[ZacB]

Hi folks, hoping somebody can advise
I'm hoping to finally establish a small breeding flock of French Copper Marans this / next year. I have blues and blacks from two sources and am now thinking of having a sort out.
Planning to run 6 hens, mix of blue and black, to 1 cockerel  , does this sound ok? I want a good fertility rate but don't want the hens to end up with bald backs, cutting back of spurs recommended?
Anybody care to comment?

[hughesy]

I usually go for about 10 hens to 1 cockerel.  I've run 12 light sussex with a cockerel and still had 100% fertility. Still had bald backs by the end of the summer too, even with trimmed spurs.

[ZacB]

  Might need a re-think about the numbers, does space help?
ie larger run, more space to run around and less    equals a few more feathers left 

[Big Light]

You could alway use saddle if you are needing them for showing - Its the only way to stop broken back in larger breeds

[Mrs Snoodles]

I would see how it goes.  Sometimes a cockerel takes a fancy to particular hens and less to others and sometimes some cockerels are more gentle than others.  The age can make a difference as can the length of their claws.  I would stick with what you have and take it step by step.  If you see that one hen is having a hard time, you could always separate within the run for a bit, keeping her with another. 
Hiding places, and separate area of cover can make a huge difference. Alot less stressful for the hens.

Be mindful though. Watch your cockerel. Some are gentlemen and some are not.  The ones that treat their ladies right, making sure they have their food, rounding them up a night, calling them together if there is danger etc are worth  their weight in gold.      It is surprising though how many are just downright sods. Really nasty. Not worth keeping - for your sake and your hens.   I have seen some attack the girls, not to breed but just being aggressive.

[hughesy]

It is quite true that a lot will depend on your cockerel. We have a LS who's a proper gent, albeit a randy one but that's what he gets paid to do. He shepherds the hens about, shares any titbits he finds and is a model cock bird. We also have two RIR lads who are the very opposite. Greedy, not bothered about the hens welfare at all and are only in it for the sex, but then that's their job too so can't really complain.
One thing we've found is that you need to keep spare male birds because if anything happens to your No.1 your breeding program will be stuffed. Also you will be able to change them over if No.1 misbehaves or proves to be not very manly.

[Victorian Farmer]

zacb i used to do blacks and blues i started getting good egg layers ,I would breed 60  and pic the best 2 cocks and the 3 best hens .I would then look for 2 good hens or trio and improve as i went on .The best blacks are in wales and northumberland  halls hatching eggs are very good .You do need 2 lines 2 cocks in each pen