Silkie Breeding Question

[Silkie75]

Earlier this year, I purchased 6 white Silkie babies from a hatchery. Ends up, 4 are females and 2 are males. I am going to keep all females and only one of the males. He will be my only rooster for my entire flock of Silkies. Next year, when he is old enough, I hope to have some Silkies chicks from him. I know he'll be fine to breed to my blues, black and my buff Silkie. What are the chances he is related to the 4 white Silkies he came with? And if they are related, is it okay for them to breed?? I didn't know if it's dangerous as it is with humans. All of the whites have the same DOB and came from the same hatchery, but I don't know how hatcheries work, and what the chances of them being related would be.

 

[sumi]

Depending on the size of the hatchery and how many birds they have, they may or may not be related. Even if they are, you can still breed with them though. They are not the same as humans and mammals and can be inbred. There are a few discussions on the topic here, if you are interested in reading more about it. Here's one:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/748956/inbreeding-good-or-bad-idea

 

[tec27]

Of course there can be some very serious consequences to inbreeding, particularly when it's sustained over multiple generations, however once in awhile, inbreeding isnt so bad, especially in chickens. You can breed them even if they are brother and sister. And then you can breed their offspring back to the parents. Just remember to limit inbreeding and promote genetic diversity over the long run.