infertile rooster

[lexxijuice]

I have a silkie rooster and two hens (1 silkie, 1 mixed breed layer) and none of their eggs have been fertilised. The silkies are both over a year old, and the layer about 2.

I've trimmed the silkie's bum feathers as I've heard that can help, but it hasn't made a difference.

Could my rooster be infertile or is there anything else I can try?

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I have a silkie rooster and two hens (1 silkie, 1 mixed breed layer) and none of their eggs have been fertilised. The silkies are both over a year old, and the layer about 2.

I've trimmed the silkie's bum feathers as I've heard that can help, but it hasn't made a difference.

Could my rooster be infertile or is there anything else I can try?

It takes two to tango. Have you trimmed the vent feathers on both sexes?

Are they healthy?

Are you feeding a breeder ration?

Is the rooster's and hen's backside overly fat?

Is there any illnesses in either the hen's or rooster's past?

What are you actually feeding your birds?

How are you handling the eggs after they are laid?

What part of the country or world are you located?

This is just for starters but it may help?

 

[lexxijuice]

1) yes
2)yes
3)no
4)no
5) no
6) Darling Downs layer mix
7) I collect eggs once a day and put them straight in the fridge
8) south australia

I've had chickens almost all my life and this is the second time I've tried to breed silkies. In the past I had no trouble at all. I've never done anything other than put a rooster in the pen and I've been overrun with chicks, until now.

 

[davealyssa94]

Once you refrigerate eggs I don't think they can be hatched. You can leave then in an egg carton pointy side down for at the longest a week and they still should hatch. Hopefully that helps.

 

[bobbi-j]

Once you refrigerate eggs I don't think they can be hatched. You can leave then in an egg carton pointy side down for at the longest a week and they still should hatch. Hopefully that helps.

If it hasn't been too cold, they will hatch after being refrigerated.