- Aug 26, 2013
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We've only had chickens for 3 years but we're ready to go egg-selling-crazy. We've got a great market and have had lots of requests.
So, I'm planning to expanding my current flock of 15 hens 1 rooster into 3 flocks living in two coops-- is that even possible? The numbers and sq ft works out, but will the birds agree to these working conditions?
We want a breeding flock which we will work to improve (1 roo, 5 hens, separate coop) and a layer flock (24 hens 2-3 roos, one big coop). I want to breed my layers too (hence the roos-- gotta have all the eggs fertile) but am not so worried about their quality so those ladies can decide which roo they like best-- all extras to the freezer. Ideally all 3 roos will free range with their ladies each day (up until that last few months before incubating when the breeding flock is confined to their run so I can keep track of who's who). I have 3 acres to range on and build additional housing on if needed and as we expand etc.
Any suggestions for keeping the fights down and teaching everyone to go to the correct coop at night? Is it safe to keep two Roos in the same coop or will I need to set up bachelor pads? I'm assuming that the bachelors won't get to free-range, is that correct?
Thanks for any tips,tricks, advice,
Diane
So, I'm planning to expanding my current flock of 15 hens 1 rooster into 3 flocks living in two coops-- is that even possible? The numbers and sq ft works out, but will the birds agree to these working conditions?
We want a breeding flock which we will work to improve (1 roo, 5 hens, separate coop) and a layer flock (24 hens 2-3 roos, one big coop). I want to breed my layers too (hence the roos-- gotta have all the eggs fertile) but am not so worried about their quality so those ladies can decide which roo they like best-- all extras to the freezer. Ideally all 3 roos will free range with their ladies each day (up until that last few months before incubating when the breeding flock is confined to their run so I can keep track of who's who). I have 3 acres to range on and build additional housing on if needed and as we expand etc.
Any suggestions for keeping the fights down and teaching everyone to go to the correct coop at night? Is it safe to keep two Roos in the same coop or will I need to set up bachelor pads? I'm assuming that the bachelors won't get to free-range, is that correct?
Thanks for any tips,tricks, advice,
Diane