Rooster not breeding wuth hens

[Florida Lady]

I have a Bielfelder rooster and 5 Bielfelder hens. The hens are 6 1/2 months old and the rooster is over a year. When he was with my other hens he bred with them. Hens haven't started laying yet. Could that be why he isn't interested?

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Yes, that is most likley the reason. Once the hens are a week or two from laying is interest will pick up.

 

[Florida Lady]

Thank you Bigtom. I was hoping that was the reason!

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

There could be something else, but most likely it is just that they are too young.

 

[aart]

Yes, that is most likley the reason. Once the hens are a week or two from laying is interest will pick up.

...and shows you have a 'good' cockbird!

Hens haven't started laying yet. Could that be why he isn't interested?

FYI-PSA.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

...and shows you have a 'good' cockbird!

Yes, he seems to be quite a gentleman.