Breeding from a batch of feed store chickens

[shandy]

I just want opinions on what the chances of inbreeding are if you breed two chickens that you got in the same batch of chicks from a feed store?

I've bred my backyard flock (several different breeds bought at the same time from the feed store) with great success, so now I have a flock of originals from the feed store plus babies we hatched from them. I've tried twice now to incubate eggs from the whole flock with pitiful results. With the last 2 incubation attempts, we used the Little Giant incubator and felt like we did everything to the book. The first successful batch was done with a borrowed hova bator.

I'm trying to figure out if this is too much inbreeding or if there is a major problem with the incubator.

Opinions?
Thanks!!!

 

[3riverschick]

I'd say it was the incubator. Hovabator is a much better brand. Much easier to control humidity which effects hatches. I don't think inbreeding is your problem. You haven't been doing it for enough generations. Maybe if this was your 5 or 6 gen. Inbreeding. But not now.
Best,
Karen

 

[I Love Layers]

I would say there is a problem with the incubation. Chickens can inbreed but it takes quite a few generations for them to inbreed. Hatcheries have numerous cocks on many hens so the chances that you even have full siblings is pretty slim. Maybe in 5 years I would introduce new cockerels and some pullets in, but I wouldn't see a big deal in the near future

 

[3riverschick]

Yup, I Love Layers is correct. Just get a better incubator.
Best,
Karen

 

[EggSighted4Life]

If you didn't use extra thermometers and hygrometers... I would think it's your bator.

I don't THINK feed store chicks should be TOOO inbred.

This is basically how I avoid CLOSE inbreeding...
http://www.maransofamericaclub.com/inbreeding-chickens.html

Could also be flock age or nutrition. 22% protein has been shown to give better hatch rates. Or improper storage of eggs. So many possibilities! Supplementing vitamins could help... especially if you feed too many treats.

I also prefer the "dry" method.

Hope it gets better for you!

 

[shandy]

THANKS for the amazing feedback!! I truly appreciate it

 

[Sydney Acres]

My first attempt at hatching was with a borrowed Little Giant incubator. It taught me everything that I didn't want in an incubator. Three weeks of frustration and zero percent hatch!! Some people use those incubators successfully, but usually after several years of developing a mutual understanding between human and machine. You'll be amazed at how nice a medium grade incubator is by comparison. The Hovabator, Hovabator Genesis, or Incuview from Incubator Warehouse are a little more expensive than the Little Giant, but so worth it.