- Jun 19, 2012
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Hi! At the moment I have a BR pullet, EE cockerel, Red Star rooster, and a Black Star/BSL hen. I don't know much about hatching and breeding and etc. I was thinking about breeding my chickens? Could I do it? Do you recommend it? They all currently live together and the Black Star should be laying soon. They would all be very mixed baby chicks? I'm not sure of the process and I wondered if I could get a little info. When do they breed? Any times of the year specifically? Do I need to separate any of my chickens or anything? Ugh I'm sorry for this very long post... but thanks for the help everyone!
Mixed chicks can be fun and it's exciting to see how they'll turn out. I'm currently in the lockdown portion of my first hatch. All I really can say is to read up on the incubation process before you start. It's not hard, and it's a lot of fun! However, you're gonna want more hens. One hen to a rooster is going to cause problems for your hens. The roosters will overbreed them and their backs can get torn up and their feathers can get yanked off the back of their heads and necks. Usually 10 hens to a rooster is recommended, although I have 6 hens to rooster right now and they're doing okay. I'm adding more hens, though. Also, the first eggs you get are not the best for hatching as they will be smaller than is normal and the chick will grow too big for the shell and might have problems hatching. Otherwise, have at it! It's fun and addictive, and as long as you have a plan as to what to do with the chicks you're all set.
