hey as my avairy is finished and im getting stuff ready for breeding i wanted to know if it is best to breed in cages or in the avairy i am breeding in cages now but wanted to know what is best and if a pair bonds and she lays an egg or drops an egg should i put them in a cage to continue their clutch. just wanted to know before starting

 

 

 

 

 

thanks

I'm not a breeder yet, but I think a lot of people here recommend cages. When I do breed I will use individual cages for my breeding pairs. I believe one of the concerns about colony breeding is other hens attacking the chicks. I'm sure there are many other concerns too.

Definately seperate cages for breeding. Only one pair to a cage.

 

If a female drops an egg, you can try placing it in the breeding box, to give her the idea of what the box is for. She will probably toss it out (don't replace it if she tosses it), but that is a good sign, it shows she is interested in the box. Please read the posts on here about breeding, and then ask any questions you might have

Other things that aren't a plus for colony breeding is you don't know 100% who the farther is, sometimes a hen will mate with more than one male in one clutch. This behaviour can lead to inbreeding with out realising. It's less spae consuming and some say less hassle of care with the boxes all in together. As another stated hen can and will fight over boxes, either when empty for with eggs and chicks which can be broken and killed, they also can fight over males.

 

With paired breeding you can pick the parents for colours or size/shape, if your into showing later. Can watch them more closly for signs of trouble that need vet attention and can keep a strong record on who is who's children and if they are related. The only fighting would be between the two birds which you can break apart quickly and try another pair. If they bond in the avairy and your happy to leave them like that simply move the two into a breeding cage alone.

Breeding cages are the way to go. It helps control the breeding better as Nerwen said. Plus it looks more organised.

 

thanks guys i think i will stick to breeding in cages sound better and hopfully bring better results

i colony bred last year with 4 pairs. i ended up having to remove 1 pair, the hen became agressive & attacked another hen & babies.

i wont colony breed again (24 birds!)