The Evolution of Atlas: A Breeding (and Chat) Thread

[Peanutsmomma]

Cyn, is it necessary to trim the vents of BRs in order to increase fertility? Yesterday, someone told me that they do that with their Orpingtons and it really helps. Which I can totally see since Orps are so fluffy butted but I was wondering if that would help BRs as well?

 

[speckledhen]

Cyn, is it necessary to trim the vents of BRs in order to increase fertility? Yesterday, someone told me that they do that with their Orpingtons and it really helps. Which I can totally see since Orps are so fluffy butted but I was wondering if that would help BRs as well?

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.

I broke a few for breakfast that I had rotated out and Wynette's and a couple others showed the bullseye so I guess fertility is going up now.

 

[Peanutsmomma]

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.

I broke a few for breakfast that I had rotated out and Wynette's and a couple others showed the bullseye so I guess fertility is going up now.

That is great news! I am looking forward to see some Atlas baby pics soon. I so enjoyed watching Rachel (RIP) and Atlas' babies last year.

 

[speckledhen]

That is great news! I am looking forward to see some Atlas baby pics soon. I so enjoyed watching Rachel (RIP) and Atlas' babies last year.

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!

 

[holm25]

I would hate to see Lizzie broody too!

 

[speckledhen]

I would hate to see Lizzie broody too!

On the upside, a predator would regret ever trying to get her babies!

 

[Peanutsmomma]

I would hate to see Lizzie broody too!

x2

Sounds like she would be a Broodizilla.

 

[holm25]

On the upside, a predator would regret ever trying to get her babies!

This is true!!

 

[holm25]

I thought I would post a few junky phone pics. The coop is a little dirty but I am cleaning it this week.

 

[speckledhen]

Nice pics, Isaiah. I see my favorite cow in there. I would have gotten here sooner, but I slipped on some mud yesterday and in trying to maintain my balance, I guess I wrenched my back pretty bad, so I've been in bed all day. Like I need to be slowed down right now. I had this quilt all ready to quilt and now, I have to wait.