- Jul 18, 2025
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Hi there! I've got a couple of basic genetics questions. They may seem silly, but genetics has never been my friend, and I'm very new to chickens.
I've got BBS Orpingtons, and I think I have a decent grasp on the BBS genetics. The rest, well...
I've got 2 female Red Cochin bantams. They're 17 weeks and 12 weeks old. I've also got 14 assorted cochin bantam chicks. They're 4 weeks old. I'm going to keep the following:
1 White female
2 Partridge females
1 Buff female
I've also got many males. I have mainly Black and Buff, and possibly a Red. I plan to keep just one male. With those color females, which male would you advise keeping? It should be noted that I'm not looking to show birds or breed any colors in particular. I'm just not sure which of these would be best, or if it matters. I've read about color leakage and all, but I don't really understand the complexity of it.
Second question, and it's about BYMs. I do not want to keep my flock separated into breeding pens. I want everyone to stay together, unless I'm wanting to specifically breed certain color birds, at which point I'll separate them as required. So overall, I'll end up with mostly BYM chicks, which I'm fine with as I don't intend to sell any purebred chicks right now. Is there anything wrong with this? Other than wonky colors, I mean? I don't want to create genetic or health issues, is my concern. If I ever did sell BYM chicks, I would 100% make sure any buyer knew exactly what they were getting.
Again, I'm sorry if these seem like ridiculous questions. But I'll never know if I don't ask. Thanks for your help!
I've got BBS Orpingtons, and I think I have a decent grasp on the BBS genetics. The rest, well...
I've got 2 female Red Cochin bantams. They're 17 weeks and 12 weeks old. I've also got 14 assorted cochin bantam chicks. They're 4 weeks old. I'm going to keep the following:
1 White female
2 Partridge females
1 Buff female
I've also got many males. I have mainly Black and Buff, and possibly a Red. I plan to keep just one male. With those color females, which male would you advise keeping? It should be noted that I'm not looking to show birds or breed any colors in particular. I'm just not sure which of these would be best, or if it matters. I've read about color leakage and all, but I don't really understand the complexity of it.
Second question, and it's about BYMs. I do not want to keep my flock separated into breeding pens. I want everyone to stay together, unless I'm wanting to specifically breed certain color birds, at which point I'll separate them as required. So overall, I'll end up with mostly BYM chicks, which I'm fine with as I don't intend to sell any purebred chicks right now. Is there anything wrong with this? Other than wonky colors, I mean? I don't want to create genetic or health issues, is my concern. If I ever did sell BYM chicks, I would 100% make sure any buyer knew exactly what they were getting.
Again, I'm sorry if these seem like ridiculous questions. But I'll never know if I don't ask. Thanks for your help!
