Zanna
Songster
Wanting to hear how others deal with breeding in free-range flocks with multiple roosters/breeds.
1. How are your breeding pens set-up?
2. How long do you separate Rooster/hens from the main flock before collecting your eggs to incubate and ideal ratio of 1 roo to ? hens?
3. How do you incorporate Roo/hens back to main coop and and free-ranging flock situation after breeding?
4. What do you do for Bachelor pads for keeping multiple roos to grow out while deciding which ones to keep for future breeding when they become "active" so they don't wear out the hens and reap havoc in the main flock?
5. Is it just best to keep breeders separate from main egg laying flocks? Opinions?
I hate the thought of keeping breeders locked up and separated permanently just to best meet my goals, I love having them free range, I think it makes happier, healthier boys and girls. I feel the benefits outweigh the risk of predation, injury, etc. and I accept any losses I may have in this situation. Opinions?
Any other input would be appreciated as well...................
1. How are your breeding pens set-up?
2. How long do you separate Rooster/hens from the main flock before collecting your eggs to incubate and ideal ratio of 1 roo to ? hens?
3. How do you incorporate Roo/hens back to main coop and and free-ranging flock situation after breeding?
4. What do you do for Bachelor pads for keeping multiple roos to grow out while deciding which ones to keep for future breeding when they become "active" so they don't wear out the hens and reap havoc in the main flock?
5. Is it just best to keep breeders separate from main egg laying flocks? Opinions?
I hate the thought of keeping breeders locked up and separated permanently just to best meet my goals, I love having them free range, I think it makes happier, healthier boys and girls. I feel the benefits outweigh the risk of predation, injury, etc. and I accept any losses I may have in this situation. Opinions?
Any other input would be appreciated as well...................