Cockerel questions

[leighks]

I have an awesome 7 month old cockerel and was trying to find some answers for a few things I was just curious about. The internet has tons of info on hens, but not nearly enough on roos. I was hoping anyone who has had roosters before could answer a few questions:

1. Does mating decrease with decreasing daylight? At what age does fertility start to decline, or when do they begin to mate less frequently?

2. At what age will he get all his full length long tail feathers?

3. Assuming good health, what’s an average life span for a rooster- is it the same as a hen, ~6-8 years?

4. Do they continue to crow their whole life?

5. We live in the northeast and get some single digit (and below) temps in the winter. At what temp should I put Vaseline on his comb/ wattles as a precaution for frostbite? The coop has good ventilation but I’d rather be safe than sorry.

I don’t have a problem with any of the behaviors I asked about, but since I’ve never had chickens before, and he’s so different from the girls, I figured I would ask experienced rooster owners. He’s funny and he’s smart and we actually enjoy his crowing. Thanks!

 

[Chickassan]

Ok I'll answer you to the best of my abilities. Yes his mating will decrease a little over winter simply because the girls just won't be that receptive,his fertility should be good for at least three years after that it gets iffy. He should be adult feathered at a year and he could live 8 to 10 years. He will crow until he dies. And yes as a precaution i would Vaseline the comb especially in high wind and high humidity days.Minium temp i use is 30 degrees probably could go lower but i don't want to chance it.

 

[leighks]

Great, thanks for all the info!!

 

[Chickassan]

You're very welcome.

Great, thanks for all the info!!