Quick question. When Do Cochin Roosters Mature?

[Studio2770]

I believe they mature at the same rate as the females, which is around 6 months. Just because a cockerel starts crowing, doesn't mean he is ready to mount, right?

 

[my sunwolf]

I have tested, and watched the older hen's eggs for fertility, and found that my younger roosters have become fertile as early as 16 weeks, even though their sisters did not start laying until at least 20 or 24 weeks. Whether or not these eggs would properly develop into chicks, I didn't test that. Cockerels will start mounting pullets or hens as early as 8 or 12 weeks, but of course they are not fertile this young (though I have heard some stories...)

 

[Studio2770]

Wow! That early?! It looked like our cockerel mounted his "sister." They're 18 weeks old.

 

[my sunwolf]

He may already be fertile, but of course if the females aren't laying eggs, it's impossible to know! Is he hatchery or breeder stock? Hatchery birds are the ones who will mature (males included) at extremely young ages. Breeder birds will usually take longer, be that 6 months, 8 months, or even older (at least, for the females).

 

[Studio2770]

I think he's hatchery but I'm not sure. I got him from Callahan's General Store.

 

[crowmama]

Our 4.5 mont old white Chochin, began mounting (even our older hens), and also our slightly confused 4.5 month old white rock hens who were laying pullet eggs.
We for the in the mail, all the same age.
All were tremendously strong, healthy, and alert since say one. Didn't lose any!
Maybe the hatcheries have something going for their birds, due to their high turn around/fertility rates.
All have fantastic temperaments, and are a joy