redinator
Songster
Currently I have 5 chicks that will be 6 weeks on Monday the 24th so I know I'm probably getting ahead of myself, but I want to be ready and have things set up properly so when the time comes I'm not running around like a . . . well you know . . .
This is a crude representation of what our property looks like.
Our full property is 50ft by 135ft; the backyard is roughly 50ft by 65ft.
There are two side yards have 4ft high picket fence with gates (blue lines) separating the back yard from the side yards. They both measure about 20ft long by 8-10ft wide. The bold black lines are 6ft high full privacy fences, the red line is a 4ft high chain-link fence on one side of the property.
The grey square w the triangle is their current enclosure w the coop inside, it measures 9ft by 18ft, fully covered with a tarp under the trees for good shade.
The brown square with a rounded square is a 8x10 (possibly 10x12) shed I plan to convert for the chickens as I need the room.
Anyway, my half baked plan goes something like this:
I have my 5 chicks (2 almost certain roos, 2 likely pullets and 1 wild card) grow into adolescent chickens, living and clucking all together until they get to breeding age, or the males start getting into serious fights. Then I set up a breeding flock with all the hens (3 at most w my current chicks) and periodically switch out the rooster. I'd like to build a flock with the small number I have to avoid the cost of buying hatching eggs, chicks, or pullets. It also seems to make the most sense given the concerns for biosecurity and issues integrating new birds in an existing group.
My plan is to have one rooster in with the hens until I have a few chicks from that male and each hen. Then give the hens a break (how long should that be?) then put in the second rooster. I know, not all hens will raise chicks so I'm prepared to incubate when necessary.
When I start switching out roos and have a 'bachelor pad' should they be allowed to see the breeding group, or would that cause trouble with the 'males in waiting' fighting amongst each other.
Something I didn't even think about until now . . . Is inbreeding a concern with chickens? I'm not concerned with these 5, but with future pairings of offspring, should I avoid keeping related roos so they aren't mating w siblings or mothers . . ?
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
This is a crude representation of what our property looks like.
Our full property is 50ft by 135ft; the backyard is roughly 50ft by 65ft.
There are two side yards have 4ft high picket fence with gates (blue lines) separating the back yard from the side yards. They both measure about 20ft long by 8-10ft wide. The bold black lines are 6ft high full privacy fences, the red line is a 4ft high chain-link fence on one side of the property.
The grey square w the triangle is their current enclosure w the coop inside, it measures 9ft by 18ft, fully covered with a tarp under the trees for good shade.
The brown square with a rounded square is a 8x10 (possibly 10x12) shed I plan to convert for the chickens as I need the room.
Anyway, my half baked plan goes something like this:
I have my 5 chicks (2 almost certain roos, 2 likely pullets and 1 wild card) grow into adolescent chickens, living and clucking all together until they get to breeding age, or the males start getting into serious fights. Then I set up a breeding flock with all the hens (3 at most w my current chicks) and periodically switch out the rooster. I'd like to build a flock with the small number I have to avoid the cost of buying hatching eggs, chicks, or pullets. It also seems to make the most sense given the concerns for biosecurity and issues integrating new birds in an existing group.
My plan is to have one rooster in with the hens until I have a few chicks from that male and each hen. Then give the hens a break (how long should that be?) then put in the second rooster. I know, not all hens will raise chicks so I'm prepared to incubate when necessary.
When I start switching out roos and have a 'bachelor pad' should they be allowed to see the breeding group, or would that cause trouble with the 'males in waiting' fighting amongst each other.
Something I didn't even think about until now . . . Is inbreeding a concern with chickens? I'm not concerned with these 5, but with future pairings of offspring, should I avoid keeping related roos so they aren't mating w siblings or mothers . . ?
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
