How old was your silkie rooster when he started fertilizing eggs?

[Spongegirl]

I have a 5 month old who is crowing and no female of the same age. I do have a broody hen tending babies and was just wondering about putting the two together soon. Has anyone ever had a 5 month old fertilize eggs?

 

[Stiggy]

Yes but the fertile rate was about 18-25 % so I didn't bother till he was 7-8 month where it was more 60% +

Until your broodies chicks are grown up and she starts laying its not worth it. also you need more than one hen to a rooster, 2 is a min but 5-6 is best or her will just harass the girls and injure them

 

[Spongegirl]

I know it. I have lots of pullets and lots of cockerals. But one cockerel is gonna start before the rest and the broody is the only one who will receive his love for now. Last time broody raised some, she started laying a month later. i miss hatching. lol

 

[Stiggy]

Lol Ditto on the hatching, I'm looking forward to some chicks from my girls lol.

yes some times they start laying quite early, I had one who started laying when the chicks were a month old. He will harras her if she is broody but hopefully he will be better behaved than most