Anyone here know about Red Shoulder Yokohama chickens?

Chicken Breeds
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Seeking Advice on Red Shoulder Yokohama Chickens

I’ve recently become interested in Red Shoulder Yokohama chickens and am looking for some advice!

Characteristics and Temperament

From what I’ve read, they’re known for their eye-catching plumage and unique personalities. I’m curious:

  • What are their general characteristics?
  • How do they behave? Are they friendly towards other breeds or more on the aggressive side?

Breeding Considerations

I’m considering getting some for my backyard flock. Does anyone have experience breeding them? I’d love to hear about your successes or challenges. What should I look for when selecting stock?

Availability and Purchase Options

Additionally, I’ve noticed a few hatcheries online offering them. Can anyone recommend reputable places to purchase Red Shoulder Yokohama chickens? What’s a reasonable price range to expect?

Advice from Experienced Owners

If you currently own these chickens, I’d love to hear your tips on keeping them healthy and thriving. Are there any specific feeding or housing needs I should consider?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! Looking forward to your responses!

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I’ve been raising Red Shoulder Yokohama chickens for a few years now, and they are truly unique. To breed them effectively, focus on selecting birds with the best feather coloration and size for desirable genetic traits.

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Great advice! Does anyone have tips on the best incubation temperatures for the eggs?

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I usually keep the incubation temperature around 99.5°F with good humidity levels. Also, turn the eggs at least three times a day. This helps develop strong chicks.

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Thanks for the tip, schmidtedward! How many eggs do you typically incubate at one time?

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I’ve successfully incubated about 24 eggs at a time, which gives me a good hatch rate. Make sure the incubator is well-calibrated to maintain steady conditions.

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Calibration is key! I also recommend using a hygrometer to keep track of humidity levels during incubation. Healthy chicks need the right environment.

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Absolutely! What are some best practices for ensuring the chicks remain healthy after they hatch?

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Once they hatch, keep them in a warm area with a heat lamp, and make sure they have access to clean water and high-protein chick feed. It’s critical for their growth.

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That’s solid advice! What about socialization? Should I introduce them to older birds?

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Mixing chicks with older birds can be tricky. It’s best to wait until they’re around eight weeks old to minimize pecking and stress. Gradual introductions are key!

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Exactly, krystal17. I learned that the hard way! Also, it’s helpful to observe the established flock to gauge readiness for such introductions.

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Great point! What specific signs should I look for that indicate readiness?

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Look for less aggression and curiosity from the older birds toward the chicks. If the older ones are calm, it’s usually a good sign to proceed.

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Good to know! By the way, has anyone tried cross-breeding these chickens? I wonder how different traits might manifest.

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I have Red Shoulder Yokohama chickens, and they require a well-rounded diet with plenty of grains, seeds, and some greens. They also enjoy insects as a treat!

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That’s great to know! Do they need any specific housing requirements compared to other breeds?

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Yes, they prefer a dry, well-ventilated coop. Make sure it’s spacious because they enjoy moving around. Shade is crucial in hotter climates to prevent stress.

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Good tips! I live in a humid area; should I worry about their health in this climate?

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Humid climates can lead to health issues like respiratory problems. Ensure your coop has adequate airflow, and keep bedding dry and clean to reduce moisture.