Age of retained birds?

[s25ale]

When retaining stock for breeding what ages of birds do you keep?

[BudgiesBuddy]

An year old but as young as possible. The type and condition of the bird is more important.

[s25ale]

Thanks for the reply, i've been keeping my best show type and my best breeders but unfortunately this has left me with an old stud which is showing in this years breeding results.

[BudgiesBuddy]

Feb 27, 2012 12:59:59 GMT s25ale said:

Thanks for the reply, i've been keeping my best show type and my best breeders but unfortunately this has left me with an old stud which is showing in this years breeding results.

What is the average age of your stud?

[s25ale]

3 years, I've been breeding butnot many were as good as the Parents so I kept the parents and moved the chicks on.

[BudgiesBuddy]

Feb 27, 2012 17:15:46 GMT s25ale said:

3 years, I've been breeding butnot many were as good as the Parents so I kept the parents and moved the chicks on.

I can understand that

3 years is right on the edge for hens.

[s25ale]

This is what I mean, I've got myself into a bit of a mess. I think I will go through them and keep the 2010, 2011 birds and try and breed some 2012 chicks and try and find suitable aviary homes for the older ones.

[BudgiesBuddy]

Feb 27, 2012 22:43:36 GMT s25ale said:

This is what I mean, I've got myself into a bit of a mess. I think I will go through them and keep the 2010, 2011 birds and try and breed some 2012 chicks and try and find suitable aviary homes for the older ones.

Is it possible to sell a few and buy young ones. Also because as you said that their chicks were not as good as parents. New bloodline may improve that.