How old can a Roo be?

[ilovechickens]

Hello, I just lost my Cochin Roo to a predator a few weeks ago leaving a few unhappy ladies behind. I just got a Roo on Saturday, so he is only a few days old. How old are they when they can start to breed, I would like my ladies to hatch a few eggs yet this year if possible They are the standard Cochin's.

 

[ChickenToes]

I think a roo starts mating his hens when he's somewhere in the ballpark of 18 weeks old. Maybe sooner.

 

[grandmachicken]

Mine started at about 20 weeks, the same time his sister started laying. Now he is 6 months old and out of control! He is mating not only with her but with my three other, much older, hens.

 

[lowcountrypoultry]

It depends on the breed, but most between 5-6 months of age.

Best Of Luck

-Austin