what breed is this guy?

[nicole camp]

I free range all my chickens after they lay in the mid-morning especially since I breed them. I try and get as much natural nutrients in them as i can.The chicks can stay in an outside pen after they get feathers, and when there 4 months old I let them hang with the big flock. You could use that pen for a brooder, but they should get a chance to have some fresh air. You don't have to do that, but it a personal preference. If you have a lot of predators i can understand keeping them in.

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

You don't have to free range them, but I would recommend not letting them out at all. You could at least fence in a little area for them. Mine dont get to free range (too many preadators) but they have large fenced in areas.

 

[CarlieO]

They all free range on our 10 acres in the afternoon When I know ill be home to keep an eye on things. I was just wondering for breeding purposes If I should separate the ones i want to breed and keep them in an indoor pen (which I have available now) or build an outdoor coop. I'm assuming they only need to be seaparated for 2 to 3 weeks. We do have 3 roos so separating them is a must. Is an outdoor run a must for breeding?

 

[nicole camp]

It's not a must, but I just know my chickens love it. I would separate them if you want a specific breed, and the indoor pen should be fine for a few weeks. After your rooster has fertilized the hens they should lay good egg for 3 weeks afterwards. What ever you prefer, remember you have to know which chicken layed what, and that may take a little longer in the indoor pen. I invested in an outdoor pen, but that's due to my chickens being spoiled, and basically paying for it themselves with reproduction of Golden Laced Orps.

 

[CarlieO]

Sounds like I have a lot to figure out. I too want to spoil my birds but also want to maximize breeding potential. Lots to think about!

 

[shannondee12]

They all free range on our 10 acres in the afternoon When I know ill be home to keep an eye on things. I was just wondering for breeding purposes If I should separate the ones i want to breed and keep them in an indoor pen (which I have available now) or build an outdoor coop. I'm assuming they only need to be seaparated for 2 to 3 weeks. We do have 3 roos so separating them is a must. Is an outdoor run a must for breeding?

I was always told to keep them separate for 3 weeks before even starting to collect eggs. Just to be sure they are purebreed since they can be fertile from other roosters for up to 3 weeks after being removed from the other roosters. Not sure if that is accurate but that is what I plan to do this spring.

 

[CarlieO]

That's what I've heard too and plan on doing. Just not sure if during those 3 weeks they need to run free like the rest or if they can stay indoors.

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

They all free range on our 10 acres in the afternoon When I know ill be home to keep an eye on things. I was just wondering for breeding purposes If I should separate the ones i want to breed and keep them in an indoor pen (which I have available now) or build an outdoor coop. I'm assuming they only need to be seaparated for 2 to 3 weeks. We do have 3 roos so separating them is a must. Is an outdoor run a must for breeding?

It isn't a must. I just don't like not letting them outside. As far as the whole staying fertile thing goes. They can stay fertile for over a month. I have had many other breeders tell me to take all rooster away for a week and then introduce the rooster that you want to be fertilizing the eggs. I don't really see what the difference is, if you keep them inside and breed them or let them have some space inside and a little run. They will still be breeding.