Fostering squeakers under other pairs

Breeding & Genetics Pairing Strategies
1

I want to maximize production from my best pair by having them lay multiple rounds while fostering their squeakers under other pairs.

How do you match timing between donor and foster pairs? Any tricks to get pairs to accept foreign squeakers?

2

Timing is everything.

Foster pairs should be:

  • On eggs or just hatched (within 2-3 days)
  • Not more than 5 days behind
  • Proven feeders (some pairs are poor feeders)

Method:

  1. Let donor pair lay and incubate 7-10 days
  2. When close to hatching, swap eggs to foster pair
  3. Remove foster’s eggs (or give to another pair)
  4. Donor pair will lay again in 10-14 days

Most pairs accept eggs from any source. Squeakers are more hit or miss.

3

For moving squeakers (not eggs):

  • Do it in the dark or dim light
  • Similar age squeakers work best (within 3 days)
  • Some pairs reject, watch carefully for first 24 hours
  • If rejected, quickly move to another foster or hand-raise

I’ve found squabs under 5 days old are accepted more easily than older ones.