Uninterested Roo

[ladylynch]

I have the year old white rock roo. I checked half a dozen eggs and only one of them was fertile I hope that he was mating with the hens but apparently he's not as much as I would like how can I help him increase his mating

 

[forgetful]

Do you see him mating them? He may not have good 'technique.' Or, he is unable to catch the hens if they run away. How long has he been with the hens? It takes a few days for them to become fertilized. Also, sometimes roos pick a favorite hen/hens and only mates with that one or two, though that is kinda uncommon.

 

[ladylynch]

They have been together for about a year. I've seen him mate but usually it's only when I let them out to free range. I have 1 in 6 eggs fertile so I know he's doing something right. I just want his mojo up a lil more

 

[forgetful]

Hmm, it may just be his temperament then. Some roosters aren't as.. vigorous as others. Is he mating different hens? Are the hens the same age, or older? How many times have you checked fertility?

 

[ladylynch]

The hens r all the same age and when I do catch him in the act its with a different hen . Every time we crack a egg I check to see the fertility of it. Do I need another roo?

 

[forgetful]

If that's the case, then I'd say yes. If he's that infertile you wouldn't want to breed that trait into future stock. It would cause a lot of headaches.

 

[ladylynch]

Looks like momma is on the market for a roo

 

[donrae]

First, what indicator are you using to check fertility?
Second, how many hens are there?

 

[ladylynch]

The bullseye on the yolk. I have 10 hens

 

[donrae]

Just checking, as we've had some folks with weird theories on what indicated fertility lol. But your ratio seems good, his age is good, sounds like everything should be a go. Have you tried incubating a few to see what happens? Just in case you're missing a visual?