Genetic variation

[kiwi_dave]

Hi there, I have a newbie question for you guys. We recently bought 3 Buff Orpington chicks and after 10 weeks it seems we have two girls and 1 boy. I really love them and would like to get a few more. Is it ok to breed brother and sisters together. Their parents were not related.

Thanks
Dave

 

[Cattitude]

In the chicken world, it's done all the time. The chance of deformed or dead chicks for Orpingtons, from everything I've read, is pretty small. If anyone else has different info, chime in! But I believe you can breathe easy.

 

[kiwi_dave]

I figured that it happens all the time.. Thanks heaps

 

[chickintexas]

Ummm....silly question. If the parents are unrelated then how are they brother and sister? If you bought them from a feed store then I wouldn't be concerned about it at all. It's preferred not to breed brother to sister because genetic defects are more apt to show up in those instances.

 

[kiwi_dave]

Their parents are unrelated. My chicks are the result of their mating. I'm confused where the confusion arises. I wanted to know if I can mate my chicks together.

 

[CCourson05]

Lol. He's saying that the inbreeding didn't occur at a parental level to show that this would be the first inbred progeny. While linebreeding is preferred, inbreeding is possible and usually only causes issues on the later instances. (Linebreedinh is the mating of mother to son, father to daughter, uncle to neice, aunt to nephew...etc.)

 

[ModernGameGrl]

With birds especially chickens it rarely causes any trouble. My uncle has kept a flock where he's had the same roo for going on 5yrs and keeps adding his daughters to the flock and hasn't had an increase in deformities or health issues.

I say go for it especially if they develop into nice looking birds with qualities you like. Breeding them together should help solidify the good type.

 

[rebel-rousing-at-night]

Ummm....silly question. If the parents are unrelated then how are they brother and sister?

Well,my parents weren't related either!

 

[onthespot]

I heard it explained this way. For thousands of years, chickens have been kept as livestock, food source that was heavily culled for defects over time. Only the strong survived, and literally, they have been culled to a very strong state of genetic health, generally speaking. Many older breeders keep closed flocks that have not had any new blood introduced over several decades, and no genetic problems... Good luck with your babies, and DO post pics!

 

[SourRoses]

Texas.... You had me going there for a moment

... I was re-re-re-reading your comment

Then I burst out with "Wait a minute! That doesen't make any sense!"

Scared my doggy!

At least know you aren't alone

Silly us!

Spot - Love your explanation! Thank you!