New Roo

[midwestchickenwrangler]

I just got my first roo and put him in with the girls. He is 9 months old and I'm not sure if he knows what to "do" yet, but I was watching him tonight for a few minutes and he acted like he wanted to mount one of the hens and my Giant Angora rabbit. I know I can just crack open an egg every now and then and look, but how long will it typically take for my hens to start laying fertile eggs?

 

[michickenwrangler]

It may take him up to a year to reach peak fertility and make sure "everything goes where it belongs." Some breeds like Wyandottes and cochins have too much fluff that gets in the way. What breed is he? 9 months old is still the teenage boy stage. Wait for spring and he'll be able to romance the ladies better.

Great user name btw

 

[SamuelMcF]

yeah it definitely depends on the breed. plus he is young but he'll "figure" it out haha

 

[abhaya]

chickens are not tooo smart but he will Figure thet out! he is probably old enough noe to fertilize eggs.

 

[Judy]

25 hours! Well, plus however long it takes for the sperm to find its way to near the ovary.

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/1/egg-quality-handbook/2/formation-of-the-egg

 

[sourland]

Once he perfects the act, the eggs will be fertile. If he is giving the rabbit a try, he's still at the "any port in a storm" stage. Doubt that he can impregnate the rabbit.

 

[midwestchickenwrangler]

Thanks for the info. He is a Splash Silkie roo. I was hoping he would figure it out pretty soon so we could have Cadbury Eggs by Easter. haha
I will check an egg every now and then to see how he is doing.

 

[michickenwrangler]

Quote:
Awww, he just thinks the rabbit is another silkie!

 

[BantamoftheOpera]

Quote:
Awww, he just thinks the rabbit is another silkie!