chicken genetics

[Phairlandchicks]

I'm new to raising chickens. My first batch came from a straight-run bin at Tractor Supply. They were split between male/female, and I've ended up with 6 hens and kept two of the roosters. They're all rocks of varying colors - black, barred, red and white. Now I want to hatch chicks. My concern is that if I hatch my own, do I need to obtain unrelated roosters for next year's breeding? Does this even matter with chickens?

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

It would be better to have a new roo ever year but ever other year would be ok. Its better to not breed brother an sister but father to kids happens a lot.

 

[nzpouter]

go on... inbreed them... you'll be rich if you bred a strain of 4 legged chickens....

 

[columbiacritter]

I would go ahead with the roosters you have for now. With the masses of birds that come from big hatcheries they are as likely not to be related as any other bird you buy from the same location.

In a year when your first babies are maturing start looking for a nice replacement rooster.

 

[hinkjc]

It is recommended to change your roo every 5 years to bring a new blood line in. I would say you're probably safe in using the current roos as well.

 

[Mahonri]

That is interesting.