Viability of roos

[halo]

How long is a rooster viable to fertilize eggs? If you're planning ahead with a breeding program and have a roo that you particularly like and want to continue with, how long can you plan on using him, as long as, of course, nothing tragic happens to him.

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

We have had some of ours still good at 4 and 5 years old.

 

[onthespot]

I would say let him rip until his hens' eggs fertility rate drops off to the point you really need another hen. Just in case, I would grow out a few replacement roo prospects EVERY SINGLE YEAR because the day you find out he is not working out is not the day to start setting eggs for a replacement. You could lose a full year of your breeding pen if you don't have Roo #2 waiting in the wings. Worst case you have a few extra dinners, or roos to re-home. Plus side, you get to see how the boys mature from that line.

 

[halo]

Good advice, thanks.

 

[key west chick]

My Key West roo Smokey is 11 and still getting it done. I think. I incubated 1 of his eggs last fall to test and it hatched.

 

[halo]

11????

 

[Barred Rocks forever]

thx your for posting this halo i found this very interesting and helpful

 

[Mahonri]

11!! that's a great roo!