Keeping roo? bad idea?

[klf73]

I hatched out 9 mixed breed chickens a couple of weeks ago. Dh wants to keep 1 roo. I thought because the parents are from 4 hens and 1 rooster that they are all related at least 1/2. What would be the downside to keeping 1 roo and letting him breed the hens? I know for sure that the roo and hens (parents) were not related because they weren't even close to the same breed. At what point do you worry about inbreeding. Do I just get rid of my roosters from this batch and just keep a packing peanut that is coming at the end of the month from my Ideal order?
Krista

 

[ibpboo]

I found this info

http://www.the-coop.org/wwwboard/discus/messages/15/6117.html

 

[S0rcy]

I like that link, thanks!

I personally would not keep roos from a batch that hatched from yours unless you have unrelated hens to put them with. If bad traits are hanging around in the background, they may appear strongly when bred to the family line. This would be costly in terms of time, effort, and food. I would also not use a roo from the packing peanuts if you have gotten your hens from the same company as the same problem has a chance of occurring.

I would select a roo from someone elses small breeding program. This is far less likely to have detrimental breeding effects and may be better where health is concerned.

Please keep in mind I speak only from experience in biology and opinion, as my first four hens are only ten weeks old!

 

[Buster]

Birds are different than most animals and can be bred father to daughter, brother to sister for longer than other animals. One generation should be just fine.