~ Tommy's Pet Paradise ~
"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only will tune in." - George Washington Carver
Introduction
Hello,
My main goal for this breeding project is to get the best out of the Onagadori descendents that we have here in the United States. Even though we don't have the "true" Onagadori here in the states, some of the birds from the best breeders here do carry that gene very strongly. Regardless that we only have a small pool of dedicated individuals who are pursuing the long-tail project, one day, together we can make a difference.
Knowing that it is either difficult or entirely impossible to get something 100% pure again once it has been out-crossed, it is possible to bring back some of the traits that each breeder desires. My main desire isn't really bringing back what once was, but to create something new...something of my own.
Notice that I did not title this project "Proto-Onagadori" because it is wrong to state it that way. Proto means: "Gave rise to" but that can't be used if you are breeding something back, which in a sence, is improper english and what Marc King would say "ludicrous".
By David Rogers
By Marc King
*** The Grandfather of My Golden Onagadori Rooster ***
Tail: 12 foot long in picture and was still growing. Possible 14-15 footer.
Saddle: Approximately 3 foot long
Fit The U.S. Onagadori Standard? - Yes! Certainly the BEST here in the U.S.A.
Project Trio: C.H.C. (Arrived on Feb. 15, 2008)
After talking to many great breeders out there such as David Rogers, Toni-Marie, Marc King, Cy Hyde, and a few others, I was advised to start off with Cy Hyde's birds; simply because he has juvenile birds that he will willingly sell. After months of looking around, asking questions, and researching on what I want to do, I called Mr. Hyde. He gave me lots of information on how his flock of long-tails started and a quick run-through of what he did and so on. Being able to relate our goals and such, he felt good enough about my intentions that he allowed me to pick out his best birds to start off my project. They are from August-September 07's hatch so as of Feb. 16, 2008 (2day), they are 6 months old. He said "These are my top picks for next year’s breeding birds that I usually keep and not sell to anyone". He has over 300 birds, but he only picked out a few for "his breeding project" so you may see how precious they are to him and how much it means for me to have them.
Quick Overview:
Young Roo: Golden (Charles): 6 Months Old (As of Feb. 16, 2008)
Tail Length: Mostly picked out Hackle: 6 inches & Growing Saddle: 10 inches & Growing
~ Update ~ : Tail is growing back REAL good! Very healthy looking feathers too! : )
Wingspan: 14 inches Spur Length: 0.5cm Weight: 1.85lbs
Leg Length: 6.5 inches Comb: 1.25 inches Body Length: 10 inches
Young Pullet: Black Breasted Red (Hope): 6 Months Old (As of Feb. 16, 2008)
Tail Length: 11 inches Body Length: 7 inches Wingspan: 13 inches
Weight: 1.40lbs Leg Length: 7.5 inches Comb: 0.25cm (avg.)
Egg Laying: Laid 1st Egg on 2/26/08 Current Amount: 40+ Eggs
Multiple Feathering?: Yes. Currently have 8 main feathers/coverts on each side.
Young Pullet: Fawn Breasted White (Charm): 6 Months Old (As of Feb. 16, 2008)
Tail Length: 11 inches Body Length: 6.5 inches Wingspan: 12 inches
Weight: 1.45lbs Leg Length: 6 inches Comb: 0.75cm (avg.)
Egg Laying: Laid 1st Egg on 2/29/08 Current Amount: 40+ Eggs
Multiple Feathering?: Yes. Currently have 7 main feathers/coverts on each side.
Why Charles, Hope, & Charm? I have finally decided on the name Charles for my roo after a few days because Charles is derived from the common Germanic element heri meaning "army, warrior". I hope that Charles can help shape the future of my stock...Now Hope and Charm are both pretty much self explanatory; Hope meaning hope for the best in the breeding process and Charm meaning she looks really charmful...isn't she? 
Pictures: Taken Feb. 16, 2008
Note: They came from a crowded pen so their feathers have been picked out (kind of hard to tell from the pictures). The roo don't look that great right now but he will in a couple of months when his tail regrows. This Trio is in one cage but are allowed to free range during the day so their feathers should grow back out strong and fully.
Food:
I was advised by David Rogers on what to give these birds to enhance their growth and life span. Basically, scratch really isn't that good for them because they can't really have corn and such. However, Cy had given them scratch and mash since they were born so it I have to just feed them the same thing now, but slowly move over to David's recommended diet week by week. - Thanks David! 
For Further Updates on them, Please Click Below
