To Cross Breed or Not?

[person9]

So I've been running a small varied flock of hens trying to figure out what breed I want to run long term. So far I've been really happy with both Saxony and Welsh Harlequin ducks. Would there be any advantages to cross breeding these two breeds in the long run when it comes to keeping egg production, size, and overall health?

 

[chickenlittle21]

I say cross breed them just for fun

 

[Chicka_deee]

You are probably going to get some beautiful birds from those 2 if you crossbreed!

 

[person9]

You are probably going to get some beautiful birds from those 2 if you crossbreed!

That's what I'm thinking, and I'm hoping to prevent some of the egg decline issues I've seen several people report with Saxony's since the breeding pool is small. Hoping some fresh blood in that gene pool would help a lot.

 

[Jpat]

they are pretty similiar, a mix would look beautifull and definitly help the gene pool

 

[johntfs]

Adding my vote to crossbreed for pretty birds and better gene pool.

 

[chickenE]

Mixes are the best!

 

[person9]

Looks like the mixes may have it! Once I harvest my other trial breeds I should be left with two Saxony and two Welsh Harlequin hens. I think I'll buy in a Saxony male and extra Saxony hen to get started. So I'll have some Saxony's and some mixes. When ready to raise the next generation of breeders I'll probably harvest the male and buy in a Welsh Harlequin male. Just go back and forth every year or two. Thanks all!

 

[DuckyDonna]

Gee, @Jpat could fix you up with some saxony drakes!

 

[featherhead007]

Just don't mix a chicken with a feather duster, You will get something that looks like my rooster!