Fertilizing Eggs

[cluckcluckgirl]

Our new rooster we added to our flock about a month ago just started to try to mate with some of our hens. However, he chooses the hens that are very antisocial. One hen knows that he's a rooster and would be willing to let him mate, but he won't with her. Should I let things go along and just let things happen, or what?

 

[gryeyes]

How had you planned to give him instructions?

Yes, he's young and just starting to deal with his newly-raised testosterone levels. I bet he will figure it out after a bit. If he's damaging the hens (more than just head or neck feather pulling) then you may have to separate him for a while.

 

[cluckcluckgirl]

I just planned maybe to put a hen next to him and see what he does. He doesn't hurt them, just 11 of them have never been around a rooster until we got him, so I guess they don't know what he's doing.

 

[donrae]

Just give it time, and sunshine. By spring everyone will have the mating thing down, more or less.