How to get into breeding Chickens

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Laurissa

Laurissa

In the Brooder
5 Years
Oct 14, 2014
49
1
26
North Dakota
I would love too learn all I can about breeding Chickens! I'm interested in what breeders look for a Roo and hen . What catches a breeders eye when they're looking at chickens. I am at the very beginning stages here, and for now I'd like to learn what is needed to get started (outside of having a hen and a rooster ;)) My passion is there, my knowledge is not. I would also like to learn about what it takes to breed for egg colors. I LOVE COLORED EGGS! I love the different breeds that have their own egg colors. I love beautiful chickens! I'm excited to see if anyone has any advice or tips for a beginner like me. Thank you so much for reading my post! How you all have a wonderful day!!
 
First, let me welcome you to BYC, there's lots of people here with tons of info. About your question about what people look for in chickens, it has a lot to do with the breed of chicken. Like how single combs on silkies is a fault. I don't know much about egg color genetics, so maybe someone can enlighten both of us.
 
Since you love colored eggs, it's much simpler to just start with the various types that lay them. Marans for dark brown. Easter eggers for pastel colors, Olive eggers -as the name implies., there is also a breed known for blue eggs but the names escapes me.
 
Thank you for the welcome!! I am very interested in egg genetics! Who does one carry the egg color, what happens when mixing two breeds that have different colored eggs?? Ahh so many questions :D
 
I've heard that the rooster carries most of the egg-color genes, as well as the laying-ability gene, but I could be mistaken.
 
Yes, I love all the chickens you've just mentioned! I have Ameraucanas, 2 I've raised as chicks, and 3 I adopted. My 2 and the adopted 3 I adopted lay different colors. My original 2 lay blue, the other 3 lay an off white green, a green (not really olive, though) and a blue green. I have barred rocks that lay thier own color brown. I have a Buff Orpington, a light brown/tan. I'm excited, I've just ordered some new babies, they'll be here tomorrow! But I have 2 or 3 different Marans coming. Fingers crossed I get lucky and they lay the more darker brown.
 
Oooh! Ok! That's good to know! I think "someday" I would like to be able to sell fertile eggs, and chicks. Ask though that's probably way down the road
 
I am very interested in Marans! Not only do they have beautiful eggs, they are a great multi purpose bird. Which is great, you always have a stinker in the bunch. Which works for filing the freezer
 
We just got our first chicks about a month ago and our lovinG it. Since we were new we did a little research then got a few of each we liked never intending to breed, but now... It is a fun idea. Now we just have to decide if we want to go that route and which breed. Best of luck to you and I hope it goes well.
 

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