How old is my rooster

[Chickens and ducks]

This is big boy, we acquired him about 6 months ago. The person who gave him to us couldn't tell me his age so wondering if anyone here can help?

 

[Gamestyle]

It looks over 2 years because of its spurs

 

[Chickens and ducks]

It looks over 2 years because of its spurs

Do you think he's much older than that? We are wondering if he's young enough to be fertilizing his small group of 12 hens

 

[Ridgerunner]

Hi, welcome to the forum, glad you joined.

I don't know how old he is. If you've had him for six months he is old enough to fertilize eggs. Most roosters can fertilize eggs even if they are fairly old. Of course, each one is different. Some slow down and need smaller flocks if you want 100% fertility. Others can easily handle much larger groups even when several years old.

To check for fertility you can crack some eggs and look for the bull's eye

How to Tell a Fertile vs INfertile Egg (Pictures) | BackYard Chickens - Learn How to Raise Chickens

or you can incubate some and see if they develop. I have no idea how to tell if a rooster is fertilizing eggs just by looking at him.

 

[Chickens and ducks]

Hi, welcome to the forum, glad you joined.

I don't know how old he is. If you've had him for six months he is old enough to fertilize eggs. Most roosters can fertilize eggs even if they are fairly old. Of course, each one is different. Some slow down and need smaller flocks if you want 100% fertility. Others can easily handle much larger groups even when several years old.

To check for fertility you can crack some eggs and look for the bull's eye

How to Tell a Fertile vs INfertile Egg (Pictures) | BackYard Chickens - Learn How to Raise Chickens

or you can incubate some and see if they develop. I have no idea how to tell if a rooster is fertilizing eggs just by looking at him.

Thank you, I've got half dozen eggs incubating currently. Day 4 and no viable embryo or veins yet which is why I am unsure of fertility. I'll incubate a few more days and see if anything develops

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree about two years, I have a similar rooster, and spurs are about that size. Neither his beak or his legs makes me think he is older than that.

But that just a guess.