Locally, we have gone from some late snow right into weeks of rain and 90 degree days. This year I have shifted to exclusively rely on single mating so as to better track lineage and further refine selection for the future. I have also decided to narrow my focus and eliminate some of the varieties I keep to better serve the breed in a more concentrated effort. So far this has lead me to sell off any duckwing base birds that I own (as of right now, still have some to move). This shift has also lead me to hatch fewer chicks as compared to previous years as I am hatching from fewer hens but with the end goal of better selection and better birds for the future. I always try not to get too keen on individual grow outs as they mature but one bird had caught my eye and subsequently its hatch mates as well. One pair of lemon blues produced three chicks from one weeks hatch with varying tufting. One with a single tuft, one with a double tuft and one with a triple tuft. While this is not very ideal for show, it is none the less interesting and another prime example of why this breed is always finding new ways to keep you on your toes.
