I actually don't hatch that much, even though it may seem like it. Right now, I'm doing small staggered hatches in order to get more layers of my three main breeds going by spring sometime and I have to collect eggs in between customers. You're right, though, I am very attached to all my Barred Rocks and Ameraucanas, especially. They are so sweet with loads of personality, it's hard to let even the boys go, but I know there are only so many roosters a person can have on small acreage without problems...or many, many pens! Not counting any of the chicks, I only have 29 chickens, including the three roosters. I plan to keep a few from all the hatches, unless I lose someone and that space is open to be filled with another girl. So far, I haven't lost any birds, but my number will come up some day, I'm sure. I'm custom hatching for someone else, as well, too.
