If you have any predator problems 6 hens will not be enough, unless you plan to keep them penned.
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Hi All
I am considering starting a self sustaining flock with Barred Rock chickens. I'm interested in eggs and fairly good size meat birds. I understand the Barred rock are pretty good layers, and, grow fairly quickly to about 7 to 9 lbs.
If I buy RTL pullets and purchase an older rooster this spring would the pullets reproduce this first summer, as in;
Do young pullets ever go broody thier first year?
If so would thier age contribute to them being successful mothers?
Any thoughts, ideas, other options that anyone might recommend?
Thanks
And another point, you don't always get enough pullets! Last year I hatched out 11, got three pullets. I have been doing chickens for years, but until this year, I have had to add chickens, or chicks, or eggs from outside of my flock into it. It sounds easy to be sustainable, but it is a bit more tricky than you might think.
Mrs K
"can get".....like you do something to make them go broody?I can get mature American Dominiques to go broody twice annually. First year layers not so good. Game hens can do it three times annually with exceptional hens going four times when in good condition. This is were hens rear chicks to weaning / juvenile stage of 5 weeks post hatch.