I have a small backyard chicken flock. I have not bought chicks in about 5 years. I have been hatching replacements when needed. My flock is healthy. My question is: Should I buy a new rooster to avoid inbreeding? Also, if I should, how often should I replace the rooster? I have had chickens most of my life and just always ended up adding a new rooster when the kids were in 4H as they added to their show birds. But that time is long over and I don't seek out new chickens. Should I add new blood or does it matter?
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Livestock Chicken question
- Thread starter Digger
- Start date
Is he breeding the same old hens, or is he breeding his daughters?
In chickens, as long as there are no inherent faults, (bad feet, tendency to cropbound, etc.) a couple generations of inbreeding probably won't hurt anything. Not a bad idea to get some new blood though. He is probably slowing down, and the old hens must be as well.
In chickens, as long as there are no inherent faults, (bad feet, tendency to cropbound, etc.) a couple generations of inbreeding probably won't hurt anything. Not a bad idea to get some new blood though. He is probably slowing down, and the old hens must be as well.
These are mostly younger chickens I have hatched. I do have some older hens kept for broody hens. This will be the 2nd year for my roosters but they were hatched from my flock as were the younger hens. I will start checking out the poultry swap this spring for a new rooster.
too bad you are far from me.
i have a 9 month old polish roo i want to rehome.beautiful bird,but likes to attack anyone that walks by.
i have him separated with the turkeys.but i will need to be rid of him.
i have a couple of old english roos who are 6 months old,super friendly.they will stay.i am afraid that the polish will hurt them.
i have a 9 month old polish roo i want to rehome.beautiful bird,but likes to attack anyone that walks by.
i have him separated with the turkeys.but i will need to be rid of him.
i have a couple of old english roos who are 6 months old,super friendly.they will stay.i am afraid that the polish will hurt them.