@Folly's place - Genetic diversity in Chanteclers is somewhat low since it's a heritage breed struggling to recover from its endangered state. That might explain why their breeders have issues with fertility, with so few lineages left that keep up to standard. Have you ever thought about outcrossing with White Wyandotes every few generations to get some new blood in there? (Female White Wyandotes were highly used to create the Chantecler's final body shape, so the only thing to cull for would be big wattles and combs, I think.)
I've often thought about holding a breeding pen of White Wyandotes to help boost genetic diversity in Chantecler stock. These Wyandottes wouldn't be APA standard as I would select them primarily for similar body shapes to Chanteclers and favor those with the smallest combs/wattles, but just the fact of adding new blood could perhaps do wonders for the fertility of the Chanties. I've not seen a single Chanty breeder try this, though, so I'm not sure if it's something worth trying out if I ever become capable of starting a serious breeding program for chickens.
@Ted Brown - It looks like we are at the same level then, I too am researching chicken breeding, though for a different reason - that of seeing if it's possible to have a closed, genetically diversified, sustainable flock I could keep thriving for as long as I live. There is a law in my area that forbids anyone from having more than 99 laying hens at all times, so I would need to be especially careful never to go past that number. I have a small family and we moderately eat eggs, so obviously the number of chickens wouldn't be that high, but I still want to figure out the minimum number of chickens and breeding pens I'd need to keep the flock running for decades; I like the thought of helping preserve endangered heritage chicken breeds, even if I only have 20-30 specimens to do so.
Anything concerning the Chantecler is welcome, especially breeding tips and advice. Do you remember how many breeding pens Rejean had for his Chanteclers? Almost every Chantecler breeder I know go to showing, so I wouldn't be surprised if he did, too.
Fertilized eggs can stay viable for up to 12-14 days, and some people even said they had successful hatches with eggs that had spent several weeks in the fridge. In my humble opinion, I do not think the delay you encountered with your incubator is what influenced the hatch number. The surrounding room temperature and inexperience with incubation itself, plus the 60% hatch rate from the breeder and the pullet hatching eggs are most likely the culprits. Fear not though, those issues can all be fixed
Perhaps a few blood tests would help determine who is from what family? Or feather tests, if the labs can get DNA from them without resorting to blood tests. Are those affordable in your area?
I will gladly take Rejean's contact if you're willing to PM me. I do not think I know of him yet.
Thank you for answering all my questions, I will come to you if I have any more!
