Fluff Trimming Question

[speckledhen]

That is true, but those prickly stubs will irritate some roosters, so it is preferable to pluck. Yes they slowly grow back, eventually. You just have to re-do them.

 

[hippichick]

Thanks for the info, Cyn. I think I'll try it with my Cochins.

Paula

 

[gritsar]

I'm just curious about something....
I thought about trimming the butt fluff on my hens and my roo to facilitate mating. My roo especially has a very fluffy bottom.
I've been keeping track of my roo's fertility rate lately. I've noticed that out of every dozen eggs I crack open, at least 11 of them are fertile; with one being either "iffy" or not fertile.
Do I really need to trim the fluff if this is the case? Would there be other reasons for trimming it? Yes, from time to time one of the girls will have a dirty bottom, but after a good dustbath they look fine again.

 

[hippichick]

Quote:
I wouldn't trim if the fertility is that good. My fertility is about 50%, so that's why I am thinking of trimming.

Paula

 

[pbjmaker]

New question - My showgirl roo has obviously fathered a lot of the chicks I have now (mutt babies with my cochins and millies) but my silkie eggs have been totally infertile - should I just trim or pluck the silkie pullets then and not worry about the showgirl roo since he seems to be getting the job done with the other breeds?

He does mate with the silkies.

 

[hippichick]

Quote:
I'd just trim them all. I did mine a couple of weeks ago, and it was easy. It is a 2-person job, though. Makes it much easier. We did the Cochins and Silkies. While you're at it, you could trim him too, can't hurt.

Paula

 

[dlhunicorn]

ues hairgel