Clan Mating System? Anyone use it?

[cat1994]

Hello
I use the Clan Mating System to maintain a closed flock. I was wondering if anyone else has used this management for breeding a closed flock?
http://themodernhomestead.us/article/Clan+Mating.html

 

[donrae]

I've not been that organized yet! And, I've had breeding projects of different breeds, not concentrating on one specific breed. But, I'm looking to move forward with my Marans this coming year, and this may help me keep everyone straight. Thank you for posting it, it seems simple and straight forward. Interested in other's input.

 

[cat1994]

I've not been that organized yet! And, I've had breeding projects of different breeds, not concentrating on one specific breed. But, I'm looking to move forward with my Marans this coming year, and this may help me keep everyone straight. Thank you for posting it, it seems simple and straight forward. Interested in other's input. 

It's surprisingly easy and doesn't take much record keeping. With my three clans I could keep a closed flock for about 20 years

 

[centrarchid]

I am doing it. Instead of clans I use term matrilines. Additionally cocks can be used to breed hens of their own line and the same hens also are bred to cocks from other matrilines in a manner that I can track patrilinage of individuals even though I do not know the ID of mother within a given matrilinage. Also my hens do not get to enter breeding population until three years and remain until they loose fertility. Males get to breed only in second year.

 

[cat1994]

Why do you hold off on breeding your females until they are three years old?

 

[junebuggena]

Why do you hold off on breeding your females until they are three years old?

Because they can change coloring quite a bit after a molt. You need to be sure that you aren't inadvertently passing on any surprise genes. It also means that you are breeding birds with a long, healthy lifespan and not birds that will burn out in a few years.

 

[centrarchid]

Part of selection criteria is based on propensity for broodiness. I do not want broodiness to be strong during first full season of lay but I do want it in once two years and more old. Some hens that lay really well do not go broody as much as I like later. Those going broody also need to be able to hatch off chicks / be fertile.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm also not organized enough, but I do select for longevity, and favor broodiness in some lines. It's a great system, though, and the chart is very helpful. MUST GET ORGANIZED! Mary