BREEDING SEASON
Hatching and Raising Chicks
well for most, however, you will want to evaluate what the year’ s productions need. For example, if the Orpingtons produced seem to have many females with shorter backs, you may need to look at the breedings from the previous year. Ask yourself questions, such as, which pen are the shorter females from? Then evaluate how to breed the hens for longer backs to meet the Standard.
To compensate for some of the female genetics, you may want the male to be overly long in order to keep the females that had proper length. This will inevitably result in some very long females but will also balance out the short-backed genetics.
Evaluate the Results
Consider reevaluating your breeding choices based on the outcomes of those previous breedings. If you are about to pair out the breedings and pinpoint the female( s) producing the issue( or the breeding), you can also decide if culling from the program is worth it at that time.
Culls may not be appropriate for the breeding program, but they can be good breed ambassadors for other backyard flocks. Standard breeds, such as Cochins, Orpingtons and
Wyandottes, can introduce keepers to the APA and its Standard of Perfection.
Plan for Successful Breeding In the end, the important part is understanding each individual breed and their laying cycle, fertility and growth. When you know these things, you can correctly plan a successful hatching season.
The opinions of trusted poultry judges are helpful, but individuals may interpret the Standard differently. Ultimately, it’ s your birds and your flock. Set your own goals and breeding priorities. Write out your goals, so that you can refer to them as the chickens grow, and you can evaluate the flock’ s progress at the end of the year.
Happy hatching!
About the Author
Stephanie Coomer of Coomer Farm, Gunlock, Kentucky is an APA master exhibitor and grand master exhibitor of Black Cochin Large Fowl.
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Reader Service No. 682 10 Winter 2024 www. chickenwhisperermagazine. com