How do Silkie Roosters know Hens are old enough to Mate?

[ebenavides5]

Hello, I have a group of about 16 silkies. They are about 6 months of age. 1 hen has just started laying eggs about 1-2 weeks ago.

Anyways, 3 in the flock are roosters and crow and try to mate. The issue however is that they are able to only mate to the same 2 or 3 hens. On the rest, the hens seem to be scared and kind of run away when the roosters try to MOUNT. And the roosters dont even approach a few of the other hens (Im thinking maybe they know somehow that they are a few weeks younger and maybe not mature to mate)?

So my questions is that is their a scent or something to notify the roosters that the certain hens are ready and/or why are some hens not getting mounted at all or if they do get almost mounted they run away?

thanks

 

[Den in Penn]

Good question. I haven't seen any thing that says how they know. I just know that they do. Of course a more mature willing pullet helps.

 

[ebenavides5]

thanks just waiting to see others opinions. Im thinking hoping that the other hens eventually come around as they get older, which Im pretty sure

 

[KAMoHunter427]

Not sure about chickens, but I know turkeys are a simple issue of "those that are willing" I'm sure as mentioned a mature bird will help the cause, but I also know roosters will often have a favorite in the flock.