A change in environment (location, climate, soil, and food source) has the power to create many biological variations, first, in the form of phenotype variants, and eventually affecting genotype. This is especially true when it comes to the characteristics of our fowl. For example, a new environmental condition can change the way a bird develops, and in time, those changes can become permanent. A new environment can also create genetically induced variations, such as sports and mutations. While some of these changes are beneficial, there are many that can be detrimental to the strain.
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ACCLIMATIZATION
Preparing fowl for a new environment is as important as the fowl themselves. They must adapt easily and quickly to be successful, and there are many things you can do to help them in the process.
Common Defects and Diqualifications
I have a number of great breeding programs, which are available for members of the Breeders Academy, but you can’t get started unless you can select the proper brood fowl. Your ability to select the right cock and hen for breeding will determine your strains success.
Evolution of the Modern-Day Fowl
By what process has the small Junglefowl been converted into the breeds that we see today? What brought about the change that enables fowl, such as the American Gamecock of today to have the form and function, and the tenacious spirit of a modern-day gladiator? By what miracle has the American Game, become one of the most beautiful of all fowls, having various colors of feather, including top-knots, muffs, and large flowing tails? Well, natural selection had something to do with it, at least in the beginning, but the answer is simple, selective-breeding.
SELECTION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE BREEDING PROCESS
A breeder, who starts with high quality fowl, which I like to call “Seed Fowl” or the “Adam and Eve” of any strain, is one with a huge advantage over those who don’t. By starting out with high quality seed fowl, and using proper selective breeding practices, along with hard culling, it’s not only a huge advantage, but it is the road to a successful strain.