RIR chicks?

[Everett500]

i got to wandering over the pass couple days how many chicks per year i could get with 5 RIR hens(hens being at there peak production off eggs) and 1 RIR rooster. This would be with lighting during the winter, and i would put fertilized eggs in an incubator during the cold months... Any ideas on an approximate number?

 

[mrslb333]

They can lay approx 300 egg a year each so around 1500

 

[Ole rooster]

One thing I would is make sure you don't get production Reds. I'm going to get some also but I'll be certain they're Heratige RIR. I do not like the temperment of the PRIR at all.

 

[mrslb333]

Quote:
By production reds do you mean the sex link rir crosses?
I have some and they are pure evil

 

[Illia]

No, by Production Red they mean hatchery-bred Rhode Island Red.


As for the 300 eggs a year comment, actually, they only goes for the first to second year, beyond that the rate drops quite a bit.

 

[mrslb333]

Quote:
Oh we don't have hatcheries over here so didn't know its a good job as Id be bankrupt by now lol.
The 300 was in response to this bit (hens being at there peak production off eggs) of the question

 

[Everett500]

what would be the fertility rate on each egg be? out of the 300 would only 30 be fertilized or would they all be fertilized

 

[mrslb333]

Quote:
I'm not 100% but I would think if your rooster was doing his job they would all be fertile, The hatch rate however could vary with numerous factors

 

[cmom]

I did a chart for my RIRs and Isa Browns. I averaged around 260 eggs per year or 5 eggs per week with my RIRs and 310 a year or about 6 eggs per week per bird with my Isa Browns. Isa Browns don't breed true. My RIRs are heritage and are a nice dark mahogany color.