Is inbreeding a big concern in chickens?

[Mtn Cur]

I have 10 sexlink hens and 1 sexlink rooster out of the same batch. If or when I decide to start raising is it a concern that they probably have the parents? Unlike some of the members here, I am after eggs only and having sweet pets is not a top priority. Should I get a different rooster?

 

[Ridgerunner]

If the chicks came from a hatchery, the odds are they are not as closely related as you think. I'd go with what you have.

Inbreeding is how the different breeds were developed and is how breeders win championships at shows. You do need to introduce new blood every few generations to keep the genetic diversity up, but it is not a criminal offense. If there are bad recessive traits, inbreeding can bring those out. If there are good recessive traits, inbreeding can bring those out.

You might do search on "line breeding", using the search feature in the blue band at the top of the page for more discussion.

 

[Mtn Cur]

Thanks ridgerunner, where in east tn did you live?

 

[Ridgerunner]

North of Knoxville, in the Powell Valley not too far from the Cumberland Gap.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Sorry, I don't understand what you mean when you write you are after "eggs only."