Good game fowl could be found anywhere in both big and small breeding operations
Well, forget bloodline names. We grab a good chicken regardless of its name. An excellent chicken is worth its weight in gold, no matter what it is called. A bum is a bum, no matter the brand.
We must not be influenced by names of bloodlines or greatness of the breeder.
No less than the great Frank Shy, better known as Narragansett, had said:
The transmission of hereditary characters is beyond the comprehension of mankind.”
“Accordingly it is no wonder that the most scientific practices result in failure, whereas an obscure and improbable combination occasionally produces phenomenal results.”
We at RB Sugbo can attest to the veracity of the observation. Knowledge in breeding and genetics is an advantage but it is not a guarantee for success. Lack of knowledge will likely result in failure but not necessarily all the time.
Great bloodlines can be found in big farms as well as in small backyard operations. Especially, if the breeder knows a lot about breeding, even if his operation is small. And also, not all big operations are run by competent breeders.
It is useless to base selection on bloodline names or plumage color. Anybody can drop any famous bloodline name. Anybody can call any pea comb yellow legged rooster as sweater, yellow legged hatch or kelso. Likewise popular plumage color like white or bulik, can be bred into a line in a season.
But, barring lucky nicks, genuine positive traits are bred in over years of intelligent selection and decisions. This is what we are after. Genuine positive traits, not just bloodline names.
How do we do it? By repeatedly breeding these desired traits year in and year out into our gene pool. We select the individual that possesses the qualities we are looking for in a brood cock or hen. We choose our fowl based on the accepted parameters of selection—physical attributes and looks, fighting traits and ability, family track record—and our breeding goals.
