Natural breeding thread

[BDutch]

I know a lot of people never let their broodies hatch eggs. They rather buy sexed chicks or pullets bc they can’t have a rooster. And don't want to cull cockerels.

For this reason and bc its a great experience to let a broody hatch, I want to share my thoughts.

If I buy hens, I know the males (or most of them) are killed by the brooder/seller anyway. If I give away a cockerel, I know there is a risk he gets killed by the new owner. Whats best from the point of view of the cockerels?

The times I let my broodies hatch fertilised eggs, there was always at least one cockerel. Most of them found a good life elsewhere. Some I wasn't sure about, but I prefer the hassle of rehoming to buying pullets and putting them in quarantine.

Until now I never got stuck with a cockerel I couldn’t keep any longer bc as long as it is winter the neighbours don’t mind if he starts to crow. Twice I could keep a cockerel for offspring before he had to leave.

I would hate it if I ever have to kill a chicken for whatever reason so I did some research to find the best way if I ever need to kill a cockerel or a very poor sick chicken. Using an airtight box and using ether or starting fluid seems the right thing to do for me. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...re-culling-the-injured-and-sick-babies.72140/

 

[Perris]

Great post @BDutch .

But on the culling method, I tried that, and couldn't go through with it; I don't know if they add something as a deterrent or whatever, but the smell is absolutely vile for the handler, never mind the poor bird who fights it of course. I think a very sharp knife into the carotid artery is the quickest, kindest way.