Silkies - Lack of Fertility

[racuda]

I have 2 pullets and 2 cockerels, all nine months old. I have yet to get a fertile egg. I look at each yolk and there is a solid white spot on the yolk - no bulls eye.

Could it be a problem of too much fluff? My Cochins are fluffy and the same age and each and every egg I've seen of theirs is fertile.

 

[Smoky73]

There is a good possibility that the rooster is not mature enough yet. Some of the males tend to take a while to really want to do it or know HOW to do it. Just because he looks like he is doing it (if you have seen him) does not mean he is actually making the connection or doing the wrong end LOL. If he is actually trying, trim the fluff from the tail down on the rooster and the vent up to the tail on the hens. Course, spring is just starting, I have also had roos that are seasonal breeders and some do not want to breed till fall!!

 

[Sachasmom]

Don't feel bad, mine took forever to start laying, and not a one of their eggs has developed! I thought I had four hens to one Roo, but I have two Roos! I trimmed my hens, I didn't know I had to trim the Roo

 

[CrestedHorizonPoultry]

If your are still pretty cold out it will take them just a little longer too. My roos don't become breeders until after they are a yr. old. They just take longer to mature.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

One of my roos didnt mate till he was 11 months old. He son is now mating at 6 months old.

Also, try trimming the fluff around the vents of the hens and roosters. That should help if he is mating.

 

[racuda]

I've seen the boys in action and they seem to be doing everything right.

Here's another piece of info: I also have a Cochin hen in the Silkie pen. She has been in there with the Silkie roos for about 2 weeks. Her eggs are fertile. I don't know if it is leftover from when she was with the Cochin roos.

I'll give all of the Silkies a trim and see what happens. Thanks for the help.