The Ethics of Breeding Mixed Chickens?

[bangarain]

hello everyone! This is something that's sort of been on my mind for awhile.
Eventually I'd really like to cross some of my birds for my own personal flock (I have a few goals in mind), but being from a rescue background and part of quite a few hobbies that discourage experimental breeding, I wanted to know...is it considered morally acceptable within raising chickens to cross and breed for your own private flock? Is hobby breeding frowned upon like in, say, snake-keeping or keeping dogs or horses? Is it considered alright to breed mutts? Or is it something that is considered unacceptable or frowned upon? This might be a silly question but as someone with high anxiety I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

I plan on researching quite a bit before I actually get into crossing anything in case there are any bad genetics that I need to be aware of and avoid, but my ultimate goal is colorful, fun chickens with good temperaments and a variety of egg colors. Before I even get to that stage, though, I want to find out if it's considered an okay thing to do.

 

[Leave a LightOn]

hello everyone! This is something that's sort of been on my mind for awhile.
Eventually I'd really like to cross some of my birds for my own personal flock (I have a few goals in mind)........I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

I plan on researching quite a bit before I actually get into crossing anything in case there are any bad genetics that I need to be aware of and avoid, but my ultimate goal is colorful, fun chickens with good temperaments and a variety of egg colors. ....

I think you are part of the majority.
Take good care of them and don't worry - and post lots of photos!

 

[AlleysChicks]

Black and red sex links are mixed breed chickens. Easter eggers are too. I don't see a problem except what will you do with the males you hatch? Sell them, eat them, or keep them? There will be many if you plan on tweaking certain characteristics in your flock.

And yes post tons of pics along the way!

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

I've never heard of it being frowned upon. You can use the chicken calculator to predict the chick colors. Have fun!
http://kippenjungle.nl/Overzicht.htm#kipcalculator

 

[speckledhen]

Unless you are trying to preserve/bring back a certain breed from extinction, keep a landrace chicken like the Icelandics or something along those lines, I see no reason to hesitate to cross anything. Some of my best birds ever were crosses, some simply happy accidents. I've made some crosses on purpose for fun and some out of necessity.
In the end, as much as we love our chickens, it's not world peace. It's chickens.

 

[chickenE]

Not sure where you are located, but I would LOVE mixed breed pullets. I'd also be happy to have the pullets that don't conform to specific breed requirements.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Do remember this. Only breed or select with some goal in mind. Breeding everything to everything else will only result in a coop full of chickens who are either a punching bag for the rest of your flock or who will make you weaker or smaller birds cower in fear. The pecking order is real and your hens, and roosters too live and die by it.

 

[3riverschick]

What breed of chicken and what characteristics in a chicken make your heart sing? what's so special that you look at those birds again and again and thank isn't that lovely?
go there have fun and don't worry about the rest of the world.

Best ,
Karen and the Light Sussex and western Pennsylvania

 

[3riverschick]

I come from the dog breeding world and I understand what you're thinking. don't worry about it . the chicken world is much more difficult . the people are so wonderful, very willing to help .post pictures. tell people what you want in your chickens and they will help you get there .chickens live 5 to 7 years. They have a 13 second memory .we eat the ones that don't fit our plans. we give them away on Craigslist.
Get the basics of management down
a coop, how to feed them, how to water .
don't spend three years trying to learn to breed chickens before you start. Jump on in. there's plenty of help on BYC. nobody is going to judge you. We will just help you out.
Karen