Well we got through January and the birds have survived the wet and cold. Lots of singing and activity with the light lengthening.

I have sold my surplus birds and will have around 20 to 23 birds to continue into the 2014 breeding season. That is 3 - 6 up on the start of last year so it leaves space for any youngsters.

I am trying to decide on which birds to pair together. This is likely to be Elizabeth's suitor - the Aberdeen cock who produced 7 chicks with the white hen last year.

He has length and experience of raising chicks both of which matter. Here he is singing away.

And this is Elizabeth's father in great voice too.

I also have an alternative suitor for Elizabeth though it might produce more dark birds and I do prefer the clear yellow and white birds but I think the green preserves the feather quality. 

And now some random photos of the birds today. I sat out with them but not being feather coated, it got a bit chilly and I came indoors! The first picture is my white cock bird bred last year. He is very vigorous in song but has a jabot which is a show fault and one that I am eradicating from the breeding pairs. He may make a good pet producer.

This piebald cock is the white cock's half brother. Bit of a jabot but not as pronounced and a good stock bird.

Below is Elizabeth's brother who performed well as the Club show last autumn and I have a mate in mind for him - sister of the Best in Show at the Carlisle National last November.

And finally today, the ladies