We are new at breeding but after researching we thought we would try alternating two FR roos with some FR hens. We have 25 FRs age 5 weeks and plan to keep two cockerels and about 10 pullets. We'll put one FR roo with the FR hens and the other FR roo with our 9 laying hens of other breeds. At some point we'd rotate/switch roos so the second FR roo is with the FR hens. This way we'd have a couple of bloodlines. On the other hand our 25 did come from one hatchery (JM) in the first place so maybe they're all closely related.
We personally really like the tri-color FRs and will try to go for some color (by that I mean flecks of color other than red and yellow). We only got one obvious tri chick (very dark at hatch) and that one appears to be a pullet. One of the cockerels born without much color has turned out colorful. So they are one pair we'll watch. Who knows how the genes will work with these hybrids? Would a red hen and roo produce color too?
All this focus on appearance and color may seem pointless when we are raising meaties! Our purpose in breeding is just for ourselves to become sustainable in the future and not have to buy chicks every time we raise a batch. We will also look at build for meatiness, but we do enjoy looking at them while they are growing
Here is our tri-color newly hatched (looking like a dark penguin) and again at 5 weeks. She has a nice personality too. Her legs are darker and more greenish than all the other chicks.
Here is our colorful cockerel, who did not look distinct in the first couple of weeks but has developed nice color and personality. We have another cockerel with some nice flecks and are watching him for other traits.
We personally really like the tri-color FRs and will try to go for some color (by that I mean flecks of color other than red and yellow). We only got one obvious tri chick (very dark at hatch) and that one appears to be a pullet. One of the cockerels born without much color has turned out colorful. So they are one pair we'll watch. Who knows how the genes will work with these hybrids? Would a red hen and roo produce color too?
All this focus on appearance and color may seem pointless when we are raising meaties! Our purpose in breeding is just for ourselves to become sustainable in the future and not have to buy chicks every time we raise a batch. We will also look at build for meatiness, but we do enjoy looking at them while they are growing
Here is our tri-color newly hatched (looking like a dark penguin) and again at 5 weeks. She has a nice personality too. Her legs are darker and more greenish than all the other chicks.
Here is our colorful cockerel, who did not look distinct in the first couple of weeks but has developed nice color and personality. We have another cockerel with some nice flecks and are watching him for other traits.
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