How to keep the pairs together?

[hosspak]

When I decide to pair off my breeds, do I have to segregate them totally from all others? Will this cause a problem with-in the flock to keep the pairs cooped up or should I let them out for separate free range time?

 

[enola]

Roosters will breed any hen that is available. Roosters don't care if you are trying to breed purebred chickens. You will have to keep them separated at all times.

 

[donrae]

It doesn't matter if you keep them cooped or let each pair out. You just need to keep the hen you want eggs from from being with a rooster you don't want breeding her during that time.

 

[hosspak]

I think I read that I need to make sure the hen hasn't been with another roo for at least 2 weeks before I start collecting her eggs for hatching. Is that about right?

 

[chickenlover28]

Yes separate into breeding pens. 2 wks is correct.

 

[donrae]

That's what I've heard, that a hen can store sperm internally for up to 2 weeks. So, if the hen was available to a rooster you don't want to hatch from, you'll need to have her away from the undesirable rooster(s) for 2 weeks, then you can start incubating eggs.