Time for my cockerel to cover my hens?

[australorp_breeder]

I was wondering how long you think it might take my cockerel to cover 15 hens? I've had him for about two weeks already. I'm askign because I'm going to be getting an incubator soon so I can hatch chicks. I noticed he likes breeding the same hens instead of mounting all of them. Should I consider seperating him in the coop each day with different hens? Or continue to leave him out free ranging with all of them?

 

[Gonzo]

I'm not experienced in this yet... but I would pull out his favorite girls so he will breed with the others too.

 

[australorp_breeder]

Thank you! I never thought about that, lol! I was wondering if the idea of putting him with different females every day would work though...

 

[sourland]

Pulling his favorites seems a lot easier than penning him with the "unwanted."; however, either scenario would work.

 

[rhoda_bruce]

Is this a young flock? Just wondering if you have noticed the color of combs on his favorite hens. Are all the hens laying?

 

[australorp_breeder]

Most of my hens are going to be 2 years old in June, and some of my hens just turned 1 this month. All of them are laying. My cockerel is 7 months and breeds great! I've been keeping three hens at a time out free ranging with my cockerel and I've personally seen him cover all of them at least once. Thanks so much for the tips!