Orpington Incubation

[LilyD]

I have a question (or maybe two) for those that breed and hatch out orpington eggs.

I have currently 4 orps (a rooster and three hens). I have been hatching since about January and my fertility rate is around 60%.

I had someone mention that it might help if I pluck around the cloaca on my Cockerel and the hens.

Do any other orp breeders do this? Does it actually help?

Don't want to submit them to having it done if it doesn't do anything.

Included pictures of the birds I currently have.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I have read that. I no longer have orpingtons and never had cocks of that breed.
I don't think you need to pluck them. Just do a little trimming to allow the cloacas to pair up.

 

[chickens really]

Spring is just starting so I'm thinking he is only breeding his chosen hens. Keep waiting..

 

[chickens really]

I have Bantam chickens and my Rooster finally is servicing all the Hens and Pullets.
My fertility was down too.
I used to breed Orpington to my brahma Rooster.

 

[RoosterML]

I have had Orps both Roos and hens. Hatched many eggs with always good hatch rates. Usually 90% plus with my own stock.
Could be your roo is not good. Low fertility rate. How do your eggs look when you cook them? Are they fertile eggs?