Hi- My Narragansett tom Arthur is at least 3 years old (possibly older-I've only had him for a year and a half and can only go by what original owner (not a regular poultry associate of mine) told me). Last year I observed him breeding my hen Clara (then 1 yr old) repeatedly and she brooded about 20 eggs forever with 0% hatch rate. At the time I concluded that was my fault in that she built her nest where the chickens would come in and lay next to her and she would appropriate the eggs and try to set them too; I figured she just wound up with too many to keep up with and maintain properly though she worked really hard. I never thought to check them for fertility because I figured that was what was going on. This year I plan to separate the two of them into their own 32x32 pen with roosting shed and access to 1/4 acre pasture all their own. However, I have the opportunity to get a couple of 7 month old hens this weekend and the seller told me she has jakes the same age from different hatches available too. Should I buy one to increase the likelihood of having at least one fertile tom? Should I divide the pen and separate the birds (I can do this without too much trouble)? Should I separate the new birds and Clara and leave Arthur in his usual capacity as lord of the chickens? Can I keep two toms on the property without them killing each other (Arthur's a beloved pet so culling is not an option)? I'm new at this so any/all advice would be appreciated.
Thanks- Leigh
Thanks- Leigh
