[michael85]

Hi all. New to this forum, hope this is in the right place and not a repeat of any other topics.

We started keeping three chickens in our back garden a few months ago. We have a Speckledie, a Black Rock and a Black Tail.

We are enjoying having them so much that we want to start breeding. We are very far away from being ready and have lots of questions to find answers to before we begin.

One question that needs answering perhaps before any others is on the subject of the cockrell. Our house is close to our neighbours so we dont think have a cockrell full-time is really an option. So the question is how we would go about having a cockrell for just a short time (7 - 14 days?) and then move it on in a responsible manner. I have contacted one breeder and borrowing or renting one for such a short period of time seems to be a none starter as the breeder would have to quarentine the cockrell for some time after we were done with it, making it unfeasable for them.

Can anyone suggest any ideas (and appolgies if this is all a bit long winded!!)

Thanks

Michael and Sally.

[joyfull]

sorry but this really isn't possible - any bird you need to introduce to your hens should be quarantined for at least 2 weeks anyway before they get together. Also have you thought about what you would do with the cockerels that hatch? This could be at least 50%.

[michael85]

hi
i thought that might be the case. We realise thats theres loads of things to be sure of, like what to do with the cockrells that hatch. But without a solution to that first question, theres no point worring about all the other things.

Thanks anyway.

[Aunt Sally]

Also Speckledies, Black Rocks and Black Tails are not noted for going broody.

[joyfull]

you also need to have a broody hen or are you planning on using an incubator? Another way is to buy fertile hatching eggs but again you have the problem of any cockerals that hatch. They are very difficult to re-home and most end up being culled. It is sad but the other week I had to cull over 12 cockerels  

[michael85]

I suppose I'd use an incubator, as I say we hadn't really got that far. We felt that unless we could find a way of keeping a cockrell short term there was no point planning it any further. However buying fertile hatching eggs might be another option to explore.

[GrannieAnnie]

Why don't you start with day old auto sexed chicks.  that's what we did.  Then if you like it that much, go further.  But like the others have said, with near neighbours, your problem is going to be the cockerels. 

Especially if you can't cull them yourself, and some breeds are notoriously difficult to sex until they start to lay eggs or crow.

[michael85]

yeah, another good idea thanks. pleanty to go away and consider!

[michael85]

Why don't you start with day old auto sexed chicks.  that's what we did.  Then if you like it that much, go further.  But like the others have said, with near neighbours, your problem is going to be the cockerels. 

Especially if you can't cull them yourself, and some breeds are notoriously difficult to sex until they start to lay eggs or crow.

can you recommend any or show me where to search for any suppliers of auto sexed chicks in the cheshire area?

Thanks

[Tony H]

There are links on this site, that will direct you to the nearest to your aria, i think they are on the main page  but if you send one of the moderators a mesage they will direct you 

[joyfull]

I think this is the section Tony is thinking of:-

http://www.poultry.allotment-garden.org/poultry-suppliers/index.php

[kegs]

Why don't you start with day old auto sexed chicks.  that's what we did.  Then if you like it that much, go further.  But like the others have said, with near neighbours, your problem is going to be the cockerels. 

Especially if you can't cull them yourself, and some breeds are notoriously difficult to sex until they start to lay eggs or crow.

can you recommend any or show me where to search for any suppliers of auto sexed chicks in the cheshire area?

Thanks

And this list will give you the breeds to look for.

http://www.autosexing.co.uk/

[michael85]

hi guys

ive got an incubator and some eggs. eggs went in yesterday afternoon. if you guys are interested, i'll keep you posted!

[joyfull]

when they hatch you could put some photos in the chicken chat section 

[kegs]

Good luck Michael85. 
How many have you put in and what breeds did you go for?