Rooster fertility

[karint]

What is the chances of a rooster not being fertile? I had one years ago that was a year old and not one egg was fertile so I’ve always been worried about this. I’m debating switching my silkie rooster to a different color but my current rooster has a 100% fertility rate so am a little leery to try. Thoughts. Sorry if I posted this question in the wrong area. Picture is the silkie I’m debating using as my rooster when it matures.

 

[nchls school]

Infertility happens in all species. When checking the fertility of a new rooster I put him in an area with a hen that has not been near another rooster for a month. As soon as there's 3-5 eggs I put them under a broody hen or the incubator. In 5 days the eggs are candled. If there's no development I decide if I want to try this process again or...

In 50 years there have been just a couple males (I've raised numerous bird species) that were sterile. Odds are definitely in your favor that the new silkie rooster will be fertile.

 

[karint]

Infertility happens in all species. When checking the fertility of a new rooster I put him in an area with a hen that has not been near another rooster for a month. As soon as there's 3-5 eggs I put them under a broody hen or the incubator. In 5 days the eggs are candled. If there's no development I decide if I want to try this process again or...

In 50 years there have been just a couple males (I've raised numerous bird species) that were sterile. Odds are definitely in your favor that the new silkie rooster will be fertile.

Thanks!!

 

[aart]

Checking the blastodisc on yolk is easier than incubating.
You might need to trim some butt fluff off both birds to help with cloacal contact.

 

[karint]

Checking the blastodisc on yolk is easier than incubating.
You might need to trim some butt fluff off both birds to help with cloacal contact.

View attachment 2088459

Yep that’s a good point. Thanks.