I am gearing up to do some incubation of my own in the spring and need a little help getting my head around the process. I have several breeds in the coop but am leaning toward the Australorp, based on what I've read and seen thus far (five in my coop, not yet laying). Additionally I have an Easter Egger who lays the most fabulous eggs in the strangest places, with regularity, and I would also like to continue her line.
So, two breeds to work with, two roosters still to locate and integrate...I know all of you started "somewhere" but it's bothersome and quite nebulous still to me- logistics and what to look for-and really, what I should be concerned about and what questions need to be answered first.
I guess I'm not asking so much about the breed anymore, as it's clear that one person's Welsummer is not the same as the next persons and everyone's breeding for different characteristics. But within the breeds I've mentioned, what should I know about them going in the incubation direction?
Additionally, am I being too rigid in my thinking in wanting to keep the breeds "pure"-and not trying to cross breeds? I have no interest in breeding for show but I do like the idea of creating as close to an "ideal" breed type as possible and am thus far anyway, willing to make the extra effort to produce a superior bird.
That's enough for now I guess...any and all info welcomed.
So, two breeds to work with, two roosters still to locate and integrate...I know all of you started "somewhere" but it's bothersome and quite nebulous still to me- logistics and what to look for-and really, what I should be concerned about and what questions need to be answered first.
I guess I'm not asking so much about the breed anymore, as it's clear that one person's Welsummer is not the same as the next persons and everyone's breeding for different characteristics. But within the breeds I've mentioned, what should I know about them going in the incubation direction?
Additionally, am I being too rigid in my thinking in wanting to keep the breeds "pure"-and not trying to cross breeds? I have no interest in breeding for show but I do like the idea of creating as close to an "ideal" breed type as possible and am thus far anyway, willing to make the extra effort to produce a superior bird.
That's enough for now I guess...any and all info welcomed.