CraziChknLady
Chirping
- Nov 7, 2024
- 61
- 100
- 79
I need basic information for creating some breeding pens. I have a mixed flock and am looking to breed for just personal use. I am not going to be selling any eggs or chicks. It is possible I have a Mycoplasma positive flock. (was never officially tested as symptoms stopped by the time I found out about the testing). I do understand this is passed from adult to chick. I will not be breeding any that have shown symptoms. I have read that you can't breed for resistance. I find this interesting as some of my flock members have never exhibited symptoms (although I know they can be carriers) Also, in the wild, any sick would perish and the strong would survive...so would it be possible to get ones that are less symptomatic? I am also not exactly 100% sure it was Mycoplasma. My goal is create a strong hearty flock for eggs. I also want them to be more predator aware, mostly hawks. I am also leaning toward the taller heavier chickens, think Orpington's, Easter Eggers, Jersey Giants. I do like Brahma's size wise (but I don't want feathers on feet) . But I also want a more natural free ranging chicken. Eventually I would want to get a Leige Fighter chicken. Especially for their size, temperament and predator awareness. But that is a few years down the line. I think right now I just want to concentrate on eggs, size and temperament. I do not have any incubators, but can get some, or was going to use broody hens. I had 5 go broody last year. Going to try to do this as natural as possible. Currently have 40. (7 are banty's and are not being bred, 11 roos).
What is the best size for a breeding pen?
How long do they need to be kept in?
Is there a good month to start? Not sure if chickens have a breeding season (like cats)?
Best time to stop? (want to be able to cull in fall) (So I know chicks would need to be a certain age by then for the ones I don't want to keep).
What is the best ratio? ( I have heard 1 roo to 4/5 hens or 1 roo to 3 hens)?
After breeding do you still keep hens in the pens so you know which eggs are fertile?
Do you wait after breeding, (ex, a week or 3 weeks) to pull eggs/ wait for those to be laid? (After breeding, I plan on putting the hens back in the main flock.)
I am only going to keep 1 or 2 of the best roos and then cull the rest for meat. I know I will have to introduce new roos outside of the flock to introduce new genes at some point. I want to be able to cull by Oct/Nov so I don't have to feed through winter.
What age is the best to cull?
How often should I introduce a new roo? Every year? Every 2-3 years?
I also have some Swedish Flower Hens that I will definitely be breeding true for this first go round. Have a split of 4 roos and 4 hens (they are currently 5 1/2 months) Some have crests and some don't. I have heard of a vaulted skull but not sure what that looks like. Or what that is? I never noticed any have bumps on skulls when chicks and they all seem find as adults. Would anyone know what this is? I definitely don't want to have this.
Any help or information is appreciated. Thanks!
What is the best size for a breeding pen?
How long do they need to be kept in?
Is there a good month to start? Not sure if chickens have a breeding season (like cats)?
Best time to stop? (want to be able to cull in fall) (So I know chicks would need to be a certain age by then for the ones I don't want to keep).
What is the best ratio? ( I have heard 1 roo to 4/5 hens or 1 roo to 3 hens)?
After breeding do you still keep hens in the pens so you know which eggs are fertile?
Do you wait after breeding, (ex, a week or 3 weeks) to pull eggs/ wait for those to be laid? (After breeding, I plan on putting the hens back in the main flock.)
I am only going to keep 1 or 2 of the best roos and then cull the rest for meat. I know I will have to introduce new roos outside of the flock to introduce new genes at some point. I want to be able to cull by Oct/Nov so I don't have to feed through winter.
What age is the best to cull?
How often should I introduce a new roo? Every year? Every 2-3 years?
I also have some Swedish Flower Hens that I will definitely be breeding true for this first go round. Have a split of 4 roos and 4 hens (they are currently 5 1/2 months) Some have crests and some don't. I have heard of a vaulted skull but not sure what that looks like. Or what that is? I never noticed any have bumps on skulls when chicks and they all seem find as adults. Would anyone know what this is? I definitely don't want to have this.
Any help or information is appreciated. Thanks!