Beginning breeder

awholland

In the Brooder
Apr 1, 2016
23
0
22
NC
My husband and I want to begin raising some chicks. I was wondering if anyone had ideas for set ups to keep the different breeds we are raising separated so that we do not end up with a bunch of mixes. Right now we have one coop with a run and let them free range in our fenced in back yard during the day. We were thinking of making individual runs with small nesting areas. Any ideas or pictures of what someone else has?
 
Separate coops and runs would be best during the time you wish to hatch. You can let them free range on alternate days. If you plan to hatch different breeds at the same time make sure you can distinguish the chicks from one another. Also, have a plan for the excess cockerels.
 
Here's what we did.....

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1003092/my-breeding-pens

I'm currently using the left for my silkie and bantam cochins, the left for my Marans and the middle as a grow out pen. I've also got a free standing pen my Honey made of welded pipe covered with chicken wire and tarp, and my main coop which is an old greenhouse.

What types of pens you'll need depends on your climate, and how long you're going to house the birds there. General rule of thumb is the hen can store sperm from a mating at least 2 weeks. Are the birds just going to be separated for a month or so? Or longer term? And how many hens will be in each pen? How old and what breeds? My mature Marans hens can tolerate a higher density than I would feel comfortable with say Leghorns or another flightier breed, younger pullets or with a younger cockerel.

I alternate free ranging when i'm home.
 

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