Borrowing a Roo for fertilization?

[gritsar]

Quote:

 

[centrarchid]

I looked up a USDA-APHIS protocol for quarantine of poultry.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/downloads/import_pro_com_birds_poultry.pdf

Duration is only 30 days. Protocol I use (for fishes) ranges 45 to 60 days depending on life-stage and temperature and even then some pathogens / parasites can sneak through. Sometimes the bird needs to be stressed before disease becomes symptomatic. Even when I acquire animals from a certified source, they must still be quarantined. Certification to me just satisfies legal requirements and clearance in respect to pathogens tested for which is not exhaustive. Many other pathogens could be present but are not checked for. Pathogens can also be picked up in transit.

Something I have noticed with roosters that fail to assert themselves immediately in respect to females is that either they are immature or something is wrong. If a mature male comes out of quarantine not feeling randy enough to get job done immediately, then for whatever reason, he is not suited for affecting the genetic foundation of my flock.

 

[barrelmom]

Quote:
What do you mean by a certified flock? Do you mean NPIP certification or is there some other type of certification?

Thanks!

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
What do you mean by a certified flock? Do you mean NPIP certification or is there some other type of certification?

Thanks!

Follow link. Feds have similar.

http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Laboratories/AnimalHealth/NPIP_certification.php

 

[elmo]

Aside from the quarantine question, there's also the question of acceptance by the hens. I've seen what hens can do to a new rooster. A friend of ours has to pen his young roos to keep them safe from getting their butts kicked by the hens, and these are hens who are not already part of a flock with an established rooster. Chicken social structure may be more complex than we think at first.

I'd be very interested to hear from more people who have tried this, and hear how it worked out.

 

[enggass]

Thanks everyone. Doesn't sound like it's worth the risk. Might as well just keep a Roo for myself this Spring

 

[enola]

Yes, I meant NPIP certification

 

[enola]

Yes, I meant NPIP certification

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
That would be MY recommendation.

Besides, a flock with a rooster is ...... so interesting. The dynamics are much more rich. He has his role, the hens have theirs. He'll settle squabbles between 'em, court 'em, guard 'em, warn 'em of dangers, etc. And if you're lucky and a hen goes broody, there is the possibility (a probability, actually) of chicks. Just what you wanted to borrow the rooster for in the first place!!