I'm so new to this whole breeding thing. I'm trying to get the basics down first, though, and that should start with building a coop.
But I need to settle on an idea for how many birds I want in total. Here's the deal...
We have a male right now that I'd like to breed. But having bad roosters in the past, I want to give him enough females to satisfy him and prevent him showing any 'tude. (To me or the ladies). My biggest fear is that he lashes out and I hate getting rid of or replacing animals to begin with. He has really grown on me. HOWEVER, we cannot support a ten-bird-flock or the like. That's far too many. I'm just happy my family has agreed to let me have this little project. I don't want to ask for more than considered. My dad thought that a trio would be cute but I had doubts right away. I just don't know if that's realistic. How do I hatch chicks when I have two Silkie girls? They barely lay to begin with. And I don't want to deal with possible over-mating. No, I said, that's not enough.
I'd LIKE 6 girls. Last I heard, my family thought we were thinking of 4. But I prefer 6. I'm not familiar with the workings of Silkes as far as breeding goes. Previous owner said I might even have to use AI in the future. Mr. Roo has a pretty big crest (he has horrible vision) and has not showed any interest in mating yet. (He's 4 months.) I'd really like to hear thoughts.
We have a male right now that I'd like to breed. But having bad roosters in the past, I want to give him enough females to satisfy him and prevent him showing any 'tude. (To me or the ladies). My biggest fear is that he lashes out and I hate getting rid of or replacing animals to begin with. He has really grown on me. HOWEVER, we cannot support a ten-bird-flock or the like. That's far too many. I'm just happy my family has agreed to let me have this little project. I don't want to ask for more than considered. My dad thought that a trio would be cute but I had doubts right away. I just don't know if that's realistic. How do I hatch chicks when I have two Silkie girls? They barely lay to begin with. And I don't want to deal with possible over-mating. No, I said, that's not enough.
I'd LIKE 6 girls. Last I heard, my family thought we were thinking of 4. But I prefer 6. I'm not familiar with the workings of Silkes as far as breeding goes. Previous owner said I might even have to use AI in the future. Mr. Roo has a pretty big crest (he has horrible vision) and has not showed any interest in mating yet. (He's 4 months.) I'd really like to hear thoughts.
