How to introduce a Rooster?

[ardeepapa]

Hey guys, I'm planning on trying to get fertile eggs from my hen. The only problem is that I don't own a rooster but a friend of mine does. I believe the rooster is over a year old and my hen is around 6 months. Now, is it possible to introduce my friends rooster to my hen for a short time so that he can fertile her? If so, how can you introduce a rooster?

 

[bargain]

My first thought is isolate that rooster on your farm for a minimum of 30 days. No matter how good the friend, it's best to do this to be sure that the rooster is not ill. I would say that if you want fertile eggs, then 2 weeks of exposure would give you enough time for exposure.....The other issue is how long the hens have been laying. We require our hens be laying for a minimum of 2 months before using or selling their fertile eggs, because other wise you're hatching pullet eggs which may produce babies but in the long run, we find them not as strong. Thanks and have a blessed day. Nancy

 

[michickenwrangler]

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Good advice.

When we got our rooster, the girls were so happy to see a man, they were like giggling teenagers to trying to get his attention. Once he's quarantined, put him in a small enclosure near the hens so they can check each other out. After a few days, let them be together

 

[ardeepapa]

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Yeah my hen just started to lay and I'm planning to borrow my friends rooster in the late winter or early spring anyways. Thanks for the help!

 

[ardeepapa]

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I will do just that when the time is right. Thanks!