No, it should never be necessary with a Rock. I think the lack of fertility in some of that coop was a combination of the cold, wet weather coupled with Atlas's sore leg as well as it being the two youngest girls. He's very gentle with the younger gals, not insistent at all. I've never once seen him breed Tessa or Lizzie, though Tessa follows him around like a lovesick puppy. I'm sure he is doing it by now, but I just haven't caught him at it.
Me, too, she was a good mom. Maretta isn't sitting yet, just screeching at everybody so far. Lizzie was on the nest late and when I tried to check under her, she did a great cobra imitation twice and almost took my hand off. I went back later to see if she was laying or trying to be broody, she has laid her egg, which I took after distracting her. Tonight, she's on the roost next to Atlas as usual so maybe she's just a meanie on the nest. I'd hate to see her as a broody!
On the upside, a predator would regret ever trying to get her babies!
