Rooster's responsibilties

[jrudolph305]

We have 1 rooster and 15 hens. From what I have read this seems to be a good ratio--any thoughts. Also how often a day can a rooster perform his duties? Does he know which hens he has serviced or is it random? And 1 more question how often does a hen have to be covered to get fertilized eggs--every day every couple days?? Thanks.

 

[sourland]

A rooster's frequency of mating is a factor of his breed, age and health. A lot of mating behavior is apparently random, but most roosters do have favorites. From one mating a hen can store sperm with high levels of fertility for two weeks, moderate fertility for three weeks, and occasional fertility for up to a month. So if a hen happens to get bred weekly or so she should have high fertility in her eggs given that the rooster has a high sperm count.

 

[jrudolph305]

The rooster and hens are the same age--16 1/2 weeks. The rooster is a rhode island red and as far as I can tell he is in good health. Started mating a couple days ago.

 

[jrudolph305]

One more question along these lines. Right now the rooster seems to be rather aggressive in his mating. However the hens do a good job of getting away when he attempts to cover them. Will the hens start to squat and be more receptive of the rooster's advances after they start laying?