Naturally born chicks

[btalbott]

Howdy!

So, I'm about a year into raising chickens and gathering eggs. It's a total blast and I'm loving it. I would like to create a separate yard/coop for a rooster and 3-5 hens for breeding purposes. I can't invest in an incubator right now. If these guys are all by themselves and left alone to do what they do. . . . will all be ok? I don't want to go out and be a part of the process. I want things to happen naturally. The coop happens to be quite insulated. I can manage the temp inside if necessary. Any ideas and/or thoughts??

Thanks so much!!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Yup, Nature will take it's course

 

[Pyxis]

!

Whether they will hatch or not depends entirely on the breed. Some breeds go broody and raise chicks on their own quite readily. Others have had that trait bred out of them.

Also, you will need at least five hens for the rooster, and quite likely more - if you can do 10 that's the best number, and the closer you get to ten the less likely the hens will be injured by overmating.

 

[drumstick diva]

what breed hens do you have?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I agree with Pyxis.

Good luck
CT

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under btalbott

Welcome!

Great advice from Pyxis so I will just wish you luck.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. Unlike non chicken loving friends, family and colleagues, BYC’ers never tire of stories or pictures that feature our feathered and non feathered friends

 

[N F C]

Thanks for joining us!

 

[btalbott]

Rhode Island Reds -10 lites and 4 darks. The Rooster is a dark.

thanks

 

[redsoxs]

Hello from Kansas, btalbott, and ! Great to have you aboard! e

 

[Pyxis]

Rhode Island Reds -10  lites and 4 darks.  The Rooster is a dark.

thanks

Unfortunately broodiness has been mostly bred out of RIRs, especially those from hatcheries, as it is an impediment to egg production. The hens aren't very likely to go broody. If you wanted you could get some hens especially for brooding, such as silkies, cochins, or game hens, and let them hatch the RIRs' eggs.