I have Rhode Island Reds and Barred Rocks...question on offspring

[BrownChickenBrownCow]

Ok. I have 15 RIR hens and 2 RIR males or roosters. As well as 5 Barred Rock hens. They are 2 weeks old as of yesterday. I purchased them from a local reputable feed/seed store that said they got them from MtHealthy Hatchery. So I assume they are all straight up RIR and Rocks.

IF I understand what I have read by searching these forums, the offspring will be true RIR's. And from the barred rock hens will come black sex links. Assuming that is accurate, if I keep some of the black sex links, and they RIR's mate w the BSL...what does that produce? I guess what I am asking is; if I want to keep the rhode island reds "pure" so to speak, as well as keep some black sex links, then I would have to keep the latter separate? Does that make sense?

Thanks for any help clarifying.
Best
Wise

 

[Fred's Hens]

Depends on who gets to breed, I suppose. You'd have to get down to only two roosters, I'd imagine, to prevent crazy rooster behavior and over breeding.

Yes, collecting fertile eggs from your hens, you'd probably get both RIR chicks and BSL. The ratio would depend on which rooster is alpha and which just sneaks a few private moments.

Unless the BSL requires a Red roo over a BR hen, I tend to forget.

 

[BrownChickenBrownCow]

Oh...I left out an important detail...I would only keep the hens from the black sex links produced. Looks like they are great egg producers! So there would only be the two RIR roosters in the equation at all times.

I think I read on here a BSL is from a RIR rooster and a Barred Rock hen. So I could produce RIR's and BSL's. And if I keep the BSL hens only and separately everything should continue "purely" I guess you call it. I suppose I would need to get 2 new RIR roos at some point down the road for genetic diversity.

Assuming my assumptions are correct?....I think I have it figured out...or no?

Thanks again Fred...you have really been helping me out here. I really appreciate you taking the time.
From our other topic last night...I lowered my light down into the brooder and it seems to be doing the trick just fine. The chicks seem very healthy, happy, and active. Thanks again!
Wise

 

[Fred's Hens]

A BSL is made by a Red roo over BR hens. http://www.cacklehatchery.com/blacksexlinkpage.html

 

[Arielle]

You have the breeding combination correct. two points just for FYI. The BLS aren't exactly like those you can buy which are from special high production lines of RIR and BR. And you improve "hybrid vigor" when you cross 2 breeds creating healthier, stronger more productive birds that grow faster. At least, that's the theory!


Have fun with the breeding ! One last thing: male and female is not as easy to recognize as you are led to beleive: I ordered 5 BSL from MM and got 3 female and 2 male. Because the males lacked the white spot on top of his head. FYI. GL