separating into breeding pens, why do I feel so bad?

[klf73]

I have dreaded this every year, so I just don't do it, but can't afford to just keep buying other peoples eggs because I feel bad separating my own breeds. I have a few separate mixed flocks and dh finally put his foot down and refuses to let me get more eggs of breeds I already have when I can hatch my own. Do the chickens really care? Do they adapt to their new "friends" or will they always want to go back to their original "flock"? I tend to keep them in flocks by season, all last years hatch run together for the most part, but need to be separated so I can have pure lines, the whole reason I got them in the first place. I feel really silly attaching emotion to these birds. Am I the only one that feels bad taking them from their friends?

 

[TaylorHobbyFarms]

I totally understand. I would absolutely love to have all our chickens running together, but can't do so because we also want to breed specific breeds.

In January, I got the bright idea that since we weren't going to be hatching any eggs for awhile, that I would do just that. I let all the chickens out of their coops and the roosters, rather than relishing their freedom, insisted on fighting and chasing each other. So, back to their coops they went.

At least we are good at chicken herding.

Anyway, I just let a coop at a time out to enjoy the field and they seem to have adapted well to the friends that they do have.

 

[DDNONIN2016]

And here I thought I was the only one who felt this way. LOL

 

[they'reHISchickens]

I was just saying to DH yesterday as we watched Barney with his group and looked for Blue with the other group...."notice that Blue ( FBCM) has his marans girls with him? and Barney (Araucana) has the orps and EEs"
When we have multiple breeds free ranging, it often seems the roos hang out with their own breed hens. I only feel bad because we can't free range them all at the same time. Alternate days works, and the flocks adjust.

 

[Aime137]

I am currently facing this same dilemma. I need to separate a Cochin hen from a flock of d'Uccles that she has grown up with, and I need to separate a Cochin from a Jersey Giant that grew up together. They are such good buddies that I HATE to do it, but for breeding purposes, it has to be done. They will be able to roam in areas right next to each other, so I hope that helps.
I'd love to have an update on your current situation. Did you separate?