Fertility Issues

[Adam Belcher]

I am noticing more infertile eggs than usual. Different breeding pens. All young birds. Any suggestions?

 

[nuthatched]

We need more information.
Ages? Diet? Ratios? Fluffy bottoms?

 

[Perris]

Are they on breeder rations?

 

[Adam Belcher]

I am going to switch asap. It’s the only thing the pens have in common.

 

[Adam Belcher]

We need more information.
Ages? Diet? Ratios? Fluffy bottoms?

Right around 10 mths. 16% layer, 4:1 average. Yes one breed is Cochin

 

[Perris]

Layer feed will not supply all the nutrients needed to make fertile eggs and sperm. That's why breeder rations exist, to supply everything a mature bird needs to make healthy chicks.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Layer feed will not supply all the nutrients needed to make fertile eggs and sperm. That's why breeder rations exist, to supply everything a mature bird needs to make healthy chicks.

Can you point me to more info on this? I know you will have great sources!

 

[Perris]

Can you point me to more info on this? I know you will have great sources!

Nutrient Requirements of Poultry, 1994 (the latest edition) p.26

The whole book is available online, open access, here
http://nap.nationalacademies.org/2114

 

[nuthatched]

Right around 10 mths. 16% layer, 4:1 average. Yes one breed is Cochin

16% layer isn't enough nutrients for breeder flocks and layer's calcium isn't great for males.
I'd switch to a feed that's at least 20% protein