Infertile rooster?

[Deo]

I’ve tried almost everything to get fertile eggs now, nothing seems to be working.

My 1 year old Light Sussex cross rooster is mating his two 1 year old hens but they are not laying fertile eggs.

Initially I thought it was the fluff stopping the sperm from getting in but I trimmed the feathers near his vent and still nothing is working.

They’re fed well (even given treats twice a week), the hens lay well and have no reproductive problems.

The only thing I could think of is the fact he has to stay in the coop longer than the hens because he crows a lot in the morning. Does the artificial lighting decrease his fertility? Or is he just not hitting the spot?

(If he’s not hitting the right spot, what can I do?)

 

[Trux]

He may not have the butt kiss method down yet!How long has he been topping your hens?

 

[Chickassan]

Your hens might be rejecting him, just because they are mating does not mean they have to accept his "donation" they can reject it if they want to.

 

[aart]

Initially I thought it was the fluff stopping the sperm from getting in but I trimmed the feathers near his vent and still nothing is working.

They’re fed well (even given treats twice a week), the hens lay well and have no reproductive problems.

Did you trim her too?
Treats may not be good, they need good nutrition for viable eggs.
How do you know the eggs are not fertile?

 

[Deo]

He may not have the butt kiss method down yet!How long has he been topping your hens?

He’s been mating with them frequently for about six months now. He always does a wing dance before, never just mounts them haha

Your hens might be rejecting him, just because they are mating does not mean they have to accept his "donation" they can reject it if they want to.

Do I have to artificially inseminate them in this case?

Did you trim her too?
Treats may not be good, they need good nutrition for viable eggs.
How do you know the eggs are not fertile?

They are fed layer crumbles and given a calcium supplement and some leafy greens in a separate dish. I cracked the eggs open after 14 days in the incubator and there was nothing, no chick, no bullseye indicating fertility. I’ll try trimming the hens.

 

[Chickassan]

If you're in a big hurry then i'd guess you'd have to. They're only a year old they might be more open to accepting his contribution in a few months.
They're just odd creatures, iv'e had absolute babies lay fertile eggs but iv'e also waited two long years for one.

He’s been mating with them frequently for about six months now. He always does a wing dance before, never just mounts them haha



Do I have to artificially inseminate them in this case?



They are fed layer crumbles and given a calcium supplement and some leafy greens in a separate dish. I cracked the eggs open after 14 days in the incubator and there was nothing, no chick, no bullseye indicating fertility. I’ll try trimming the hens.

 

[Redhead Rae]

They are fed layer crumbles and given a calcium supplement and some leafy greens in a separate dish. I cracked the eggs open after 14 days in the incubator and there was nothing, no chick, no bullseye indicating fertility. I’ll try trimming the hens.

If the female trimming doesn't work, I've heard from breeders that you may need to separate your roo from your hens (out of sight, out of mind) for a weeks or two and then reintroduce them. If they aren't accepting him, then this may help "reset" their relationship.