Actually I had 2 disasters 2 years apart. My line is still doing OK. In fact, miraculously egg color and size are getting better.
I have managed to get a pair of completely unrelated birds and 2 pullets that carry only half that of my birds.
I have one nice cockerel hatched January 2nd from the unrelated pair. He's probably going to replace one of my 2 cockerels from last summer.
I also have some nice chicks from 4 hatches in Feb, Mar and this month. A few eggs in the incubator and more getting set today.
I also have a nice 5 year old rooster. What I have to do now is sell off my hens that either aren't laying dark large eggs or are the wrong shape/color.
I don't need this many eating eggs and I don't need to be feeding birds that I'll never use for breeders.
IMHO, you will be starting from a known location and you'll have good topo maps so you won't need the best options for a compass since you aren't orienteering from an unknown location. I'd go with a compass like the one in the first picture in the following link rather than the one I brought down there. It is cheaper and all you need.
Plus, read through this and determine what you'll need for your plans.
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/compass.html
I am waiting (and waiting, and waiting........) to get some Maranas eggs for hutching AND THE DON'T COME!!! I was educted that promises and obligations should be kept!! I guess not everyone is.......
Just go with Black Penedesencas. Dark eggs and a much better bird overall, especially for your heat.
when your sleeping?
