Fertility of rooster in fall?

[crazyfowllady]

I'm new to this site, but have been reading all the great advise and funny stories!

I have a silkie hen and rooster in a breeding pen and have been collecting eggs for a few weeks now. I was wondering if the rooster will lose his fertility as the hours of daylight go down. He's still mating, and all his eggs so far have been doing great!

So far, no sign of molting. But the other chickens his age (18 months) are molting big time. Will he quit breeding when he starts molting?

Any help would be great! I've only had chickens for a couple of years and have lots to learn! Thanks.

 

[slyfoxpeeps]

Hi! and Welcome! I think you will like being a member of BYC. I too am new and have been reading from the sidelines. Being new to chicken and the board I can't offer any advise but I'm SURE that someone will.

There are alot of very experienced members here. I see that you have a Peacock for you avatar. Do you also raise them?

Sly

 

[LynnGrigg]

-Don't know for sure but I'm guessing the weather wouldn't effect fertility of your roo, however the amount of daylight hours or moulting would effect the number of eggs your hens lay. Hens don't lay as often in the short winter days. Some folks put a light on a timer in the winter months to fool/stimulate the hens to lay more eggs.

 

[crazyfowllady]

Sly, yes I raise a few peacocks, though none are 2 years old yet. Can't wait for some eggs next spring!

I put a light on some breeder chickens last winter, but the hatch was terrible. Thought at the time it was the cold weather chilling the eggs before I could get to them. Now I wonder if the roosters may need more light then the hens. The hen I'm breeding now is dropping off on her egg production but still gives me about four a week. I was just wondering if the rooster could still do the job.

 

[slyfoxpeeps]

Do you raise any other birds?

Sly