Dilemma with spiral breeding - can you help?

[Mareslee]

Sorry, I think I posted this under the wrong category, so re-posted here.
I've been running a spiral breeding programme with three pens for three years now, so far so good. Now, though, it is time to retire one of my roosters, the best I've had, but none of his sons are as good as him. I feel like I'm going backwards in using one of those roosters, but I think I have to, yes? Does anyone have this problem? I presume I just have to go ahead as planned - or, how do you solve this dilemma?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

This explains spiral breeding well:

http://www.iowabluechickenclub.com/line-breeding-via-spiral-breeding-program.html

 

[Mareslee]

Yes, but it describes ideal progress and doesn't discuss what to do when progress doesn't go to plan

 

[Egghead_Jr]

OK, now I see what your saying. You have a situation where the sire is better than the offspring. I personally would not use an inferior bird, use the best you have. That link I posted says the same. Here's a quote from it:

Sons should be compared to their father and the best male selected for the next year's pairings.


Then goes on to say....

• The year 2 A line sons are identified and compared with their sire to determine the best male(s) for the next generation.

At the end of year 2, all 2 year old birds are retired (the grandparents).


It must be that last part of retiring the grandparent your speaking of. What your saying is this particular cock bird was better than his offspring two years in a row. Well, that's one fine bird!

I don't use this system so take what my opinion is with a grain of salt and hopefully people that do use spiral will chime in with this bump. I'd use the best cockbird one more time as he is the best. What I'd make sure to do in this breeding is to hatch a ton of eggs to ensure you get a male offspring that's at least of equal value.

 

[Mareslee]

Thank you - I appreciate your reply - I don't feel so conflicted now!
: )

 

[wynn4578]

I'm no expert with spiral breeding but I'm curious why you would retire a good roo if he is superior to the others? Also if it were me I would look for the 'what is missing' in my other Roos and then target breed those traits. I should restate here that I am by no means an expert on this subject and I'm sure there are others that could give you a lot more insight.

 

[RhodeRunner]

I don't spire breed either. However, I don't retire an older bird unless something better is available to take their place, or they are no longer fertile or laying.

I actually prefer old birds in my flock. There is something to be said about a bird that molts out and comes back just as nice every year.