Cochins: to AI or Trim their butts?

[Christina.Rich]

Hi all! I have some beautiful show quality cochins that I purchased this year. They are right at egg laying age and I’m stumped on how to get their eggs fertilized.

I’ve been trying to do AI with the cockerel and have had no luck! He just won’t do “it” for me.

So now I question weather or not to trim their butts. I would like to show later this year, but I know that if I get rid of the floof-they won’t be showable (right?)

If you artificially inseminate your chickens, how do you do it? Do you have any tricks? Am I alone with the epic failure time and time again?

For those who trim the butts, how much do you take off? Would you care to show any photos?

I’m obviously a newbie and any advice or help would be appreciated! Thank you!!

 

[sourland]

Try plucking feathers around the vent. That way perhaps he can 'make contact' and the feathers will regrow prior to show; although, I have serious doubts that we will have any shows this season.