Breeding record help

[BuckeyeHomestead]

Hey! So, I've been considering breeding Exabition Black Australorps. I was wondering what things I should know about when it comes to genetics and traits to look for and the like. The bigger thing I was wondering is how to keep breeding records? I know there are different ways, but I would like to hear what works for people that do these things.

 

[Debbie292d]

I'm not sure how many there might be out there, but I've heard some were using this one created by a member. https://hatchkeeper.sourceforge.io/

 

[BuckeyeHomestead]

So, I just looked at that, it looks neat. I'm a little wary of being on it though because it was stated that its "still under development and may have some bugs" I've had things happen and would rather not risk it. thank you for that recommendation though! maybe when they've put more work in it and it's safer, I'll look into it more.

 

[SourRoses]

I've been using the HatchKeeper app that Debbie so helpfully shared, but only as one component of my record keeping.
HatchKeeper is good for tracking incubations and setting custom alerts for candling, lockdown, etc.

For the main part of my record keeping, I use Scrivener. It's a paid software for writing that is truly worth it for all the features.
It's so customized and flexible, I can make pages for each bird and add pictures, drag and drop pages into different "chapters" that change as my project progresses. And there's a whole section at the end where I've organized the scattered Genetics info I've picked up here & there so I can reference it easily while I still have my Breeding Book open. All hatch date info is backed up there.

 

[BuckeyeHomestead]

ok, thank you!! I'll look into it a bit!

 

[AGeese]

I've been using the HatchKeeper app that Debbie so helpfully shared, but only as one component of my record keeping.
HatchKeeper is good for tracking incubations and setting custom alerts for candling, lockdown, etc.

For the main part of my record keeping, I use Scrivener. It's a paid software for writing that is truly worth it for all the features.
It's so customized and flexible, I can make pages for each bird and add pictures, drag and drop pages into different "chapters" that change as my project progresses. And there's a whole section at the end where I've organized the scattered Genetics info I've picked up here & there so I can reference it easily while I still have my Breeding Book open. All hatch date info is backed up there.

Mind sharing the link for that? Does it allow you to also make breeding records?

 

[SourRoses]

Mind sharing the link for that? Does it allow you to also make breeding records?

Do you mean the link for Scrivener?
You can search for "Literature and Latte" and the site has the Scrivener link on the front page.

It allows you to make pretty much anything that could resemble a book (note book, picture book, etc.). Building it up is a bit involved as there are no templates for this sort of thing.

 

[AGeese]

Do you mean the link for Scrivener?
You can search for "Literature and Latte" and the site has the Scrivener link on the front page.

It allows you to make pretty much anything that could resemble a book (note book, picture book, etc.). Building it up is a bit involved as there are no templates for this sort of thing.

I ideally I just want something like a cross between embark and AncestryDNA for my chickens.

 

[Debbie292d]

Do you mean the link for Scrivener?
You can search for "Literature and Latte" and the site has the Scrivener link on the front page.

It allows you to make pretty much anything that could resemble a book (note book, picture book, etc.). Building it up is a bit involved as there are no templates for this sort of thing.

I searched and for my needs, which is merely keeping track of what roosters and hens are in 8 different pens or coops, I just made a tracker in Excel spreadsheets.

Every time I make a change, I just copy the last sheet to make a fresh one. That way my history is saved. I eventually want to get it so each chicken links to their picture, but I'll have it spruced up better when I get time.

I'm not great at it so this looks rather odd but it's working for me. This is just the top part: