Rooster fertility and molt

[Mrs. K]

I find this very odd. I have never known a rooster not to breed anything he could catch. But I have never tried to do pure breeds. Very interesting post. Thanks for the update.

Mrs K

 

[chickenmomma16]

I find this very odd. I have never known a rooster not to breed anything he could catch. But I have never tried to do pure breeds. Very interesting post. Thanks for the update.

Mrs K

I know, weird hu? This is my 3rd rooster from a completely different line (same variety) that this has happened too. My Ameraucana hens are a bit dramatic, but sweet. I’m facing the possibility of rehoming all my layers if I want to breed Ameraucanas. I was hoping to put layers in with them to spread out the “love” but guess not.

 

[aart]

I wonder if having more than one cock in the pen would create some competitive motivation?

 

[Mrs. K]

You know, really you might consider replacing the hens...I mean, you really want better fertility than what you are getting, and basically you have proved the rooster is not at fault.

This is pretty strange. Is there a chance that he is breeding them, but the eggs are just not becoming.... never mind, I know nothing on this....this is just strange.

MK

 

[chickenmomma16]

I wonder if having more than one cock in the pen would create some competitive motivation?

I did have a few young cockerels in the pen at one time (they were young when introduced and grew up to adolescents) and he was beating the tar out of them and causing too much chaos. It also defeats my breeding plans for the Ameraucanas. Although, it may be a good test to do this spring with the new guys. Put 2 brothers together. Verses just one. Then just sell the chicks.

You know, really you might consider replacing the hens...I mean, you really want better fertility than what you are getting, and basically you have proved the rooster is not at fault.

This is pretty strange. Is there a chance that he is breeding them, but the eggs are just not becoming.... never mind, I know nothing on this....this is just strange.

MK

I had that happen before. Eggs looked fertile but did not develop. That line was poorly linebred, possibly inbred too many generations. Sold ALL of those as pets. Had a sterile cockerel in that line too.With this line if they are fertile they develop. I just need to get these roosters successfully mating! I’m replacing my current hens next season hopefully. I’m hoping for a few more daughters from them. The whole issue is weird to me.

I’m open to more suggestions. I’m HOPEFULLY going to move them to 8x8 or 10x10 tractors next breeding season away from my layers. Might do them some good.

 

[chickenmomma16]

I only have the one breeding quad right now and next year I’ll have 2 quads and one group having 5 hens

 

[MJE]

I feel like I’ve been posting a lot... And I wasn’t sure where this question fits in the forum but here it goes!

How long does a rooster usually stay infertile during molt?

Is it usually that he just doesn’t feel like mating (who would when your a walking pin cushion!) or is it he is actually shooting blanks?
My current rooster is already dropping feathers here and there. Just wondering when I should start seeing blank eggs.
View attachment 1856555

I only have one chicken laying right now my boy is molting and all of Blondie eggs are not fertilized . Is is definitely shooting blanks