How long to isolate hen in mixed flock before breeding?

[kathleengp]

I have a mixed flock with many breeds, but I have roos and hens in several of them. I'd like to dabble in some breeding as I have 2 girls who go broody pretty frequently that I would like to let hatch for me.

Right now we have not done any breeding and my flock of 40 all free-range together and there is a fair amount of "free-for-all" breeding action with my 4 roosters, but since eggs get collected every day it doesn't matter who breeds with who. When we try breeding, I want to breed true to the breed (no "mutt" chicks).

My question is.....how long should I isolate a hen to make sure that she is not fertilized anymore with "anyone else's" genes? Then my plan is to quarantine her with the same-breed roo and let her lay for a few days in isolation to get "true-breed" eggs.

Anyone know how long she needs to be away from any other breed roos?

Thanks!

Kathleen

 

[Katy]

At least 4 weeks.

 

[gryeyes]

Yup, what Katy said.

Hens can keep viable sperm for as much as 3 weeks. So to be safe, you'd best wait four.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Quote:
Yup!

 

[Hennypen]

The semen can live that long inside a hen?

 

[tn.lou]

Quote:
Yes a hen will stay fertile for up to 30 days

 

[kano]

I was told about 20 days. But yes. Better 30 to avoid surprises.

 

[Buttercup Chillin]

I waite 6 weeks, before collecting pure breed eggs for hatching after I replace a Roo. Just the way I do it, because now and again...

 

[kathleengp]

Thanks everyone! I have an egglu that I started with that will be perfect for isolating 2-3 hens of the same breed happily for the month they will need.

I'm glad I asked - I had figured a week or 2 - good to know!!

 

[Coopa Cabana]

I waited a solid 3 weeks last season, and got a major surprise out of the first week's eggs. From now on, I'm waiting 4 weeks.