Ok, how bad is it to inbreed sibling to sibling, or roo to it's mom?
I have had a much larger flock. Lost a BUNCH last year to a momma raccoon. Anyway, I was left with one Barred rock rooster, & 3 full sized hens. 1 hen is a BA, the other 2 are RIR. (The 2 RIR are possibly mother/daughter.)
Last fall I let my BA hatch out a batch of chicks. I figured this would be a good way to build my flock back up. Pretty good hatch. 8 babies. 1 died right away, Another had a deformed leg. She passed at 14 weeks. Left me with 6. 3 cockerals, and 3 pullets. 1 Cockeral was taken out by the neighbor's dog. (I know. GRRRR.)
So I am left with a flock that consists of
3 pullets & 2 cockerals. (All siblings, or 1/2 siblings.)
& my 3 original hens... of course, they are mom's to the above.
I am trying to find a home for the cockerals, but that is easier said than done. I thought they were ugly when they were younger, but now I think they are stunning. I am SURE that the mom of at least one of the boys is a RIR, because he has red spots mixed in.
I'd really like to keep one, but I have ALWAYS tried to keep inbreeding to a minimum. And as I do let my birds brood, (If the timing is ok.) I am leary of keeping one of these boys.
Should I be?
Will it cause problems?
(I do have some fresh blood up and coming, but they are awhile from breeding age.)
Sorry I rambled on, but it's complicated, and I wanted to make sure I covered as many details as possible.
I'd appreciate any input.
THANKS!
I have had a much larger flock. Lost a BUNCH last year to a momma raccoon. Anyway, I was left with one Barred rock rooster, & 3 full sized hens. 1 hen is a BA, the other 2 are RIR. (The 2 RIR are possibly mother/daughter.)
Last fall I let my BA hatch out a batch of chicks. I figured this would be a good way to build my flock back up. Pretty good hatch. 8 babies. 1 died right away, Another had a deformed leg. She passed at 14 weeks. Left me with 6. 3 cockerals, and 3 pullets. 1 Cockeral was taken out by the neighbor's dog. (I know. GRRRR.)
So I am left with a flock that consists of
3 pullets & 2 cockerals. (All siblings, or 1/2 siblings.)
& my 3 original hens... of course, they are mom's to the above.
I am trying to find a home for the cockerals, but that is easier said than done. I thought they were ugly when they were younger, but now I think they are stunning. I am SURE that the mom of at least one of the boys is a RIR, because he has red spots mixed in.
I'd really like to keep one, but I have ALWAYS tried to keep inbreeding to a minimum. And as I do let my birds brood, (If the timing is ok.) I am leary of keeping one of these boys.
Should I be?
Will it cause problems?
(I do have some fresh blood up and coming, but they are awhile from breeding age.)
Sorry I rambled on, but it's complicated, and I wanted to make sure I covered as many details as possible.
I'd appreciate any input.
THANKS!
