I set a small group of hens in early April and a second larger group the very end of April, which are hatching this week. A third group of hens are due to hatch next week. A fourth small number of hens are building nests, or beginning to lay eggs.For 2021, I have roughly 31 hens, most of which are set up as pairs with a male. Most are birds of my own raising. There are 13 American Singer pairs, 3 Fife hens, 6 pairs of the Thompson line of yellows, 1 pair of bronzes, and 8 agate or opal hens.
For the past 8 months I have worried about some way to keep my total numbers down. I had too many birds last year... too many pairs, and too many youngsters. Oh, I had FUN! And I raised so many really NICE youngsters!
I proved several theories about the various families in my bird room. Plus, I met some wonderful people as I sold my extras last fall and this spring! But, I did not have as much time for leisurely observation of the birds, seated in a rocker in the bird room, and sipping a coffee drink!
My goal is to maintain approx 20 pairs, with only a little wiggle room for extras! :)At the moment, I have no idea how to drop approximately one third of my plans!
But that problem can be postponed until later this summer! :)