Heyruthie
Chirping
Hi, All! I am new to chickens, and I've researched quite a bit on here about different breeds, and I currently keep Coturnix Quail, but I actually have a question that I don't know the answer to, since Quail don't sit their eggs. So, quail never go broody.
If you keep only hens, what do you do with them when they go broody, since the eggs will never hatch?
In terms of breed, I was leaning toward a good-natured breed like Silkies, but I understand they go broody a lot. But in my area, I am not allowed to keep roosters. So, I want to really have a plan in place, and I've never had a broody animal of any kind. What do you do with them when they go broody, but the eggs aren't fertilized? Do you just take all the eggs no matter what? Do you let them sit on them even though they won't hatch? Do they eventually give up?
Also, any tips on breeds would be great. I need:
-Ability to withstand temps down to 0C (32F) in winter and up to 38C (100F) in summer.
-Good with kids, gentle, friendly birds
-Some egg production, although they don't need to be super-great layers
-Smaller breed is better, although not Bantam, if that means they aren't as gentle or "nice"
-Ability to do some free-ranging (daytime) or foraging for food
-Ability to eat table scraps and a variety of forage
-Tolerates living as a flock of hens only, with no rooster
-Living in a suburban environment with a good sized yard and protected hen house
Any thoughts, specifically on Silkies, Cochins or Brahmas? Other breed suggestions? THANK YOU!
If you keep only hens, what do you do with them when they go broody, since the eggs will never hatch?
In terms of breed, I was leaning toward a good-natured breed like Silkies, but I understand they go broody a lot. But in my area, I am not allowed to keep roosters. So, I want to really have a plan in place, and I've never had a broody animal of any kind. What do you do with them when they go broody, but the eggs aren't fertilized? Do you just take all the eggs no matter what? Do you let them sit on them even though they won't hatch? Do they eventually give up?
Also, any tips on breeds would be great. I need:
-Ability to withstand temps down to 0C (32F) in winter and up to 38C (100F) in summer.
-Good with kids, gentle, friendly birds
-Some egg production, although they don't need to be super-great layers
-Smaller breed is better, although not Bantam, if that means they aren't as gentle or "nice"
-Ability to do some free-ranging (daytime) or foraging for food
-Ability to eat table scraps and a variety of forage
-Tolerates living as a flock of hens only, with no rooster
-Living in a suburban environment with a good sized yard and protected hen house
Any thoughts, specifically on Silkies, Cochins or Brahmas? Other breed suggestions? THANK YOU!
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