⠀ how long should u wait after taking hens off layer pellets to breeding

[SLAP STICK487]

Having a discussion with others about when to start breeding the hens, Acer they have been taken off layer pellets. I was saying at least three----what do u think? And by the way my hens are no longer broody does any1 know where I can purchase an incubator less than the 50$ one at tractor supply.? Was thinking of building my own tomorrow but I was going to use a storage basket with a lid and my heating lamp and thermometer. What are you all thoughts?

 

[junebuggena]

What does what kind of food you give them have anything to do with breeding? You can breed them anytime they feel like it as long as you have a rooster and a few mature hens. What they eat has no baring on reproductive abilities. The hens should be getting a balanced feed as their main diet and plenty of calcium for good eggshell quality. It doesn't matter if that feed is layer pellets, or a flock raiser as long as it is a balanced and complete feed.

 

[SLAP STICK487]

Thanks, so I had unfurtal eggs the last time because some1 shot blanks? Well time to put one of the boys in the pot...LOL..BBQ tomorrow

 

[junebuggena]

How old are your roosters? Sometimes it can take a rooster up to a year to figure how to mate successfully. Just because you see them mating, does not mean that he is hitting his mark. Some breeds tend to be more heavily feathered than others and that can make fertility a bit more difficult as well.

 

[SLAP STICK487]

Last I can remember, they are 11 and 13 months

 

[junebuggena]

Are your hens the same age or are they older? Older hens don't usually let younger roosters mate. Young roosters under a year old can have problems with not 'hitting their mark.' They do all the right things, but their aim isn't very good. Once the boys are over a year old, the older hens will become more receptive to their advances. Having too many boys can also be a problem if they are constantly interrupting each other while trying to mate. Feather footed breeds can have a hard time getting into the right position for fertility as well. By the way, roosters should never be fed layer pellets. The calcium content is too high.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

There is no answer to this as there is no time as there is no need to take a hen off of layer ration for the purposes of breeding.

 

[SLAP STICK487]

My hens are a little older by maybe 8 r nine months

 

[SLAP STICK487]

Okay, junebuggena what are you saying will happen to the roos if fed layer pellets?

 

[junebuggena]

It can lead to a shorter life span due to kidney failure. Basically, all that calcium that hens need to produce eggs just builds up in a rooster's kidneys. The same goes for any bird that is not actively laying eggs; broodies, molting birds, and growing chicks. While they may seem fine for a couple years, all that calcium is still doing damage. If you have a really nice rooster that you want to keep around for a long time, don't feed them layer pellets.