Considering breeding

[Hammie919]

I'm thinking about possibly breeding chickens that have either feathered feet or beards or both. But I really need some information about breeding and trying to keep them true to breed. Is it really hard to start a breeding program? And what kind of things would I need? Also finding decent breeding stock seems to be a challenge on the west coast. So ideas, tips and/or instructions would be great. It just sounds like a fun and rewarding challenge.
Thanks,
Heather

 

[keesmom]

The first challenge will be to find good breeding stock. What breeds are you interested in?

 

[Hammie919]

I'm thinking either partridge Cochin or salmon favorelles but I would be willing to branch out on the colors more if necessary.

 

[keesmom]

I think other color Cochins are easier to come by than Faverolles. I do have salmon Faverolles but I am on the other coast. There are several west coast breeders that I know of in OR and WA. The Faverolles thread is here

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/268082/faverolles-thread/16460

I would try to contact elizmartin for possible breeders out that way.

I am less familiar with Cochin breeders.

 

[Hammie919]

I think I'm going to go for faverolles as they seem tone a favorite at home. I posted on the faverolle thread so I'll see if that goes somewhere but I still need general information on breeding.

 

[junebuggena]

The first step would be to familiarize yourself with the defining features of your chosen breed. Then get some good stock. Grow them out till they are about a year old, then decide which ones are the keepers, and which birds have disqualifications/faults that you would rather not pass on. Then take your chosen adults, and put them in a breeding pen/coop. Then start hatching eggs. Then repeat steps 3 through 5.