally an individual that is so very prepotent that one or more of its prominent characteristics are distinguishable in the progeny for several
generations. In such instances, the individual that originally possessed and first transmitted this characteristic is often spoken of as being very prepotent. The most generally accepted theory of explanation has been that by constantly selecting and breeding specimens with certain characteristics, these characteristics become fixed in the progeny, and after a certain number of generations, more or less, the aforementioned characteristics are transmitted in a remarkable degree by certain individuals.
The qualities transmitted vary. That is, a bird may be prepotent in certain characters and fail to transmit others. One bird might transmit its constitutional vigor, or the shape of comb only, while some birds impress their characteristics so generally and perfectly upon their offspring that we note a general
resemblance to the parent of the same sex. It is not uncommon for an individual of wonderful constitution and vigor to throw several offspring bearing a striking resemblance to the parent in a single season.
The Value of Prepotency
The value of prepotency can hardly be overestimated. When that quality is possessed by a female of high egg-producing capacity, its worth increases with each generation, according to the egg-producing capacity, and as the number of the descendants in the flocks increase.
Male One-Half the Flock
And then, if the foregoing is true, how important an asset prepotency must be in any male which,
because he exercises his share of influence upon each and every female with which he mates, is obviously one-half the flock. If the male is of unusual merit, or especially if he possesses more merit than the average of the females associated with him, and if through his ability to transmit his own characteristics he exercises such an influence upon the progeny that he becomes more
than one-half of the flock, we can readily see the advantage of prepotency in such males.
Sex Control of Characters
Breeders generally prize prepotency in a male. Ample explanation has been offered by pointing
out how the male is one-half the flock. There is, too, the growing belief that the male is responsible for certain qualities, but opinions as to just which ones differ materially. Some think the male has most influence upon color and head points, while the female controls the shape of body, etc. But it must be admitted that no tangible proof of these various opinions can be secured.
Constitutional Vigor
That constitutional vigor is a vital factor in all branches of poultry husbandry will undoubtedly
have been inferred from several of the foregoing passages. The necessity of that quality described by such terms as health, vigor, stamina, hardiness, ruggedness and several more, perhaps, is so
generally understood and recognized that it requires little more than passing notice here.
It is also thoroughly understood that this quality is just as vitally essential in the yards of the most exclusive fancier, who rears but a few choice birds each season, as on the farm of the commercial breeder who raises his flock for the number of eggs it produces or the number of pounds of flesh ; the first cannot perpetuate his flock to reincarnate the ideals of his dreams, the second cannot produce the eggs or the pounds of flesh without fowls of rugged constitutions, which must prevail in the stock.
To maintain health in a flock and to hatch chicks that inherit a strong vital force, weak birds must not be admitted to the breeding yards. That is, to maintain constitutional vigor in your flock, select as breeders those birds that possess that essential quality. The strongest constitutions may be undermined by injudicious feeding, by undue exposures, poor sanitation and poor management
generally. These are topics taken up in at a later date.
From the Plymouth Rock Standard Breed Book
"Like Begets Like"
Upon this principle as a foundation has rested the entire structure of standard-bred poultry breeding.
Coupled together with another principle quite as elementary and possibly quite as fundamental, namely, that defects in one parent may be corrected by selecting for the parent of the opposite sex one that excels in the same character in which the first was defective, or one that fails in the same character as the first, but in the opposite direction, it is responsible for the progress made thus far.
This amounts to the following precepts : When two birds of the opposite sex having like characters are mated, the progeny will be like the parents with respect to these like characters; when the characters are unlike in the parents, these characters in the progeny will vary between the extremes exemplified by the parents, with a tendency for the greater number of the progeny to show a mean between these extremes. Together these simple rules account for the development of the different breeds, the creation of the new varieties of the same breed, and the improvement and development of those varieties already established
Why Like Begets Like
Of this precept no fundamental or scientific explanation can be offered. It is accepted as an axiom
to a certain extent, though to the full extent it does not, perhaps, quite conform to modern theories. It is as fundamentally true in the breeding 'of all other forms of life as in the breeding of poultry. One of the first facts that any student of either plant or animal life observes is that every seed produces after its
kind. The maxim "like begets like," then, is in a general way axiomatically proved. In animal breeding, the reproducting sex cannot fertilize itself, hence the proof of the maxim in its entirety cannot be expected. Breeders of poultry go this far, however, when male and female alike in certain particulars are mated together, that it is expected that the progeny will be like the parents in these particulars. For instance, when a male and female both have a comb with five points, a majority of the chicks from the pair would be expected to have five-pointed combs. What deviation did occur would be attributed to the ancestry of one or the other, or both, of the parents. Another example, specimens of the four-toed variety mated together produce four-toed varieties in all cases, while those of the five-toed variety when mated together produce five-toed chicks in nearly all cases. The same applies when two specimens of the opposite sex with reddish-bay eyes are mated together. Deviation would be accounted for by those of the ancestors that did not have red eyes.
To Offset Defects
As an example of the second principle in general use by poultry breeders everywhere, that of correcting a defect by mating with specimens of the opposite sex that fail in the opposite direction, a male with a four-point comb, one point short of standard requirement, would be mated with a
female with six points on her comb, and vice versa. If one of the mated pair had light eyes, it would be mated to a specimen with very dark reddish-bay or even with deep red eyes. A specimen of a breed which is required to have five toes that has but four would be considered so faulty that it would not be used as a breeder; it is a disqualified bird. It is just as serious a matter when the specimen of the four-toed variety has five toes. It is discarded for the same reason. In many cases this principle is modified to the extent of mating birds that are faulty in certain respects to the opposite sex that are as near perfection as it is possible to obtain. Faults may not be corrected as speedily in this way as by the other, but the method is more secure in the long run, because it is better that the fowls should inherit one excellent feature than two faults, even though they be of opposite tendencies.
Pedigrees
Broadly speaking, these rules for mating have been very largely depended upon by breeders of standard-bred poultry, whether for exhibition or commercial purposes. In practice, the pedigrees for many generations are also usually kept to help the breeder in applying these precepts, especially of
the male side, as that is much more easily recorded than the female side, though when a line of heavy egg-producers are sought, the record of the dam becomes paramount and is invariably kept as it is, or should be, in the female line when double matings are used to produce exhibition specimens. Pedigrees
are ot great assistance, especially if the characteristics of each generation can be kept in mind, because the more generations in which a certain character appears the more fixed this character becomes, whether it is meritorious or defective. Word descriptions, feathers and photographs of each sire
and dam are the most common means of keeping the individuality of each generation in mind, some depending upon one or two ways, while others use all three. However it is done, it is essential, not only to know the pedigree for several generations, but it is equally essential to have an accurate recollection of each sire and dam for a number of generations, as it is the only way to know how the line is producing for this or for that desired quality.
Uniformity
Uniformity is also desired, not only in each breeding pen, but in the ancestry as well. The more the chicks resemble the parents and the parents resemble their parents, the greater is the proportion of exhibition birds to be found in the flocks year after year, provided, of course, that the early ancestry
was such. The desire on the part of breeders has been to produce uniformity in their flocks, and to do so, they have often bred from single pairs of birds, though the same results may be accomplished by keeping a record of both sire and dam, even though more than one female is allowed with the male ; the offspring are then full brothers and sisters, or half-brothers and sisters, and can be recorded as such. By this method of mating closely related individuals, but few generations are required to establish most uniform flocks, the quality of which is, however, determined largely by the quality of the parent stock and the breeder's knowledge of this particular line of birds, and his skill in properly weighing the power of transmission of each individual.
Prepotency
The power, which it is admitted some birds possess and some do not, to transmit their own characteristics to their offspring is called prepotency. In reality, it may be said to be the difference in the ability or power to transmit that exists between the parents. We sometimes hear of an application differing slightly from the above, because there is occasionally an individual that is so very prepotent that one or more of its prominent characteristics are distinguishable in the progeny for several
generations. In such instances, the individual that originally possessed and first transmitted this characteristic is often spoken of as being very prepotent. The most generally accepted theory of explanation has been that by constantly selecting and breeding specimens with certain characteristics, these characteristics become fixed in the progeny, and after a certain number of generations, more or less, the aforementioned characteristics are transmitted in a remarkable degree by certain individuals.
The qualities transmitted vary. That is, a bird may be prepotent in certain characters and fail to transmit others. One bird might transmit its constitutional vigor, or the shape of comb only, while some birds impress their characteristics so generally and perfectly upon their offspring that we note a general
resemblance to the parent of the same sex. It is not uncommon for an individual of wonderful constitution and vigor to throw several offspring bearing a striking resemblance to the parent in a single season.
The Value of Prepotency
The value of prepotency can hardly be overestimated. When that quality is possessed by a female of high egg-producing capacity, its worth increases with each generation, according to the egg-producing capacity, and as the number of the descendants in the flocks increase.
Male One-Half the Flock
And then, if the foregoing is true, how important an asset prepotency must be in any male which,
because he exercises his share of influence upon each and every female with which he mates, is obviously one-half the flock. If the male is of unusual merit, or especially if he possesses more merit than the average of the females associated with him, and if through his ability to transmit his own characteristics he exercises such an influence upon the progeny that he becomes more
than one-half of the flock, we can readily see the advantage of prepotency in such males.
Sex Control of Characters
Breeders generally prize prepotency in a male. Ample explanation has been offered by pointing
out how the male is one-half the flock. There is, too, the growing belief that the male is responsible for certain qualities, but opinions as to just which ones differ materially. Some think the male has most influence upon color and head points, while the female controls the shape of body, etc. But it must be admitted that no tangible proof of these various opinions can be secured.
Constitutional Vigor
That constitutional vigor is a vital factor in all branches of poultry husbandry will undoubtedly
have been inferred from several of the foregoing passages. The necessity of that quality described by such terms as health, vigor, stamina, hardiness, ruggedness and several more, perhaps, is so
generally understood and recognized that it requires little more than passing notice here.
It is also thoroughly understood that this quality is just as vitally essential in the yards of the most exclusive fancier, who rears but a few choice birds each season, as on the farm of the commercial breeder who raises his flock for the number of eggs it produces or the number of pounds of flesh ; the first cannot perpetuate his flock to reincarnate the ideals of his dreams, the second cannot produce the eggs or the pounds of flesh without fowls of rugged constitutions, which must prevail in the stock.
To maintain health in a flock and to hatch chicks that inherit a strong vital force, weak birds must not be admitted to the breeding yards. That is, to maintain constitutional vigor in your flock, select as breeders those birds that possess that essential quality. The strongest constitutions may be undermined by injudicious feeding, by undue exposures, poor sanitation and poor management
generally. These are topics taken up in at a later date.
From the Plymouth Rock Standard Breed Book
Monday, November 15, 2010
MATING TO OVERCOME DEFECTS IN SHAPE
The most important factor in breeding Barred Rocks or any other breed is shape. "Shape makes the breed, followed by color the variety." Then, as typical Plymouth Rocks are. primarily desired from our matings, we must look closely and well to the characters required to obtain better formed specimens.
The Importance of Shape
So often does the impression exist that color is of primary and shape of secondary importance with the breeder of Standard fowls that a brief discourse on the above topic seems advisable. Such an impression is erroneous and far from the letter and the spirit of the Standard. Shape, in fact, with the more practical breeds, counts more than color.
Why Shape Counts More Than Color
We must forever recall that "shape makes the breed." Without typical shape, breedtypes are destroyed. A Plymouth Rock is not typical Plymouth Rock merely because it has a single comb, smooth legs and the
color and markings of one of the Plymouth Rock varieties. It must first have Plymouth Rock shape. Shape is of first importance because breed comes first and without shape there can be neither breed nor variety. Faulty color injures the variety only, but faults in shape injure both our ideals. A specimen quite faulty in color has no standing with the variety of which it is a member, but a specimen that is seriously faulty in shape has no standing with the breed which it is supposed to represent, and as variety is but a "sub-division of the breed," it can have no standing as a representative of either a breed or of a variety of that breed. Breed characteristics are vastly more important than those of the variety ; for breed characteristics represent practical qualities upon which the foundation of every branch of the poultry industry rests. Deprive it of its economic value as a food supply and this industry would assume merely the proportions and importance of the breeding of pet dogs, pet cats, cage birds, and kindred fancies. It is in recognition of this fact that the American Poultry Association has made breed characteristics, which are synonymous with practical qualities, authoritatively of more importance than those which apply to variety, representing the attractive features only. Breed characteristics are described completely by one word shape which embraces all the practical qualities of a fowl. The features that distinguish varieties, a difference in color, markings, shape of comb, etc., are merely accessories that make fowls attractive and likable. The problem of correcting faulty shape, because it is a breed problem and equally applicable to all varieties of Plymouth Rocks, should then receive our first and most serious consideration.
The Importance of Shape
So often does the impression exist that color is of primary and shape of secondary importance with the breeder of Standard fowls that a brief discourse on the above topic seems advisable. Such an impression is erroneous and far from the letter and the spirit of the Standard. Shape, in fact, with the more practical breeds, counts more than color.
Why Shape Counts More Than Color
We must forever recall that "shape makes the breed." Without typical shape, breedtypes are destroyed. A Plymouth Rock is not typical Plymouth Rock merely because it has a single comb, smooth legs and the
color and markings of one of the Plymouth Rock varieties. It must first have Plymouth Rock shape. Shape is of first importance because breed comes first and without shape there can be neither breed nor variety. Faulty color injures the variety only, but faults in shape injure both our ideals. A specimen quite faulty in color has no standing with the variety of which it is a member, but a specimen that is seriously faulty in shape has no standing with the breed which it is supposed to represent, and as variety is but a "sub-division of the breed," it can have no standing as a representative of either a breed or of a variety of that breed. Breed characteristics are vastly more important than those of the variety ; for breed characteristics represent practical qualities upon which the foundation of every branch of the poultry industry rests. Deprive it of its economic value as a food supply and this industry would assume merely the proportions and importance of the breeding of pet dogs, pet cats, cage birds, and kindred fancies. It is in recognition of this fact that the American Poultry Association has made breed characteristics, which are synonymous with practical qualities, authoritatively of more importance than those which apply to variety, representing the attractive features only. Breed characteristics are described completely by one word shape which embraces all the practical qualities of a fowl. The features that distinguish varieties, a difference in color, markings, shape of comb, etc., are merely accessories that make fowls attractive and likable. The problem of correcting faulty shape, because it is a breed problem and equally applicable to all varieties of Plymouth Rocks, should then receive our first and most serious consideration.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Influence of Health on Shape and Color in Barred Rocks
Good shaped specimens are always healthy. It is useless to expect puny birds to ever have well shaped bodies. Deep bodies, full, round breasts, broad backs and stout shanks are not developed by anything but the most rugged constitutions. These are characteristics of all great Plymouth Rocks. One factor in the production of color has occurred to but few, but it, nevertheless, is a most important one because, though a bird may have perfect inheritance along color lines, it won't matter if it is in bad health. By health it is meant continuous good health from birth. A sickness of but a week, a day or an hour has its effect. Loss of natural gloss and intensity of color are sure to follow. Whether ill health utterly destroys the chances of winning depends upon its nature and duration. The best birds, both in shape and in color, are the ones that besides inheriting good quality, grow normally or rapidly from the start, and are always in excellent health. Health affects shape as well as color. In order to grow healthy birds, breed from such and give both old and young the best of care. To produce good shape especially, parents that are ruggedly
healthy are absolutely necessary to succeed.
healthy are absolutely necessary to succeed.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Barred Plymouth Rocks
I am a very happy camper today. I just got 12 dynamic Barred Rocks. Its incredible. First of all they have correct type and They actually have straight bars, and the white is white and the black is black. Barred Rocks also have to have yellow legs.Looks like I am off to a great start. I will be posting more great Barred Rock information as I get it. I will post pictures soon of my birds.
Below are some Plymouth Barred Rock facts I have found on the internet.
Below are some Plymouth Barred Rock facts I have found on the internet.
- 1811 The first 'Plymouth Rocks', the results of an attempt to make a breed of this name in the US, became extinct.
- 1847 An intermingling of several breeds - which included White Cochins, Dark and White Brahma's, Black Java's, Langshans, Dorking's, Black Minorca's and Spanish, and Dominique's - took place in the US.
- 1849 3 'Plymouth Rocks' were exhibited at the first poultry show in Boston, US, by Dr. John Bennett.
- 1850 Dr. Bennett reports in his 1881 poultry book that he made the 'Plymouth Rock' at this time by crossing a Cochin cockerel with a 'fawn-coloured' cross-bred which included Malay and 'Wild Indian' blood. Harrison Weir also wrote 'The Plymouth Rock is in reality one half Cochin China, one fourth fawn colored Dorking, one eighth Malay, and one eighth Wild Indian' which substantiates the ancestry of Bennett's strain
- 1869 Specimens resembling the Barred Plymouth Rocks of today were exhibited in the US. by D.A. Upham of Massachusetts under the name of 'Improved Plymouth Rocks' to avoid confusion with Bennett's birds. Parks Poultry Farm in Pennsylvania specializes in the breed commercially and makes them well known in America.
- 1870 Breed recorded as having 'Dominique' plumage - the American term for barring or cuckoo colour. Lewis Wright claims a 'new' production occurred, differing in colour to Dr.Bennett's. He suggests the modern Plymouth Rock had a number of different origins, from birds bred from various American breeders. The Upham strain is the most probable source Wright referred to and undoubtedly contained a large amount of Dominique blood (the Dominique is also a breed in the US and has barred or cuckoo plumage - the Scots Grey is said to be an ancestor of the Dominique).
- 1872 Plymouth Rocks reached Britain, exported by Mr W.Simpson who took honours at Birmingham Show that year in the AOV class with Barreds. British Plymouth Rock Club is founded.
- 1874 The breed (Barred variety) is recognized in the American Standard of Excellence.
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