Breeding pens and reducing cockerel numbers

Yesterday the sun was shining for the first time in what seems like weeks. We spent the day almost entirely with the poultry.

We reduced the table cockerel numbers by four. Their weights, we thought were a little disappointing. Both of the Australorp cross IGs were 6 1/2 lbs and the Ixworth crosses were 6 1/4lbs. There seemed to be no fat on the birds at all.
Next time we will, maybe, give them less freedom, especially in their last few weeks.

We also culled the two spare Exchequer Leghorn cockerels. This has left a lovely looking breeding group.

After cleaning, scrubbing and disinfecting all the poultry houses the birds were moved after they had gone to roost.into their correct breeding groups.This morning they all seemed perfectly happy with their new arrangements.

I have, so far for this year - a breeding group of
An Exchequer Leghorn cockerel running with 5 hens
A Gold Duckwing Welsummer cockerel running with 6 hens
An Indian Game cockerel running with 4 hens.
The Indian Game cockerel will also be penned at various times with a mix of heavy breed hens for traditional table bird crosses.

The hens are all coming into lay and the cockerels are treading well, so soon I will be able to set a couple of test hatches.