Some random photos of the birds today - lovely afternoon - sunny, windy but warm for March.

This cock bird is an excellent singer but perhaps too "frilly" in the chest for breeding.

This piebald cock is half brother to to the white cock but very much like his father. I'd like to use him this season but not sure of who his mate will be as yet.

Some of the hens. I like the piebalds very much.

This is Elizabeth's brother who showed well at Blackburn last November. I may pair him to his half sister who is also a clear yellow.

I like this green cock. He has excellent type and good shoulders like his father.

I think this is Elizabeth's mate - her half brother - he won at Blackburn last November and keeps improving. 

Full brother of the white cock. Lovely bid for length but way too frilled on the chest for long term inclusion in the breeding team.

Another half brother of Elizabeth. I may pair him to his grandmother.

The hens

The birdroom today

I think this is the white cock singing!

I am pleased that my winter management has worked. The cock birds are singing like mad and feeding the bars of the cages and the hens are leaping about and carrying nesting material. It's really all about the return of the light and I use no lighting in the winter. So all the birds moulted well and are coming into natural condition. I am still not sure that last year's cocks can fill eggs yet. Last year the start of the season was May so we are fully two months ahead of that. I will hold off pairing up until the start of April but Iam optimistic. Hopefully that is not misplaced!