Separation of breeds?

[evergreendors]

Ok so I have a 10x10 dog run that I was planning on using in my chicken start-up. If I put it in front of the 16' coop and run 2 dividers down it that makes 3 separate runs for 3 or 4 chickens each, divided by breed. I can then further divide the building as well so each run has a portion of building. Divided by wire for ventilation. The remaining 6 feet will be for my LGDs who protect the chickens and other livestock we have here. Sort of a large dog house if you will. So during breeding season the roos will be with the hens during non-breeding season if the boys can't get along to go into 1 run together then they will remain in their runs or be out with the rest of the flock.

I know the runs are small, but we are also talking about rather small chickens. Silkies, Polish and Seramas. The bigger birds will go to my partners house for the same idea. She has several smaller coops that they purchased and will be making a "village" actually I think she's calling it a kingdom! She will do the Ameraucanas, Cemanis, and maybe the cochins. I'm thinking of a copper marans to put with the Amer. roo so eventually we can get some dark olive eggers!

Does all that make sense and sound doable?

 

[WVduckchick]

Ok so I have a 10x10 dog run that I was planning on using in my chicken start-up. If I put it in front of the 16' coop and run 2 dividers down it that makes 3 separate runs for 3 or 4 chickens each, divided by breed. I can then further divide the building as well so each run has a portion of building. Divided by wire for ventilation. The remaining 6 feet will be for my LGDs who protect the chickens and other livestock we have here. Sort of a large dog house if you will. So during breeding season the roos will be with the hens during non-breeding season if the boys can't get along to go into 1 run together then they will remain in their runs or be out with the rest of the flock.

I know the runs are small, but we are also talking about rather small chickens. Silkies, Polish and Seramas. The bigger birds will go to my partners house for the same idea. She has several smaller coops that they purchased and will be making a "village" actually I think she's calling it a kingdom! She will do the Ameraucanas, Cemanis, and maybe the cochins. I'm thinking of a copper marans to put with the Amer. roo so eventually we can get some dark olive eggers!

Does all that make sense and sound doable?

Yep, without actually seeing your setup, it sounds like you may have a plan. At least something to start with!

 

[evergreendors]

Yep, without actually seeing your setup, it sounds like you may have a plan. At least something to start with!

Yea it's still in my mind so no pics yet! When i get it up I'll post!

 

[evergreendors]

Take lots of photos of your existing setup and maybe folks can help you find the easiest way to add on or make dividers etc. when the time comes for construction. This is an exciting project to start a breeding flock, don't let the logistics overwhelm you or put a damper on it.

LOL!! Current set up is a building and 30 acres!!!!!!

 

[aart]

Maybe some of the threads in this search will spark some ideas:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/search/17673900/?q=breeding+pens&t=post&o=relevance&c[title_only]=1

 

[evergreendors]

Ok all, I've finished my hen house. I'll include pictures, but it ended up just like I wanted. 3 individual runs that are 3.5' x 10 outside and 3.5' x 8 inside. There are only a few chickens in each. In the Serama pen I currently have 4 but an getting another hen this week. In the Polish pen there are 3, in the Silkie pen there are 5. It is all working out quite well. We have a few adjustments to make but all in all it is done.

I do have a question, however. I can post it in a different section here, but I thought you all would know right off the bat. In my main coop I have a hen setting on 10 eggs, my barnyard mix. When she got to 7 or 8 she and a few others starting taking turns setting. Once we got to 10 eggs I took out any new ones so as to not be overrun. So she is setting now, just the one and all is happy. In my Polish pen I was expecting to do the same. Except no one is broody over there. I've got 10 eggs and no one is setting, or ever on the nest. Can I take one of my other broody hens from the main coop and put her in there and she'll set?

 

[aart]

Can I take one of my other broody hens from the main coop and put her in there and she'll set?

Better to take the eggs to the broody.
Best to keep broody separated by wire from other birds and give her fresh fertile eggs all at once to avoid staggered hatchings.

 

[evergreendors]

She is a lavender Orp, but has no eggs as I collect everyday from her house. Can I just take 10 eggs and put them under her and she'll do her thing?