Breeding

[JohnSteader]

How long does it typically take for a newly introduced rooster to start breeding with the hens ? Now I know y’all will have questions so I’ll start to answer some now:

He was just introduced to the hens 3 weeks ago.

The hens are younger than him as the hens are 8 months old and he is over a year old. I don’t know how much older because the humane society didn’t know but his talons are a little over an inch long.

 

[BlueBaby]

If then hen's are already laying egg's, he probably has bred them already. Have you cracked open an egg yet to check for fertility?

 

[AlleysChicks]

Best way to check is crack some eggs open! But I’d say you’ll have some since 3 weeks is plenty of time for him to get used to his new harem. Have you seen him actively breeding?

 

[Mrs. K]

Keep a note pad on the counter, and keep track as you cook. If 95% or more of your eggs are fertilized you can try and hatch with some confidence.

 

[JohnSteader]

If then hen's are already laying egg's, he probably has bred them already. Have you cracked open an egg yet to check for fertility?

They were already laying before we got him

 

[JohnSteader]

Keep a note pad on the counter, and keep track as you cook. If 95% or more of your eggs are fertilized you can try and hatch with some confidence.

Im good with that knowledge. I’ve never had only a flock of hens and added a rooster. I’m good with all other aspects

 

[JohnSteader]

If then hen's are already laying egg's, he probably has bred them already. Have you cracked open an egg yet to check for fertility?

We eat eggs everyday and I have cameras on them 24/7 hence my question of when will he start

 

[BlueBaby]

We eat eggs everyday and I have cameras on them 24/7 hence my question of when will he start

He should have already started. Maybe he just snuck over in a corner so that your camera couldn't catch him in the act. Check your eggs for fertility. If your eggs are not fertile by now, I would think that he is sterile.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Don't rely on that camera, check the eggs for fertility. That's a lot more reliable.

At those ages he is no longer a teenager hopped up on hormones and totally out of control. They are no longer pullets that are immature and don't have any idea on how to do their part. A flock of mature chickens can be so peaceful.

Typical behavior at those ages when you introduce a rooster to a flock of all hens is that he mates a couple to show they are his and the drama is over. They accept him as flock master and they all go about their business. I'm surprised you did not see mating when he was first introduced.

It is possible there is something wrong with him that he won't even try. Each chicken has its own personality. I guess it is possible he is still a cockerel, younger than you think and afraid of the dominant pullet but that just should not be, not looking at that photo. You still should have some action.

If you want to see some action try removing him from the flock for a half hour or more, them put him back. Often they will immediately mate with a hen or pullet to show that they are still in charge. It's not foolproof but it often works with mine.

But still, rely on whether the eggs are fertile or not more than anything else.

 

[lazy gardener]

If you are questioning how to discern a fertile egg in the frying pan, do a google search for "blastoderm in chicken egg". You should get a lot of photos that compare fertile blastoderm with infertile blastodisc.

He should give you some nice black sex linked chicks with your barred hens. Do a thread search for "sex linked information".