Breeding Chickens - So confusing which program is best

[Luke Coleman]

Hello All

We have made the decision to improve our genetics and breeds and desire to breed to the standards, more than we have in the past. We have made the investment in hatching eggs (very hopeful that we are able to hatch some birds) from reputable breeders with excellent lines. We bought from two different breeders, each with similar breeds and hope to pick the best 1-3 birds from each line to breed together. Our end goal is to develop strong birds, with great quality and the ability to breed long term, without very much additional outside blood. We are just truly confused about which system to use. Can anyone provide any advice? Charts? Etc.

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[Egghead_Jr]

They differ in management and that's where you need to find what works for you. Spiral breeding requires minimum of three breeding pens. Line mating is where you'll start until you build up numbers of birds worth breeding. If you choose from there to go with spiral you can. Double mating system is when you work a cockerel and pullet line of same breed/variety.

I see your attempting to start with two breeds. You may find one breed/line is better than the other and it may be worth dropping the lesser quality to work on maintaining and attempting to improve the better quality stock.

Don't get caught up in the charts. It's not a formula. It's an illustration showing how diversity works. Keep notes on who is who and from who and who. Banding and/or toe punching is important.

For reference only: