Join us for a very special conversation with Matt Hemmer, who is a breeder of the Erminettes. This is a very unique breed, both in a historical sense and as a genetic phenomenon. In fact, the Erminettes are the only breed of chicken where the color of plumage is based on a co-dominant factor. No other breed of chicken has this trait.
Breeding Methods
Breeding Best to the Best, is not always Best!
There are some breeders who say – “all you need to do is to breed the best to the best.” However, I do think there is more to Breeding Gamefowl than that. Is there something to be said about breeding fowl in this manner? Yes, in some cases it is. I will explain how a practice such as this can work in your favor.
CROSSBREEDING
Crossbreeding is the mating of one breed to another, such as an American Game with an Aseel. In the world of American Games, it can arguably be said that the breeding of unrelated strains, such as a Hatch over a Sweater, or a Hatch from one breeder to a Hatch of another is crossbreeding. Anytime you introduce new blood, you are essentially crossbreeding.
ACQUIRING AND CREATING A TRUE STRAIN
A breeder, who starts with high quality fowl, which I like to call “Foundation 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 foundation 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.
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.