New to chickens, and have a question.

[keith92]

easy answer, split your group in two. a laying flock and a breeding flock. breeding flock consists of your best hens plus cock. imo 1:10 seems plenty high if you want a high percentage of fertile eggs. 1:5 would give you closer to 100% fertile if you have a good rooster. welcome new member

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Rocky Rhodes]

easy answer, split your group in two. a laying flock and a breeding flock. breeding flock consists of your best hens plus cock. imo 1:10 seems plenty high if you want a high percentage of fertile eggs. 1:5 would give you closer to 100% fertile if you have a good rooster. welcome new member

What he said.

Welcome to the BYC flock.

 

[JadedPhoenix]

easy answer, split your group in two. a laying flock and a breeding flock. breeding flock consists of your best hens plus cock. imo 1:10 seems plenty high if you want a high percentage of fertile eggs. 1:5 would give you closer to 100% fertile if you have a good rooster. welcome new member

Actually, a 1:5 ratio can be problematic since some roosters can get a little enthusiastic if they don't have enough hens to mate with. That's happened to me once when I had a flock too small to please a roo. He mated far too often for the girls and they ended up with no feathers on their backs. Once the flock grew, I didn't have that issue. Just something to keep in mind about such a small r/h ratio.

 

[Rocky Rhodes]

Actually, a 1:5 ratio can be problematic since some roosters can get a little enthusiastic if they don't have enough hens to mate with. That's happened to me once when I had a flock too small to please a roo. He mated far too often for the girls and they ended up with no feathers on their backs. Once the flock grew, I didn't have that issue. Just something to keep in mind about such a small r/h ratio.

Saddle apron with wing guards, problem solved.

 

[JadedPhoenix]

One, that won't work on all roos. They can rip out neck feathers and really hurt the hen.

Two, I can't see myself making my poor hens walk around in one of those silly things. Of course, I don't believe in putting clothes on my dog either; despite the fact that there is a huge market out there for dog clothing.

 

[Rocky Rhodes]

One, that won't work on all roos. They can rip out neck feathers and really hurt the hen.

Two, I can't see myself making my poor hens walk around in one of those silly things. Of course, I don't believe in putting clothes on my dog either; despite the fact that there is a huge market out there for dog clothing.

All my roosters are gentlemen. I would heat-up the deep fryer if they become abusers. I love those silly things. I also have a large flock of Marans,11 Maran hens and 2 EE hens in a coop with 1 wheaton Maran rooster, and he has favorites. Most of the girls are barely touched, but both of the EEs and 1 Blue Copper Maran were nearly bald until I put those "silly things" on them. They don't even know they have them on. These aren't clothes they are like a collar on a dog, for function not fashion. Dog clothes are stupid.

 

[keith92]

. Rocky, marans and ee here as well. Feathers will grow back rotten eggs smell baby chicks are cute eggs taste great. My reasons

All my roosters are gentlemen. I would heat-up the deep fryer if they become abusers. I love those silly things. I also have a large flock of Marans,11 Maran hens and 2 EE hens in a coop with 1 wheaton Maran rooster, and he has favorites. Most of the girls are barely touched, but both of the EEs and 1 Blue Copper Maran were nearly bald until I put those "silly things" on them. They don't even know they have them on. These aren't clothes they are like a collar on a dog, for function not fashion. Dog clothes are stupid.

 

[keith92]

Oops screwed up my quote. Still learning the posting quirks of this web site

 

[tiffney]

New to chicks: I have 5 chicks that are one week old. The temp where I live is 80s during the day and low 70s at night. When can I take them outside?