gareth Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Hi we have 5 chickens and one Rooster (All Pekin). Two of the hens are older and not related. However we hatched eggs with a surrogate Mom (who passed away not long ago sadly). The four girls and the Rooster (Liquorice) get on exceptionally well. Had chickens for 15 years and never had such a calm flock. It’s our first time with a cockerel. We plan to hatch some of the Golden Partridge Eggs from him. We will not be doing that with any eggs from his sisters. I am still concerned though as I am sure as they get a bit older he will mate with his sisters from the same clutch where I got the eggs from (May not actually be related but can’t be sure). In short can a brother and sister live together if you ensure you don’t hatch the eggs. If they only ever mate and we never incubate is that ok? Just seems a bit wrong obviously from a human perspective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Yes, brothers/sisters can live happily together, in fact I suspect that's what many backyard flocks are made up of. It is better/usual practice to breed father/daughter/granddaughter or mum/son/grandson than to breed siblings. This is because there is a school of thought that sibling matings are more likely to embed bad traits/weaknesses rather than improving stock. I am not sure why exactly, but it is a philosophy I have always adopted. If you don't incubate you won't have any worries! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Echo what Daphne says Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gareth Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share Posted October 21, 2019 Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
