posted 13 years ago
I find natural crosses to be very healthy and low-maintanence.
The hen's characteristics are already known, since they're a 'breed', so I'd get a rooster who's offsrpring will strenthen your flock. A meat/dual-purpose breed rooster crossed over egg-laying hens works well. Remember that within one generation he'll be breeding with his daughters. Some people find this isn't an issue (genetically), but I like to change roosters periodically. Rotating them around chicken keeping friends is practical. I also get bored with the chicks looking the same. For example, my mum recently had a buff orpington rooster. Handsome, docile and a bit thick. Perfect. (I will not make any weak jokes here!) After a generation or so, the rooster's genetics dominated and there was a majority of handsome, docile and thick chickens.
Do you eat, or plan to eat the birds or is breeding just to keep up the layers? Consider that you'll get approximately 50% male chicks, so you'll need a disposal strategy!
Fertilised eggs have a tiny white spot in the white. Until a hen goes broody and sits tight on a nest for some time, there'll be no chick development.