Breeding pens

SeaGal4 · Nov 6, 2018

I have a silly question. Im looking to breed a few of my silkies together. They are currently in with a flock of 30 birds. If I created a separate pen for them, must they be in there at all times? Can I keep them in there during the day and have them in the regular flock coop at night (food, water, roosting bars), then grab them in the morning and put them in the pen again. The setup I have would just keep them separate from the others but nothing to house them long term (especially keeping away from predators at night). If that makes sense. I guess my main question is when do chickens mate? I only notice during the day currently, not when they all come in for the night.

sourland · Nov 6, 2018

Chickens mate whenever they can. To guarantee parentage breeding groups must be separated a minimum of 2 weeks (3 is better) and maintained separately as long as eggs are being collected. Hens can retain sperm and fertility for up to 3 weeks after being mated.