The spring and fall thing is true. Chicks hatched in spring are larger than those hatched in fall, but if you have a rare very expensive breed I would suggest that you hatch even in fall, because the genetics is there. You want to hatch every egg that you can. Once you have made a sustainable...
Congratulations on your project. I hope they are hatching now. If you want to establish your online here are my few tips.
1. always hatch from mature hens, atleast a year old.
2. Try to know how the hens and cocks are related. Avoid breeding true siblings.
3. Weight is inherited from mama...
In a mixed flock, they keep to themselves. Usually staying at the bottom of the pecking order, but rather safe as Neither hens nor cockerels bother them nor the capons seek confrontation.
Aseels are not agressive towards humans and females do well in mixed flocks, they don't bully their flockmates, but they hold their ground. They don't allow anyone to bully them. We keep rowdy cockerels with aseel hens to teach them manners.
Aseel roosters however should be kept seperate from...
Don't take me wrong, I love Brahmas. I always had them when I kept chickens back in my Village. They are great birds, plus great setters. However they are not as persistent broodies as Aseels, they don't care for their chicks as long as Aseels do. They look after their chicks even after they...
Now many people suggest Silkies, Cochins and Brahmas , I have nothing against those breeds, but I am not so sure about foraging and escaping capabilities. Silkies for example they can only cover a small amount of eggs, they are poor foragers , they do terrible in mixed flocks. Always remain at...
In my personal experience, there's no better broody plus no better mom than Aseel hens. They are not only great setters, but are also excellent teachers. I have seen them spanking slow learners. They are very protective, but they don't hate their owners. They like human company, so it's easy to...
I never posted, I had only started reading, then covid struck and other things became priority. Now that I am contemplating on breeding marans again I am unable to find that wonderful thread.
A couple of years ago when I was more active on BYC I was reading a marans breeding thread. They were breeding to the French standard of perfection, under the guidance of a very learned breeder who was breeding marans in Australia. Now for life of me I can't find that thread. Please someone help.
How about aseels? They are super broody, excellent mothers, clean legs, broad chest, they are heavy. They don't look big because of their tight feathers, but in reality they are heavy. They were used in developing Cornish cross, Wyandotte and Cornish themselves.