How to get and collect semen!

[Cheyenne97]

While this may seem like the obvious answer, it is actually not uncommon for breeds with heavier "but fluff" to have difficulties with natural mating. That is what the OP has encountered with their flock already. The OP is employing AI because natural mating is not working and because they are hesitant to use sanitary clipping or plucking as these birds are intended to be used for showing and removal of the fluff would be detrimental to showing.

This is the obvious answer. However if these are show birds she is trying to breed knowing how to properly execute AI would be the best thing for her to do.

In the wild do you think these “fluffy butt” chickens wouldn’t be able to procreate?

She needs to work on her execution or be taught on how to do properly implant the semen in a chicken. Just stating the obvious. Also, I know how to do this with cows, chickens and goats.

 

[Pyxis]

I totally get not wanting to trim or pluck a show bird. A lot of exhibition poultry breeders use AI for that reason - either not wanting to trim/pluck the cock, or not wanting the cock to rough up the hens right before show season.

What technique are you using when trying to collect the semen? When you say you are stimulating him, what are you doing? Also, perhaps a silly question, but how old is the cock? Are you sure he's old enough to be producing semen?

And, have you tried to 'train' him to be used to it for a few days before actually trying to collect? If they're not relaxed and used to what's happening, you are less likely to be able to get anything from them.

 

[aart]

There was pretty good video on BYC not long ago on how to do this.