It is, in my opinion, that this lacing in the neck feathers in our Red females cancels out this dark color in the primaries to a pale rustic shade of red. Old timers, such as the late George Underwood of Custer Park, Illinois, use to say the primary wing color should be rich in color and should match the shade of the fluff on the females hocks. George also told beginners that the neck of the female should reveal a beetle green necklace, not stripping or lacing. Since choosing females with less striping or lacing each year, I m starting to see more dark brown eggs from my pullets. Along with darker egg color, I m noticing my baby chicks are getting darker in their down color.
Most chicks have a dark, mahogany shade when they are hatched.
Their beak color is almost solid, a deep horn color as well as dark leg color when fully mature. In conclusion,, I urge you to start working on the female neck area. Set a time period of about 3 years. In the next issue, I will discuss smut, pepper in the wings and share with you some classic articles by Harold Tompkins and Emily Mayhood on this subject. Till nest time, I m yours for a better Rhode Island Red.