INDIANA BYC'ers HERE!

[Chaneys Ranch]

He's had this issue pretty much since I ought them almost. Year ago but come to think of it I don't think I had one pure rir till recently long after joe my other roo was sold... I've had five chicks pure rir hatch one by a broody four by incubator only three survived out of 60 eggs.. I'm almost certain it's Henry that has fertility issues I had nearly 100% hatch rate when joe was here

Thats the best thing to do. Watch what eggs come from what hen, and who the rooster is breeding with. Henry may have fertility problems. Keep in mind though, heritage roosters breed less in the fall and the hens lay less also.

 

[ellymayRans]

@jchnny2000 so very sad for you and your family. I really hope it gets better

 

[ellymayRans]

Just to share. The awesome details @mother2hens put together! I just couldn't have asked for anything more beautifully done!

gofundme.com/peafowlrescue2015

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

@jchnny2000 so very sad for you and your family. I really hope it gets better

Thanks!

Just to share. The awesome details @mother2hens put together! I just couldn't have asked for anything more beautifully done!

gofundme.com/peafowlrescue2015

Awesome, great job M2H!

 

[Indyshent]

Just to share. The awesome details @mother2hens put together! I just couldn't have asked for anything more beautifully done!

gofundme.com/peafowlrescue2015

Spreading the word via Facebook!

When's the next rescue attempt, and can I come along?

 

[daskhan]

If anyone has some free time today is the parke county 4h poultry auction in rockville

 

[Indyshent]

He's had this issue pretty much since I ought them almost. Year ago but come to think of it I don't think I had one pure rir till recently long after joe my other roo was sold... I've had five chicks pure rir hatch one by a broody four by incubator only three survived out of 60 eggs.. I'm almost certain it's Henry that has fertility issues I had nearly 100% hatch rate when joe was here

The infestation of leg mites could also cause his infertility due to stress. You may also have a "dud" rooster in the fertility department (especially if his spurs aren't growing out). Does he seem fat, lazy, less solid of musculature or less aggressive to you? All of these could be symptoms of testosterone deficiency due to varieties of abnormalities. Because you're getting some fertile eggs, it's not likely that he's truly infertile so much as he might be less fertile or only breeding with some hens. Boys tend to pick favorites.

My advice is to treat him for his likely infestation of mites and other diseases/parasites first. Put him with a small number of hens in another pen after his treatment or simply leave him by himself for awhile longer. If fertility doesn't improve after treatment, I advise you get another rooster. @SallyinIndiana breeds heritage RIR. Look for particularly alert boys with heavier breast development who are leaner through the belly. Look for solid musculature and a waist on that breed, one who stands pretty tall and keeps himself looking good for his ladies.

All this talk makes me miss Everything Is Awesome (our RIR roo last year). He was a super good boy, and pretty darn sexy as roosters go.

 

[daskhan]

his legs

The rest of him

 

[daskhan]

Hatchery update:

New silkie brooder

multi brooder

cx brooder

Fourth is coming later it will probably be another multi brooder

 

[SallyinIndiana]

Nice brooders, just keep that netting away from the lights. That dear netting melts extremely fast with even a standard 40 watt bulb.

I've already started trying to think of how I want to brood my next batch of chicks. Of course I'll need to sell out of pullets before I'll start setting again. And there is the opening cleaning of the incubator to do as well. I did a closing cleaning but now the incubator has been sitting empty for a few months. To be honest, its been kind of nice.