New Rooster "Mom"

[OhioChickenLady]

Hello!

I'm fairly new to chickens...started a flock of 19 backyard hens last May. Lost one to suspected "sudden chicken death" following a seizure.

My new group of 6 Ameraucana (splash pullets and a black roo) are 8 weeks old and I would like any and all advice about breeding him to my varied flock (11 breeds). The rooster has been crowing for two weeks already. No question about his gender!

I live in the city limits (chickens allowed), and know that my days of rooster owning are probably numbered.

From what I have read, breeding my Black Ameraucana roo with the other breeds will end up producing olive eggers (Marans), EEs (most other brown egg layers), and other Ameraucanas (with the Ameraucanas). Does this sound correct?

Any tricks other than the no-crow collar to keep him quiet? When can I introduce him to my nearly year-old hens and expect fertile eggs? How do I know if eggs are fertile (TOTAL newbie question)?

I have a Black Australorp who is almost ALWAYS broody and a Buff Orpington who goes in and out of broodiness. Is there one I should choose over another for any reason? How many eggs can I give her to hatch? How do I save the eggs over a period of days? Refrigerate them? Or just let her sit on them and keep adding to the clutch?


Thank you in advance for any guidance you may provide!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us.

I'll try and answer your questions: Your cockerel will not begin to mate (successfully, at least) for another 3-4 months with your adult hens.

These links on egg colour genetics should explain things:
https://scratchcradle.wordpress.com/2012/07/01/gms1-genetics-of-egg-color/

https://scratchcradle.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/gms2-breeding-for-blue-eggs/

https://scratchcradle.wordpress.com/2012/07/15/gms3-breeding-for-other-egg-colors/

http://www.maranschickenclubusa.com/files/eggreview.pdf

Keeping your cockerel quiet is not so easy, I'm afraid.

I'd suggest introducing him at the same time as you introduce the rest of the birds of the same age. Here's a couple of links on egg fertility:
http://cdn.backyardchickens.com/7/76/500x1000px-LL-767d5e96_EggFertility.jpeg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/16008/how-to-tell-a-fertile-vs-infertile-egg-pictures

In terms of hatching - the larger the broody hen, the more eggs she can hatch. Maybe ask this question on this thread -https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ody-hen-hatch-a-long-and-informational-thread

Hatching eggs should be stored pointed end downwards and the tray kept at an angle of 30-45 degrees, alternating the ends of the tray that is raised. The raised end of the tray should be changed over twice per day. Keeping the eggs in a cool room is best. After 10 days after having been laid, egg fertility declines, so you will have better chances of a good hatch if you set eggs that are less than 10 days old.

There's no harm in asking your questions in the Old fashioned broody hen thread. Very few things chicken are caste in stone, and some of my comments are what i think or what i do. Others do things differently I'm sure.

More generally, you'll find lots of info in the Learning Centre - https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center and if you have a specific topic in mind, just type it in the search box - there's a wealth of information on past and present threads.

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread#post_3239224

All the best
CT

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under OhioChickenLady

Welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your loss

As you have already received links to some good starting points and excellent advice from Ken, I will just wish you all the best.

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.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[drumstick diva]

CTken just outdid himself giving you so many helpful links, so I will just say Thank you for joining us at Backyard chickens - hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

 

[Chicken Girl1]

You have gotten some great advice from other members so I'm just stopping in to say 'Welcome'!