Who to Cull, or Not to Cull is the Question

[BarkerChickens]

Quote:
I think THEY are the predators. I think they are snatching at night while they are sleeping to not disturb the rest of the flock. (Or I mis-read it?)

Yes, they go out and grab the roos at night to cull....not animal predators.


I agree that you will still have some bare backs regardless. I have 28 hens and 2 rooster...and several hens in aprons.

One hen in particular squats for the roo if he is within 10 feet of her!

 

[cybercat]

Since you are dealing with one breed why not use the Standard of Perfection to help you make the choice. After all you want the best bodies to continue no sense breeding in weak skinny body down the road. You SOP will help alot here.

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
Yep...my BO hens were always bare backed. Too eager, too docile and it didn't matter how many roos. I also found that my other gals weren't getting bred enough because of this. I eliminated the "easy" gals and the problem went away. Now all of my eggs appear to be fertilized, not just a few. AND...no more bare-backed babes on the place!