Increasing fertility tip from old breeder

[WyandotteH]

Hi all

I was talking to a very well known Australian breeder who frequents many shows. He was telling me to pluck the feathers from around the rooster and hens vent to increase fertility strike when mating. Has anyone else heard this or tried it ?
Thanks

 

[Danish aseels]

Following

 

[Chicken12367]

Hi all

I was talking to a very well known Australian breeder who frequents many shows. He was telling me to pluck the feathers from around the rooster and hens vent to increase fertility strike when mating. Has anyone else heard this or tried it ?
Thanks

I haven't tried it, but I've read that it can help increase the chances of a successful mating with fluffy or heavily feathered chicken breeds such as brahmas or Orpington's.

 

[aart]

Has anyone else heard this or tried it ?

I haven't needed to do it, but yep, it's fairly common.
Especially with....

with fluffy or heavily feathered chicken breeds

 

[sourland]

Vent plucking on heavily feathered breeds can aid in fertility. I agree with the person who told you this.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Heard of it but haven't tried it. I don't raise chickens with really thick feathers so I haven't needed to. If you pluck them they will grow back relatively soon. If you trim them they do not grow back until the next molt.

If you are getting low fertility it is worth trying, even if you think the feathers aren't that thick. Since i get good fertility I'm less motivated to do it.

Here is a very old thread on this topic.

http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=153319