The best way to overcome this problem is to use pens for breeding, with no more than 12, but preferably three to five hens with each rooster. As the flock increases in size, there will be more roosters and more opportunities for the hens and roosters to breed. If you have a flock of chickens that is truly free range, this immediately introduces challenges, because they can all go anywhere and do anything. If you don’t, it’s going to be a hit and miss affair. If you are breeding your own chickens, the number one rule is to be sure that you keep a record of which hen is mating with which rooster. So how difficult is it, really, to set up and maintain your own flock of sustainable chickens (sustainable being the operative word)? While there is no doubt that it is easy to breed chickens, the secret lies in the selection process, so that you will produce quality chickens that will lay quality eggs. If you buy from commercial hatcheries, you should be aware that they don’t usually breed selectively, and because of this, aggressive traits are not ruled out. ![]() Ultimately, anyone wanting a sustainable flock of chickens should be focusing on quality of bird, and not quantity. The option to avoid is having chickens shipped in the mail. Then wait for the hens to grow up and lay their own eggs that your best rooster will fertilize, and they will sit on. Buy a flock of young chicks, please ensure that the chicks are not separated from the mother hen at an inappropriate age, from a reputable breeder. If you start with properly pedigreed chickens, your ultimate flock will be superior. ![]() Buy one or more adult hens from a reputable source and give them fertilized eggs (also from a reputable source) to sit on. ![]() The two that usually work the best are:ġ. Having decided to set up your own flock of chickens, there are several routes you can take. But if you’re going to keep your own flock of chickens, you need to set it up the right way, and then maintain the flock so that they stay healthy, and so do you. It’s not just that you’ll get “free” eggs and chicken meat, it’s also that the produce from the chickens you keep is known to be free from all the unsavoury “stuff” (including harmful antibiotics and synthetic colouring) commercial chicken eggs and poultry are known to contain. The idea of keeping chickens at home is one that appeals to a growing number of people around the world.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |