Roosters .. how long are they fertile .. how old is too old?

[texasgal]

I have the opportunity to replace my deceased roo with an older roo that is currently a flock sire at a friends place. I wasn't expecting an older roo, so I was just asking opinions on how old is too old, and how long do roos stay fertile?

I like the idea of having an experience flock manager, but want to make sure I have a few good years left ..

I'll tell you how old after ya'll give me your opinions ..

~tg

 

[mmaddie's mom]

How long is a human man fertile?

 

[texasgal]

Well ... I'm not planning on using human man for my hens ....

I guess what you are so tactfully trying to tell me is that they remain fertile until they die ...

Thank you!

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Quote:

Yikes... how easily it is to mis-interpret the printed word... yes, that is what I meant... continues to be fertile, that is... ROOSTER, that is. Actually, I don't know this for a fact but am thinking that this is so.

I will step back if anyone really has the facts.

I am curious how old.

 

[texasgal]

He's only 3.

I know that with rabbits, we get drop off in fertility after several years .. that's the only reason I was curious.

I've actually gotten my answer for another source.

I'm going to get him .. he's awesome!

 

[gryeyes]

Well, then you have to post picture of this awesome rooster, y'know!

 

[dsqard]

I just picked up a 3 year old rooster this weekend. Some of the reasons I got him are the same as yours. He is really tame, really good with the girls and is still fertile. The lady I bought him from said that they can be fertile until they die but of course it does drop off as they get older. I know that he is fertile because she had some of his babies running around. I think you should go for it! I was so happy when I brought him home because I don't have to worry about if he is a good or bad roo.

 

[chicmom]

So glad you asked--this is good to know. I have great luck with hens, but bad luck with roosters. My first rooster was taken by a predator, and my second rooster has a knee problem.....ARG

 

[texasgal]

Quote:
He's likely the sire of the rooster in my avatar .. and is supposed to look pretty much just like him!

 

[mmaddie's mom]

Good to really know... beautiful bird!