Too many chickens, too little time.

[Hen-Gen]

No, not I have too many but there are so many breeds out there that I can’t do all the breeding tests that I want. A lifetime would not be enough and as I’m 68 there’s definitely not time. But one that I’m determined to do, so long as I don’t drop dead tomorrow, is to use Speckled Sussex and Coronation Sussex to create a Speckled Sussex that is red, white and blue.
Rule Britannia.
So I know that Lemon New Hampshire, Crested Dominique and Chocolate Light Sussex are never going to see the light of day but they were good dreams!

 

[Hen-Gen]

And in case you think I’m joking, Blue Silver Duckwing Welsummers anyone! Or rosecombed Australorps.

 

[LadyA]

Those are very good looking birds, Hen Gen! I guess no matter what, there will always be something we still want to do. Which is very good for us, I suppose. After all, if we didn't have something we still wanted to do, there wouldn't be a lot of point to anything, would there?!

 

[bigjim]

I used to work with a bloke who was obsessed with Scots dumpys. Wanted to retire to a Croft and try and live self contained.
My youngsters have started to lay, not used to having eggs this time of year.

 

[Marigold]

Beautiful birds, HenGen. I would like some, if you didn't live hundreds of miles and a lot of water away from me!
And I hope and expect you've got at least another 30 years for experimenting.

 

[bigyetiman]

Lovely birds Hen Gen. You have plenty of time yet, you're a mere youngster. Shame you are not closer also

 

[MrsBiscuit]

And what are you going to call these new birds? That would be a lasting testament! I am rather partial to sussex so would be interested in the outcome. I am presuming that genetics won't give you the right outcome if you crossed red sussex, white sussex and coronation sussex?

 

[Hen-Gen]

And what are you going to call these new birds? That would be a lasting testament! I am rather partial to sussex so would be interested in the outcome. I am presuming that genetics won't give you the right outcome if you crossed red sussex, white sussex and coronation sussex?

No it wouldn’t, I’m afraid, because though blue would be introduced the mottling gene, on which the Speckled Sussex depends, would not. Therefore it would be impossible to create a tri-coloured bird.
But a red bird with a blue tail and hackle feathers would be attractive and could be created from your suggestion.

As for a name and bearing in view that they would be red, white and blue how about Britannia Sussex??

 

[MrsBiscuit]

That sounds good to me!

 

[bigyetiman]

Sounds good to me also.