Question about my two flocks of chickens that live together -

[Kelly G]

I have, essentially two flocks of chickens living together peacefully.

Flock #1 is made up of birds that are 18 mos old and were raised together. It is made up of about 15 hens (no rooster), and is kind of a "sampler flock" (a couple of RIR, Barred Rocks, Orpingtons, 2 EE's, etc). I wanted to try a bunch of different breeds and see what I liked. Turns out, I like a lot of them!

Flock #2 is just under 7 months old and were also raised together (but seperate from Flock #1 - I combined them about 4 mos ago with no trouble). It is made up entirely of about 15 EE pullets and 1 cockrel.

Each flock has its own coop for sleeping/laying, but they share a run/free range during the day.

My question is: Will the rooseter "cover" both flocks? I only see him breeding with "his" girls that he was raised with. I don't see him ever approach the ladies from the other flock...not so much as a sideways glance. So far.

Is he only going to be interested in his flock? I'm going to have a REALLY low fertility rate if he tries to breed every girl in sight!

Thanks!

 

[Judy]

Usually they will breed all of them. Maybe he needs to get a bit more mature before the others will allow him to breed; I really don't know.

Have you seen the pics of fertile eggs? https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=16008 Interesting stuff, I thought.

 

[Kelly G]

I HAVE seen those - it's amazing, isn't it?

I'm DYING to hatch some chicken eggs!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[lightfoot]

Quote:
sounds like he's too worn out from taking care of 15 ee's to take care of 15, 18 mo old ladies from next door.

 

[gogfan]

well for each 12 hens you have, you need one rooster.so he might not mate with the others becuase it's to much for him.
just some tips

HOPE THIS HELPS!

 

[Kelly G]

Quote:
sounds like he's too worn out from taking care of 15 ee's to take care of 15, 18 mo old ladies from next door.