Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Variety.
A color or comb variation of a breed in a class. For example, Leghorns
are a breed and Single Comb Light Brown (Leghorns) and Rose Comb Light
Brown (Leghorns) are varieties of that breed.
When the hens have been penned up with a new rooster for at least two weeks, you
can be fairly certain that the eggs collected after that time span are of the combination
that you desire. Wait three weeks to be totally sure.
Simple Strategies
A basic breeding strategy requires some study on your part and may take more than one
year to get started. First decide if you want to select birds to maintain the breed's current
temperament and behavioral traits, physical characteristics, and constitutional makeup,
or to improve upon the breed. A Welsumer chicken, for example, should be a rather laid-
back, calm breed that lays a deep brown egg. The breed is supposed to be of medium
build and not slender. Knowing that, you don't want to choose breeding pairs that have a
trim build or that lay anything but the darkest eggs, regardless of other redeeming traits
they might have.
Once you've chosen the breed you want to work with and researched the traits that
conform to the standard, it's time to seek out several commercial breeding businesses
that raise the breed that interests you and purchase some eggs or day-olds. When you
get the birds home, carefully identify the birds from each strain (each breeding business)
with a different color or style of wing or leg bands. This enables you to compare growth
rates and other characteristics of the strains.
If you keep accurate, detailed records, this yearlong study will teach you a great deal,
not only about genetic diversity, but also about selection strategies. From such a broad
genetic base you can begin to make your own selections of the best birds for breeding
and begin the raising process.
Establishing New Pairs
It's important to carefully observe a new rooster's relationship with the hens. Spend a
few minutes each day observing the flock dynamics. In many cases with chickens, and
even more so in turkeys, hens will have an established, more serious relationship with a
particular rooster and will be resistant to mating with a new male.
Chickens
may or may not take to your matchmaking efforts without resistance. Oc-
casionally hen and rooster have a mutual understanding; the hen will squat without a
fuss and the male will mate with her. More frequently, because chicken reproduction is
