A genetic defect causing feathering issues in our Icelandic population had become problematic. Drastic measures were taken in a effort to eliminate the gene from our breeding stock. In May we re-homed all of our Icelandic chickens with the exception of Isi and Lukka, the two remaining of the four birds given to us by Sigrid. As far as we know, no chicks were hatched from the mating of Isi to Lukka who carried the defective feathering gene. We are starting our flock over by hatching Lukka’s eggs initially, followed by eggs that will be provided by Sigrid in late August/early September.
The first five chicks of the re-building project hatched last week. There were three yellow chicks with enough variation in color to hold promise, one grey chick, and a chipmunk chick. Here they are shortly after hatching.
Here they are a few days later.
The little chipmunk patterned chick is getting lovely coloring on it’s wings.
I am hoping that the grey chick looks like one of of our favorite hens, Miss Polaris.
This little chick has a lot of light orange coloring on it’s face. It may end up looking like Isi.
This yellow chick has some black feathering on its body and face. It would be great if it turns out mottled black and white.
This is the mostly yellow chick with peach color on the face. It will probably be mostly white.
We have two more Icelandic eggs due to hatch on Thursday and Lukka is sitting on ten eggs. This should give us a good start rebuilding our flock. Ultimately I would like to keep one additional rooster and will probably chose one from the eggs I get from Sigrid. Until everyone is fully feathered and genders determined I will not make any decisions. The plan is to keep the Icelandic flock smaller than our prior flock but with the ever-broody Lukka around that may be difficult. See my next post for more of the broody Lukka story.
The Other Mary says
The yellow chick with the random black is very interesting! I can hardly wait to see what it looks like when it gets older!
My fingers are crossed that the other 12 eggs all hatch safely!!
Kathy says
Great variety there! They look wonderful!
Lizzie says
I am so sorry that you had to re-home so many of your lovely birds, but I must admit that the new chicks look gorgeous!